About

My story

In addition to teaching privately in San Francisco, I have taught at the Academy of Art University for 15 years. I have over 23 years experience as a performer and instructor in theater arts including vocal coaching, singing and acting.

I have performed and trained as an actor and singer on the East and West Coasts as well as overseas, and have taught voice, theater and self-presentation in both California and New York.

My methods for teaching singing draw from both classical and non-classical vocal techniques, and emphasize providing a safe, supportive environment for exploring the joys of singing.

As a performer, I have been seen as Melissa Gardner in Love Letters, Chelsea Thayer in On Golden Pond (Shellie Nomination), Vera Charles in Mame and Margo in Lying in State at The Willows Theatre in Concord, CA. Other Bay Area credits include Miss Clarette Cupp in Oh, Lady! Lady! (42nd Street Moon), Lucy in Threepenny Opera (Virago Theatre), and annual benefit concerts for MSJSE’s Epiphany Center at the Great American Music Hall. Additionally, I have performed in NYC with LaMama, ETC and The Light Opera of Manhattan, as well as on the Empress of the North and Delta Queen riverboats. I am a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, Actor’s Equity Association, and an Associate of Lisa Popeil’s Voiceworks in Los Angeles.

Additional experience as a Registered Drama Therapist and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.

As a member of the School of Acting at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, I have taught and created the syllabi for the following courses:

ACT 166 – Singing 1: Vocal Technique
ACT 266 – Singing 2: The Power of Performance
ACT 366 – Singing 3: Musical Theatre Scene Study
ACT 466 – Singing 4: Musical Theatre Showcase
ACT 625 – MS: Vocal Production
PCAE 94 – Singing 1 -Vocal Technique (Pre-College Course)

Assisting my students in allowing their singing voice to “show up” and be heard is a passion of mine. I look forward to helping you begin or continue your singing journey!

Feedback & Reviews

“Cynthia is a marvelous voice teacher. She has the ability to point out small corrections or changes that make a huge difference in the sound of my voice. It is a joy to work with her. She is encouraging while helping me shape the sound of my voice in a more pleasing way.”

Robin Wolf

Oakland, CA

“I’ve been taking private singing lessons from Cynthia for 9 months. What inspired me to want to work with her was watching her students get better and better each semester. When I started working with her I could barely hold a note. Today, I am feeling more confident about my singing voice and have improved so much in a short time. I even auditioned for a musical recently! It’s amazing how she gives you visual images to get you to connect your mind with your body and your voice. I know that I made the right choice in a voice coach. She was a great find!”

Carla Punch

San Francisco, CA

” I just want to say thank you so much for everything you have done for me these past 4 years. I’ve gone through so many vocal setbacks and you’ve always been at my side. Your class has always been so much and very informative. I’ve learned so much from you and thank you every day for it. I never pictured myself doing musicals and now I’m doing 4 in one year!”

Zaya Kolia