Private lessons are provided during the school day for singers that want to improve in all aspects of their performing. Our lesson teachers are highly sought after within the city of Houston as performers and educators, and we are proud to have them working with our students.
Thirty minute lessons are provided for singers once each week for $30 per lesson. Assistance for lesson costs can be requested through the FHS Choir Booster Club based on need on a person-by-person basis.
Contact Mr. Tyer or Mrs. Smith to schedule lessons or to inquire about financial assistance.
Kelley Van Slooten, soprano, is very happy to be a part of the Friendswood High School Voice Teaching staff. Mrs. Van Slooten earned her Masters Degree in Vocal Performance from The Shepherd School of Music at Rice University and Bachelor of Music Degree in Vocal Performance from The Ohio State University. Over the years, Mrs. Van Slooten has built a diverse performance resume, portraying leading and supporting roles in more than 50 opera, musical theater and in theater productions. She has been in professional Choral Ensembles and also sings in the choir and serves as a cantor at St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church. Teaching has always been a passion of Mrs. Van Slooten, who has more than 20 years of experience instructing all ages and levels of ability on the art and technique of singing in both private voice lessons and classroom settings.
Friendswood native Natasha Wroblewski, Soprano, is a recent graduate of The University of North Texas, receiving a degree in Vocal Performance. She has performed numerous principle roles with UNT Opera/musical theatre including, Mae Jones in Kurt Weill’s (Street Scene), Oberto in Handel’s (Alcina), Emily in (If I loved you), First boy in (Die Zauberflöte), The Spirit of Vixen (Cunning Little Vixen), Amantio di Nicolao in Puccini's (Gianni Schicchi), and several others. In 2018 Natasha sang with Pittsburg festival opera in the chorus of La Boheme, Strauss’s Arabella and was the featured performer in the 100 years of Bernstein review. While there she worked as the festival's main choreographer. Natasha headed the choreographic work on Wagner’s (Das Rheingold) and served as the company's principal dancer in Arabella. She has worked as a choreographer for UNT on dozens of productions. Natasha was a member and featured soloist in UNT’s A Capella choir. She also performed as the featured soprano soloist with the school’s University Singers on Ralph Vaughan Williams (Serenade to Music.) Natasha has spent the past few years performing and teaching all styles of music (opera, musical theatre, jazz, pop, and country) across the DFW area. Her teaching has strong emphasis on vocal pedagogy, practical technique and artistry. Natasha is so excited for her return to Friendswood High School! She currently serves as a section leader at Gloria Dei Lutheran church and performs both solo and ensemble works locally.
Makaela Shade-Alexander is a soprano with a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Houston and a Bachelor of Music from Montclair State University. She has performed numerous principal roles, including Hanna Glawari in The Merry Widow, the Countess in Le Nozze di Figaro, and most recently, Nedda in Pagliacci. Known for her expressive voice and commanding stage presence, Makaela brings depth and artistry to each performance.
In addition to performing, Makaela is a dedicated voice teacher with a strong emphasis on vocal technique, artistry, and storytelling. She is passionate about helping singers develop their unique sound while building the technical foundation necessary for healthy, expressive singing.
Makaela is thrilled to be joining the cast of Porgy and Bess with Houston Grand Opera in the upcoming season, and she continues to pursue opportunities that allow her to grow as both a performer and educator in the vocal arts community.