About the Studio
AVA specializes in giving individual training that strengthens and develops the voice for a lifetime of healthy singing in all genres of music. I teach students of all ages and vocal backgrounds. I also give specific training in diction and performing techniques to enhance your talents and refine your stage presence.
AVA's teaching is based on what is known as the Swedish-Italian School of Singing. This technique has developed some of the greatest singers the world has ever known with long, healthy careers such as Kirsten Flagstad, Birgit Nielson, Jussi Björling, Marilyn Horne and Montseratt Caballé, just to name a few. From the exercises and concepts taught in this school, singers are able to develop full, strong voices that are free, feel open and relaxed. The technique promotes longevity and endurance with beauty of sound and reveals each singers true voice, which is sometimes very different than the one with which they start.
One of AVA's specialties is preparing singers for auditions of all kinds. There is a special emphasis put on the preparation for an audition and attention to each detail of that kind of audition. Many students from AVA have won top scholarships and awards because of this meticulous preparation and vast understanding of what auditions entail.
See what former students have to say about AVA and Sandy Andersen:
To sum it up succinctly, Sandy Andersen's teaching style is all about healthy, effortless, and beautiful vocal production. Her level of professionalism is matched only by her genuine care and personal attention to each of her students throughout their vocal development. Any good vocalist knows how hard and frustrating singing can be at times, but with Sandy, it is always a joy.
Laura Muller, professional classical singer, Madison Opera, Minnesota Opera, Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance, Lawrence Conservatory
My study with Sandy Andersen has had a tremendous impact on my development. Her intimate grasp of practical vocal technique coupled with her vast knowledge of repertoire and her enthusiastic and encouraging personality and teaching philosophy, have given me the tools to begin my journey of becoming the best performing artist I can be.
Matt Richardson, professional opera and musical theatre singer, Florentine Opera Apprentice, Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance, The Eastman School of Music
Sandy makes singing so easy. Techniques are broken down into simple concepts and ideas that are then conveyed to the student in ways that are appropriate. The basic approach is, 'If it doesn't feel right, it isn't!' Sandy is a phenomenal teacher who prepares each of her students for both the technical and artistic aspects of a performance. She works very hard and wants each of her students to succeed. Not a single student walks through her door that does not leave a more accomplished singer!
Steve Leifker, Bachelor Of Voice Performance, Wartburg College
The Shows
We have embarked on many projects, including the first youth opera program in Dubuque, IA. In 2003, we performed a fully staged production of Mozart's famous opera, The Magic Flute in the Washington Middle School Auditorium. In 2004, we expanded our production and performed Gilbert and Sullivan's hilarious masterpiece The Mikado at the Grand Opera House in Dubuque, with unbelievable costumes, tech and set design as well as a full orchestra. More recent productions include Pirates of Penzance, Les Miserables and West Side Story.
The Ark Project
In 2008, Andersen Vocal Arts began a project called Sing for THEIR Supper. We performed throughout Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin to raise money for Heifer International, a nonprofit organization that supplies livestock and training to the neediest parts of the world in order to provide a sustainable food source. AVA was the first voice studio to raise $5000 for an Ark, that is 2 of each animal and benefits over 30 families in the United States and abroad.
AVA continues to raise money for charities each year. In 2011, AVA raised $2000 for the Red Cross to benefit Japan.