Anna Winthrop

Anna Winthrop is a versatile vocalist, pianist, actress and dancer whose passion lies in storytelling through creative expression. As a singer, she is equally at home in jazz, classical, and contemporary genres and has been awarded by the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts for outstanding vocal achievement.

In addition to teaching and coaching privately, Anna is an adjunct instructor of voice at New York University in the Steinhardt School’s department of Music and Performing Arts Professions. She has also collaborated with non-profits and private schools throughout the New York City area to share her knowledge of music, dance and theater with high school students and children of all ages. Anna holds a Bachelor of Music in classical voice from Oberlin Conservatory where she studied both voice and piano, receiving phi kappa lambda honors for both academic and musical excellence. She also holds a Master of Music in vocal performance with a concentration in Music Theater from New York University, where she was awarded the Jan Peerce Fellowship.

Anna’s professional work encompasses musical theater, straight theater, opera, television, film and voice-overs. She has performed in major productions in New York as well as throughout the US and Europe, and is a member of Actors Equity Association, the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and the New York Singing Teacher’s Association.

A view of Anna's studio
 

Anna's Approach & Philosophy

FINDING YOUR OWN VOICE

Singing is different from studying any other instrument in many ways, the most obvious being that each voice is completely unique. Many people (students and teachers alike) have pre-conceived notions of what a student's voice should sound like. It is my belief that when a student invests in a process of discovering their own unique sound and musical sensibility they begin the path of realizing their full potential. This discovery process is achieved through technique: learning to sing with optimum resonance, airflow, release and articulation to create the most present, acoustically sensitive sound for the least amount of 'work'. Once the voice is lined up properly, a student's 'true' sound begins to emerge, range increases, vocal and stylistic versatility are heightened.

TECHNIQUE

Technique is the foundation of all artistic disciplines; it is what allows for the translation of thoughts and feelings directly into expression. Vocal technique often eludes students (and teachers) because you cannot actually see the voice. As a vocal technician, it is my job to assess the technical obstacles for each student, provide tools to fix them, and reflect back positive adjustments so that the student is able to associate their personal sensations and images with efficient vocal production. In doing this I develop a language with each individual student- for just as each student's voice is unique, so is their process. This collaboration also helps the student to take control of their own practicing and technical growth.

BODY LEARNING

Our minds are powerful and tend to over-analyze and judge everything we do. I help students learn to observe objectively and rely on sensations of the body, without placing values such as 'right' and 'wrong', 'good' and 'bad'. Allowing the body to learn- freed from the interference of a critical mind- is often difficult, but greatly rewarding. Students who embrace this increase the speed of their technical progress, free their expressive capabilities, and experience less anxiety in audition and performance situations.

AUDITION AND PERFORMANCE PREPARATION

There is much more to auditioning and performing than solid vocal technique. As a coach, it is important to understand the specific expectations of casting directors, agents, training programs and audiences in any given genre or circumstance. The expectations vary greatly, yet whether auditioning for a Broadway show, band or college training program, or preparing for a gig or recording project, creating an honest and unique performance is always essential. I share my knowledge of the music and theater industries with my students, helping them to choose the best material, develop musical and dramatic choices, and to gain a sense of confidence in their interpretation. Because it is my goal to help my students achieve their professional aspirations, I also address such topics as audition etiquette, resumes/headshots, image/presentation, networking and self-promotion, and career choices.

LESSONS

Each student comes to me with a unique voice, background, goals and interests- therefore lessons are structured to meet the specific needs of the individual. In return I ask that my students approach our work together with an open mind and willingness to invest in a process. Although break-throughs are both common and exciting, technique is achieved through mindful practice over a period of time.

COACHING

Although members of my vocal studio serve to benefit from my knowledge of the entertainment industry, if you are interested solely in coaching, please indicate this when you first contact me. Vocal coaching does not focus on technique, but in finding and performing suitable repertoire. Whether you are trying to build your book or you are preparing for a specific audition or performance, we will work on both musical and dramatic elements that create a unique and believable performance.

Anna offers her services through BML as a vocal technician, audition and repertoire coach, and welcomes all levels!

Get Started with BML to set up a lesson with Anna.