Kaara McHugh
Soprano | Voice Teacher | College Prep
MY CV
Voice Instruction, Professional Soprano, Arts Advocacy
Lecturer of Applied Voice
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
August 2022- present
Teaches Applied Voice to Voice Majors as well as French and German Diction.
Voice Teacher
Green Bay Fine Arts Program
January 2020- present
Teaches 30-minute lessons to students in both classical and musical theatre styles. Prepares students for recitals, masterclasses, and auditions. Students have been accepted to BFA and BM programs at Columbia College, UW Stevens Point, and UW Milwaukee.
Voice Teacher & Co-Artistic Director
Studio 12 Collaborative School of the Arts
January 2019- present
Teaches 30, 45, and 60-minute lessons to pre-professionals and professionals in both classical and musical theatre styles. Prepares documents such as studio contracts & invoices. Develops and writes curriculum for voice lessons, classes, and workshops. Collaborates with area Arts organizations.
Choir & Musical Theatre Teacher
TJ Walker Middle School
August 2021- November 2021
Planned, coordinated, and executed 2 events for over 200 attendees per event, including vendor management, marketing promotions, and event itineraries. Produced and directed a full-length production of Willy Wonka with a team of 6, ensuring performance, quality, strategy, and timelines were achieved. Designed and developed performance evaluation journals for each grading term. Prepared two choirs for their first in-person concert since the pandemic. Delivered materials using various training techniques, including classroom models, small groups, and one-on-one interventions.
Choir Teacher
Einstein Middle School
January 2021- June 2021
Planned, prepared, and delivered lessons in the hybrid model of instruction: simultaneous in-person instruction as well as virtual instruction. Designed a vocal pedagogy curriculum with 7 assessments that was used by all middle school teachers in AASD. Designed and executed a Soundtrap music technology curriculum. Taught the music of the Civil Rights Movement with appropriate music and vocal terminology. Graded formal assessments via Canvas and Infinite Campus. Attended professional development meetings. Created and shared lesson materials with other choral teachers.
Alto Section Leader
Christ Church Cambridge
August 2018- June 2019
Provided musical leadership for the alto section via thorough preparation, guidance, reading ability, warm-ups, and sectionals. Sang special services including Evensong services. Sang for professional recording: “Love So Amazing.”
Teaching Fellow
Boston City Singers
Sept 2017- June 2019
Facilitated the rehearsal process for 20-30 students, ages 6-12 by leading warm-ups, introducing new musical concepts and repertoire, conducting repertoire, tutoring students 1:1, and singing. Emceed concerts and special events.
Teaching Assistant
Boston Conservatory
August 2017- May 2019
Assisted professors by preparing lecture materials or setting up equipment. Assisted in managing social media and marketing materials for the Vocal Pedagogy department. Facilitated prospective graduate student interviews.
Voice Teacher
Boston Arts Academy
Sept 2017- May 2018
Taught 30-minute private lessons to females ages 14-17 focused on technique, sight-reading, and repertoire. Prepared and mentored students for recitals, masterclasses, and auditions.
Voice Teacher & Owner
Colla Voce Voice Studio
January 2016- Dec 2016
Taught 30 to 60 minute-private lessons to students ages 10 and up, specializing in the genres of art song, opera, musical theater, pop, and folk music. Founded and managed an LLC. Managed revenue and marketing.
Voice Teacher
Wachusett Artist in Residence
Oct 2013- June 2017
Taught 30-minute private lessons to young females ages 10-16 focused on technique, sight-reading, and repertoire, prepared and mentored students for recitals and auditions, and programmed repertoire and coordinated recital accompanists.
Chorus & Band Teacher
West Boylston Middle/High School
August 2016- June 2017
Courses: Middle School Chorus, High School Chorus, High School Band, A Cappella Club Managed classroom sizes from 12 to 50, advised the Tri-M Music Honors Society and directed after-school A Cappella Club, and taught, prepared, and conducted choirs in grades 6-12 for concerts and festivals.
Alto Section Leader & Cantor
St. Mary's Church Holliston
March 2016- Dec 2017
Provided musical leadership for the alto section via thorough preparation, guidance, and musical ability. Cantored High Mass, funerals, and weddings.
General, Chorus & Band Teacher
Johnny Appleseed Elementary School
August 2013- June 2015
Courses: K-5 General Music, Chorus, Band
Taught the following courses in Title 1 districts: General Music, Band, Chorus. Choreographed and co-produced elementary students in All-City Musical. Composed song for anti-bullying assembly. Produced, music directed, choreographed, and directed the Second Grade Musical consisting of 120 students. Taught the basics of composition using Garageband in iMac lab
Drama Camp Music Director & Main Stage Children’s Music Director, Theater at the Mount
July 2010- July 2016
Managed/directed all musical activities for 60 students ages 8-14 for Summer Drama Camp Shows 2010-2016 and music-directed Schoolhouse Rock and Really Rosie.
Voice Teacher
Berkshire Hills Music Academy
Sept 2012- June 2013
Taught vocal technique and repertoire 1:1 to students ages 18-22 with special learning needs, facilitated musical, social, emotional, and physical goals, and prepared and mentored students for recitals and audition.