Hi Friends of MONDO,
Let me introduce myself and talk a little about BREATH AND BODY WOKS-progressive vocal training.  My name is Michelle Oram.  I am a graduate of the Boston Conservatory of Music in applied Voice and Performance.  I  developed the highly successful Musical Theatre and Contemporary Vocal programs at the Judith Wharton Music Center where I worked for four years as Director of Musical Theatre. Before that I was the founder of Stagestruck Performing Arts Center with locations in Cranford, Short Hills, and New Providence where   I  developed art, dance, drama, musical theatre and vocal programs for thousands of students of all ages from age 3-to adult and arts and education programs for over 25 schools and senior centers. I have been teaching voice, drama, and improvisation for over 30 years.

I believe in breath body mastery and integrate Eastern and Western approaches of yoga, tai-chi, Alexander and Bel Canto techniques to help the singer to achieve a beautiful, natural sound with a two and a half octave range. I like to combine Eastern and Western approaches to vocal training which allows students to get out of their heads and into their hearts so that the art of singing and performance feels like a "meditation". Yoga breathing exercises(known as pranayama) are vitally important in yoga and the voice. The breath connects the mind and body. Breath is the instrument used to create the VOICE-without the breath we have NO voice.  This is so important for all in this day and age where we are forever racing in our heads a mile a minute.  My VOCAL MEDITATIONS  teach students how to stop and be in the NOW so they can give their minds a TIME-OUT-leaving them feeling refreshed and empowered.
The results: A circular flow of energy using all 7 energy centers of the spine to energize the sound.
 
I teach all levels from beginner to advanced.
Besides teaching private voice I host Open Mics every month and teach group Yoga and the Voice , introduction to the voice , musical theatre , cabaret and contemporary voice classes.  I have developed numerous cabaret acts for my students by developing a theme, song selection, show flow, musicians, and recording and video productions of concerts and cabarets.
My Contemporary Vocal Ensemble Classes will learn all styles of music including A Capella singing, beat-boxing, contemporary musical theatre, jazz, pop, blues and rock! Many of my students have performed on Broadway, Birdland, Don't Tell Mama, The Manor, and throughout Italy.
 
 I believe everyone has a voice!  So whether you want me to help you design a performance showcase or you just want to use the voice to meditate -let me help you FIND YOUR VOICE-through the healing powers of vibration, sound and Music!  I am currently accepting students for the summer!
 
You have powers you never dreamed of.
You can do things you never thought you could do.
There are no limitations in what you can do except
the limitations of your own mind.
- Darwin Kingsley
 
Sincerely,
Michelle Oram
Director of Breath and Body Works