Esther von Schoenberg -Helping singers and speakers find expressive freedom, confidence and joy.

I sung my first opera role when I was 10 years old in the children’s opera Brundibar, it made a lasting impression on me. During high school I combined violin and singing studies. My Russian violin teacher had a big influence on my further music studies with his passionate and organized teaching.

After finishing a Bachelor degree in Humanistic studies (Psychology & Philosophy) I decided it was singing I wanted to do and started studying voice and voice pedagogy with Riekje Bakker at the ArtEZ University of the Arts in Zwolle the Netherlands.

In 2011, after receiving my bachelor diploma, I continued with the Master of Music program where I studied classical voice with Marjan Kuiper. I focused on opera performance and organizing my own projects trying new things: like singing with Ghetto blasters, combining Romanian and newly written classical music and creating concepts for performances. I received my masters degree in 2013.

I followed masterclasses and had lessons with Barbara Hannigan, Anna Tomowa-Sintow, Miranda van Kralingen, Jard van Nes, Alison Pearce, Barbara Schlick, Cathy Pope and Claudia Friedlander.

I had the pleasure of performing various opera roles such as Fiametta in Boccaccio (F. Suppé), Zerbinetta (parts of) Ariadne auf Naxos (R. Strauss), Olympia in Les Contes d’Hoffmann (Offenbach), Euredice in Retourtje Onderwerld (Monteverdi/Van Bueren), Constance in Les Dialogues des Carmelites (Poulenc), Amahl in Amahl and the Night Visitors (Menotti), Scintilla in La Contadina (Hasse) and Galatea in Acis and Galatea (Händel). Mostly I perform as a soloist in oratorio and cantatas.

As an entrepreneur and CEO of EVONS Creative Voice Solutions AB, I am developing the holistic voice training app Vocalise. The courses in Vocalise combine vocal and physical training specifically designed for singers. An optimal posture, basic fitness, and flexibility is foundational for a well-functioning body.

The goal of the physical program is to be able to take a full breath, relax the shoulders, neck, jaw, and muscles around the larynx. When studying singing, everything becomes easier when the physical capability to sing without unnecessary tensions is already present.

During pregnancy and after giving birth to my second daughter, I suffered from pelvic floor instability. This not only had a tremendous effect on the connection to my body but also on the ability to sing and use my voice. I reconnected with my body and voice through a long journey of regular physical training.

I saw analogies between physical training and vocal training and started to rethink practicing singing from the point of view of sports science.

Like any other athlete, singers use their bodies in a specific way; therefore, physical training for singers should be a part of vocal training.

Together with Umeå University in Sweden and physiotherapists Björn & Ulrika Aasa, I am starting a research project about physical and breathing exercises for singers.

Singing and physical training have the potential to support the rehabilitation of the brain. The programs in the app Vocalise could benefit people who have suffered severe brain injuries, and we are collaborating with the regional brain association Hjärnkraft.

Voices are completely intertwined with who we are and with how we express ourselves.

Singing is a full body activity. Voice, body and mind.

I teach classical singing technique with clarity and with the systematical development in mind that you can find in physical training.

I encourage my students to become independent, spark curiosity and teach learning with compassion for the process.

The goal is free expression in the music you love!

In every lesson or workshop there is time for music making and artistry.