Voice Lesson Program

We are fortunate to have an outstanding staff of private music instructors available to teach private lessons through our Supplemental Music Lesson Program. Students taking private lessons receive a 30-minute one-on-one lesson each week with a vocal specialist at a cost of $22.00 per lesson. These lessons are tailored to each student’s specific needs and are intended to serve as enrichment for students who wish to excel. Students wishing to take private lessons should indicate their intent to the directors the first week of school. Students may begin private lessons at any time, though private teachers often run out of available time slots early in the school year. All students who are interested in participating in the All-State process, Solo and Ensemble, and/or are considering a future in voice, are highly encouraged to take private voice lessons. As with anything, the more effort students put into private lessons, the greater the benefit will be.

Private Voice Study Scholarship Program

We understand that not all families may be able to afford a weekly voice lesson due to a financial hardship. The Guyer Choir Booster Club and the GHS Choral Department scholarship a number of deserving students each semester. To receive AND TO KEEP these scholarships, you must meet the following criteria for the ENTIRE school year. If you think you may qualify, please see Ms. Engle or Mr. McBride for the application.

Voice Scholarship Criteria

1) Must show a financial need (form)

2) Maintain grade eligibility each 9 weeks

3) Must participate in All-State process (TMEA)

4) Must participate in Solo and Ensemble (UIL)

5) Must participate in all Booster or Choir Dept Fundraisers, respectively

Michael Rausch

Email: michaelprausch@hotmail.com

Michael Rausch received his Bachelor of Music Degree in Vocal Performance from Texas Christian University in 2001 while studying with tenor Richard Estes. He would go on to receive his Master of Music Degree in Vocal Performance from The Boston Conservatory in 2007 where he studied with former Fort Worth Opera Young Artist instructor Dr. Rebecca Folsom.

Mr. Rausch has been teaching voice privately in DFW for 22 years. Other schools where he has taught, both presently and in the past, include: Colleyville-Heritage High School, Carroll Senior High School, Collin College, and Tarrant County College, Northeast Campus.

Though his performance calendar has significantly thinned out since his son was born in 2013, Michael’s past performance credits include: the Dallas Children’s Theatre national tour 2001-2002, operatic debut as Achilles in Iphigénie en Aulide with Boston Opera Collaborative in 2006. guest artist with TCU Opera as Eisenstein in Die Fledermaus in 2012, Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, Gaylord Ravenal in Showboat, Frederic in The Pirates of Penzance, The Minstrel in Once Upon a Mattress, Cliff in Cabaret, and Amos in Chicago. He has also served as the Music Director for such productions as Hairspray, Snoopy the Musical and Avenue Q.

Mr. Rausch loves being a dad, watching football, and taking family trips over the summer. He currently resides in Denton with his wife, Mandy, son, Zachary, and pit bull, George.

Melissa Hall

Email: melissahall5702@gmail.com

Melissa Hall, M.A., is a voice educator, soprano, and music director dedicated to helping young singers develop confident, healthy, and expressive voices. With more than 25 years of teaching experience, she has worked with students from middle school through the university level in classical and musical theatre styles.

Melissa earned a Master of Arts in Vocal Pedagogy from Texas Woman’s University and a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of North Texas. She currently serves as a professor of Voice with a concentration on classical and Musical Theatre at Texas Woman’s University, where she teaches applied voice, mentors student performers, and directs musical theatre productions. In addition to her collegiate teaching, she has spent decades preparing middle and high school students for UIL Solo & Ensemble, TMEA auditions, musical theatre productions, and college music programs. This includes going into her 14th year at Guyer high school.

As an active soprano soloist and worship musician, Melissa continues to perform throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth area. Her teaching philosophy combines neuromuscular based vocal pedagogy with individualized instruction, empowering students to discover their authentic voices while developing musicianship, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for music. She is passionate about creating an encouraging learning environment where every student is challenged to reach their full potential.

Grace Lantz (spring semester only)

Email: grace.g.nelson@gmail.com

Grace Lantz has been a Middle School choir director for the last 7 years and has received sweepstakes ratings at UIL concert and sight-reading the past 5 years. As such, she has comprehensive knowledge of the young developing voice. She graduated with her Masters in Vocal Performance from the University of North Texas and her Bachelors in Music Education from Oklahoma State University. As a mezzo soprano, Lantz has extensive experience performing with professional ensembles such as Dallas based Orpheus Chamber Singers and New Spain Baroque Orchestra. She also regularly participates in professional recordings under the direction of the esteemed composer and conductor, Z Randall Stroope. As a native Texan, Lantz is very familiar with the Texas All-State process and was a member of the Texas All State Choir. Lastly, she has years of performing in and directing musical theatre.

Report abuse