Traditional and Suzuki Voice
Teaching Artist Statement
“When love is deep, much can be accomplished.” ~ Suzuki
As a trained Suzuki Method Voice teacher, I create a warm, positive environment where students can express themselves through music. I draw on Montessori principles to nurture a love for learning, build self-confidence, and inspire excellence. I believe the voice is our most fundamental instrument, so I emphasize strong technical foundations and body awareness from the start. Every student is unique, so lessons are personalized to meet individual needs, helping them discover their true voice. I break down complex music into manageable steps, explain the "why" behind techniques, and foster a collaborative learning experience. Sight-singing and aural skills are also key components in developing well-rounded musicians. Ultimately, my goal is to inspire a lifelong passion for music that brings joy and comfort throughout their lives.
Teaching Bio
Judy Stafford has over 20 years of experience teaching music in classrooms and private voice settings, working with students as young as three to adults in their 70s, ranging from beginners to advanced. She has successfully prepared students for competitions and recitals, with many winning top awards. Judy studied voice and piano at the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music in the Philippines under Maestra Irma Ponce-Enrile Potenciano and Sir Fidel Calalang. She later received a full scholarship to the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, graduating with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance with Honors, studying with Metropolitan Opera baritone Brian Montgomery. She earned her Master of Music in Vocal Performance at the New England Conservatory, training with Canadian baritone Michael Meraw. In addition to running her own private online music studio, Judy teaches music at Blue Hill Montessori School’s extended day program. Committed to continuous improvement, she has trained under Ms. Amelia Seyssel, and became the first Suzuki Voice Teacher in Massachusetts, completing Units 1, 2, and 3, with plans to continue her training. A dedicated member of the Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA) and the Suzuki Association of Massachusetts (SAM), Judy was honored as the Distinguished Young Teacher by SAA in 2024. She started with SSC in 2024.
Performance Bio
Judy Stafford, soprano, has won numerous singing competitions and performed in Japan, India, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and Italy. Notable performances include her role as Satine in Moulin Rouge the Musical with ABS-CBN (TV station), and in productions with Repertory Philippines, and the YMCA Chinese Society of Manila. Her opera repertoire features Musetta in Puccini’s La Bohème, Micaela in Bizet's Carmen, and Eva Delvigné in the world premiere of An Embarrassing Position by Dan Shore among others. She participated in the American premiere of Rimsky-Korsakov's Snegurochka with Lowell House Opera and performed in Aida with the Hong Kong Opera. In Hong Kong, she sang the Philippine and Mainland China National Anthems during the 111th Independence Day celebration, attended by various ambassadors. As a long-time member of the Tanglewood Festival Chorus, she performs with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Boston Pops, including over 15 concerts annually at Boston Symphony Hall, Tanglewood, and occasionally at Carnegie Hall. She started with SSC in 2024.