"Having sung in choirs since junior high, I was well versed in the style of singing used for choral music. However, through my lessons with Cherie, I discovered the power of my solo voice--strengthening my confidence, improving my singing techniques, and challenging me to develop my musical talent."

-- Wendie Phillips
Assistant Director, University of Washington MBA Program
Univeristy Presbyterian Church Cathedral Choir Member

"Cherie is the greatest voice teacher I have had to date. She has helped me to gain confidence in my singing ability and helped me to improve upon it as well. She even helped me get into the school I am going to now. You would be hard pressed to find a better instructor than Cherie."

Regardless of your level or goals, singing is one of the most satisfying and fulfilling forms of expression. Our voice provides a critical link with how we interact with the world and is subsequently influenced by our perceptions of how the world views us. Because of this, the study of voice is about much more than the mere physical production of sounds. Our singing voice is influenced by our lifestyle, diet, emotions, confidence, and stress level, all of which contribute to who we are as a singer. Each of us is given a completely unique instrument, just as each of us is a completely unique individual. My goals are to help you use your own individual instrument in the most healthy way possible, to help you explore its full potential, and to provide you with tools and techniques that will allow you to continue to grow and improve as a singer.

Chérie L. Hughes holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Voice from the University of Oregon where her research focused on Kurt Weill's 1948 Broadway show, LOVE LIFE. She holds a Masters of Music from Texas Tech University and a Bachelor of Arts from Colgate University.

With over 16 years of teaching experience, she has taught at the University of Oregon, Texas Tech University, and the Music Center of the Northwest, as well as maintaining a private teaching studio. She has worked with students of all ages and backgrounds, from elementary children, to students at the collegiate level, to adults interested in polishing their skills. In addition to private instruction, her extensive background has included group voice lessons, general music skills classes in public elementary schools, directorship of children's choirs, as well as many years experience as a church musician in a broad variety of Christian denominations.

Ms. Hughes also maintains an active performing schedule. Her concert engagements include recitals in México with guitarist Roberto Limón at the XI Festival de Guitarra Internacional del Noreste in Saltillo, the Teatro Juárez in Guanajuato, and additional appearances in México City and Tijuana. She has also appeared in numerous operatic roles with Livermore Valley Opera, Kitsap Opera, Opera Pacifica, and Capitol Opera Sacramento.Livermore Valley Opera, Kitsap Opera, Opera Pacifica, and Capitol Opera Sacramento..

She studied for many years with Dale Moore, past National President of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), Eastman Prof. Emeritus, and Prof. of Voice at Indiana University whose long-time mentorship continues to inspire all facets of her pedagogical approach. She has also studied with Ann Tedards, Vinson Cole, and Neva Pilgrim, and coached professionally with Dean Williamson, Beth Kirchhoff, David McDade, Craig Ketter, Howard Watkins, Beth Kirchhoff, and David McDade.