Ms. McMasters has had a long and distinguished teaching career. After several years of maintaining a private studio (for both voice and piano lessons), she went on to teach an additional 14 years at the university level, which culminated with her post as a tenured Associate Professor of Music at the State University of New York at Fredonia, where she taught voice students majoring in Performance, Musical Theater and Music Education. She was honored at SUNY by being presented the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.
In addition, she has given master classes in singing in Japan, China, Canada, Costa Rica and the United States and has presented lecture recitals in Japan and Russia.
Students of Ms. McMasters have gone on to complete post-graduate studies (often with scholarships or fellowships) at: Academy of Vocal Arts-Philadelphia, Boston Conservatory of Music, Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Cleveland Institute of Music, Hartt Conservatory of Music, Illinois State University, Indiana State University, Indiana University, Juilliard School, Manhattan Conservatory of Music, New England Conservatory of Music, SUNY-Fredonia, SUNY-Stony Brook, Syracuse University and University of Arizona. Her students also have participated in the summer training programs of the Aspen Music Festival and Chautauqua Institution.
Since leaving SUNY-Fredonia to pursue a more active performing schedule, Ms. McMasters has appeared as soloist with major orchestras and presented concerts in prime venues around the world. Please read her bio for further information on her performance experience.
Ms. McMasters recently relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area and is in the process of establishing a voice studio in San Rafael, California. She teaches the classical vocal method, along with healthful and appropriate application of classical singing technique to musical theater performance. Her teaching offers the study of English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Russian and Spanish vocal repertoire. Ms. McMasters serves as piano accompanist for most of the voice lessons she teaches, although students may bring their own pianists to their lessons, if preferred.
To enter Ms. McMasters's teaching studio, prospective students (age 14 - adult) may contact her via e-mail at mcmsoprano@aol.com. A $50 introductory lesson will be scheduled to evaluate each student's suitability for ongoing vocal study.
Individual private lesson rates are as follows:
Beginning Level: 30 minutes -- $50 (weekly)
Intermediate Level: 45 minutes -- $70 (weekly)
Advanced Level: 60 minutes -- $90 (weekly or bi-weekly)
Statements of Support and Recommendation from Colleagues
I have known Christine for many years, and am fully aware of her qualities and capabilities. She is, first and foremost, an impeccable musician in every sense of the word. She is highly intelligent and extremely knowledgeable in her chosen field of the vocal art. She is one of those rare artists who are comfortable and effective in a wide range of genres, including opera, oratorio, lighter classics, and jazz. She does it all, and does it all well. She has more than proven herself internationally. Christine has proven also to be a successful teacher--one who easily looks through the eyes of her students, communicating in a manner that results in inspiration, understanding and solid teaching. She is totally committed to her art, completely reliable, and a very positive person who works well as a cooperative teammate with colleagues.
~~~Donald Neuen, Distinguished Professor of Conducting and Director of Choral Activities at UCLA
The Personnel Committee has, after careful deliberation, voted unanimously by secret ballot in favor of continuing appointment [tenure] for Christine McMasters. The support from her colleagues in her major area is also positive and unanimous. There is an unusually long list of her students who have received honors as Concerto, Performer's Certificate and Honors Recital winners. There is no better way to win the admiration of an institution than by the product, and we have a wonderful example here in our midst who produces fine singers. Her evaluations from her voice studio work have always been strong. The students trust her and benefit greatly from her expertise and friendship. Many have progressed quickly from her guidance. She is clearly a great asset to our vocal area.
~~~School of Music Personnel Committee at SUNY-Fredonia
When I arrived on the frozen tundra of Fredonia, New York, twenty years ago, I had some grave doubts until I went to my first concert and found my bearings again. Twenty years later--this past Saturday--a really phenomenal event took place with soprano Christine McMasters' rendition in the original Russian of Dmitri Shostakovich's "Romance Suite to Poems by A. Blok". I had thought a few years ago at the local Holocaust Remembrance service that her extremely sensitive singing of songs based upon writings from the concentration camps was a peak in her vocal interpretation that would be hard to top. But I was wrong. Saturday's performance of the Shostakovich with her fine colleagues was not merely music that moved and elevated one's senses. It did far more: it transfixed you.
~~~Julius Paul, Professor of Political Science at SUNY-Fredonia
Typical Evaluations by SUNY-Fredonia Students
~~~I give Ms. McMasters 100%+++. She has given me support, knowledge, help, security, enthusiam--the list is endless. And if it weren't for her I would have probably given up long ago. I have seen countless students enter her studio and improve almost immediately. She is a wonderful person, teacher and friend.
~~~Ms. McMasters is superb in all aspects. My voice has grown considerably since studying with her. She is in tune with her students' weaknesses and strengths and teaches to each student's needs.
~~~Ms. McMasters is great! I have really enjoyed being in her studio. She has helped me improve immensely. She is very organized, and her methods are very effective. I would give her an A+ in anything and everything.
~~~Ms. McMasters has a tremendous knowledge of voice and vocal technique. Working with her is a joy. She is great at getting points across. I never have to ask twice about something. I love working with Ms. McMasters. I get a lot out of each lesson.
~~~Ms. McMasters has excellent mastery of her teaching subject. I've had incredible results from her instruction, much improvement.
~~~I've learned of the amazing possibilities of my voice. Ms. McMasters is very effective as my voice teacher. I never thought I'd be able to sing like I can now, and the learning goes on.
~~~This is my first semester with Ms. McMasters, and I've learned more in one semester with her than in two years with my previous teacher. Ms. McMasters has adapted her teaching to my individual needs, as I've seen her do with others. She has taught me so much. I can't even express how happy I am with her teaching.