January Studio Corner

Family Coffeehouses are back!

We have landed at 88Keys in Lakewood and on January 19th brought our first family coffeehouse in our new space! It was so very fun and truly heartwarming to see us doing our thing and sharing music with the community and one another again! Here, pictured with guest artists Anna and Paul.

Our schedule lives on the studio pinned IG grid and is as follows - save these spring and summer dates!

February 14

March 7

April 11

May 16

June 6

July 11

August 8

Singers honored at NATS SEP Extravaganza Recital

January 25 at Whittier College, 5 of our singers were honored for placing in Classical, Musical Theatre, and Commercial Music categories at the NATS Student Evaluation Program. Congratulations to Dorothy, Reese, Shaya, Sienna and Leo! Reese and Dorothy, who placed first, were invited to sing from their winning program (Black Velvet- Dorothy and On the Steps of the Palace- Reese). Bravi tutti! Thanks also to collaborative coaches Hannah Yi and Julie Johnston for their artistry and support of all singers in this process. So proud of all!

Singers- our next vocal evaluation day will be VO-CAL May 17th, 12-5p at Cal State Long Beach. Info here

Studio Spotlight: Jo Gift

I met Jo in 2021 just as we emerged from the pandemic, thanks to a mutual conductor friend connected with Long Beach Chorale. His vocal journey is unique in that he is with autism, and requires accommodations and significant support. If you meet Jo, and hear Jo sing, it is clear that his “flow state” is prominent in his singing. He has a special love for hymns and folk songs. Every student teaches me, but Jo has taught me so much about how to really tune in to what is needed in the moment. Witnessing his hyperfocus, joy, and progress over the years has been incredible, through a changing voice, growing confidence, skill in musicianship and ear training, and building his repertoire. His family documents his journey through the account @spectrumconnects - thanks for sharing these years of music and inspiration, Jo!

Studio Spotlight: Reese Guenther-Clark

I met Reese in 2023 through an educator via the Orange County School of the Arts, where Reese is a student in the Classical Voice Conservatory. Reese brigs a focus and determination to not only her singing, but the artistic process over the course of an arc of improvement over years. In January 2026, she was honored at Cal-Western NATS auditions with a 3rd place overall in Classical, and is also honored as a semi-finalist in the LA County Spotlight Awards, hosted by the Music Center. I appreciate Reese’s ability to dive into both the technical aspects and the poetic/ artistic aspects of her music with curiosity, humor, and radical honesty. Can’t wait to see where your path leads!

Reese with mezzo-soprano Michelle deYoung (my teacher and mentor!) on a college visit to Indiana Jacobs School of Music, November 2025.

Random Amazing Music Recs!

STEPHEN SPENCER- a music theory professor on the east coast who makes his toddler’s songs into the most amazing yacht rock jams! I have to admit, Funchy the Snow-Woman is really keeping me smiling this week. Only visit if you like to bop. ☃️

SUSTAINABLE HIGH PERFORMANCE- Where music meets neuroscience and performance psychology! Check out this incredible post on Opera Singer minds!

What’s Adriana up to?

Right now I’m in production for an epic opera, Akhnaten by Philip Glass. It takes place in Ancient Egypt and we get to sing and juggle! Already it’s the highlight of my year. Even though it is so tiring! Please come check it out if you can. Remember, youth under 18 attend the opera for half price! But you need to call. LAO Tickets- 213-972-8001

Info and opera trailer (yes there are opera trailers!)

Curious about lessons?

I am excited to work with you and look forward to a time of growth and learning. I work with

community musicians of all ages and all abilities who want to build technical skills to express their

authentic artistry. Learn more here

“Art is how we decorate space. Music is how we decorate time.“

~ Jean-Michel Basquiat