Mezzo-Soprano

“Working with Valerie for the past three years at The Hartt School has been an extraordinary and transformative experience. Each lesson is not only filled with impactful vocal growth, but also with invaluable insight into the art and science of singing. Valerie possesses a rare ability to articulate complex vocal concepts with clarity, and her deep understanding of the human body has profoundly impacted the way I approach music as a developing opera singer. Her thoughtful and individualized teaching style has allowed me to grow immensely—technically, artistically, and expressively. I often leave our lessons with so much new knowledge and perspective that I need time to sit, reflect, and fully absorb everything I’ve learned. Without hesitation, she hears exactly what my voice needs for that day so that I am feeling most free, but grounded in my sound. Valerie has helped me build confidence, expand my vocal capabilities, and deepen my connection to the repertoire I study and perform.

Studying with her has been one of the most valuable aspects of my vocal training, and I am incredibly grateful to have her guidance on my journey toward a career in opera.”

To learn more about Gabriella, click here 

https://gabriellatreutle-mezzo.squarespace.com/

Tenor

"As a young singer, I have found that Valerie has been nothing short of spectacular in helping you towards the right path. She is able to use her scientific background and vast knowledge to give you an approach to your own voice that is not only physically healthy, but mentally as well. I look forward to going to Valerie because it gives me another reason to practice, to be a better singer, musician, and even human. I am very fortunate and grateful to find her at such an early state of my journey, and I look forward to what the future holds as she gives me the tools for the path I take."

Soprano

“Working with Valerie is a one of a kind, unique experience, tailored to every individual student and their needs, both musically and as humans. Her commitment to personalized learning is unmatched, and I always leave my lessons feeling an improvement in not only my sound, but in my confidence as well. No lesson with Valerie is the same, she approaches vocal struggles without judgement and her biggest goal is to help train the brain into feeling comfortable under the mental and physical stress of performance and auditioning.

I feel that through Valerie’s teaching, I have not only progressed extremely quickly vocally, but I also feel tremendously more safe and comfortable on stage. I am able to approach my own singing with not only more productivity, but also with less judgement.”

https://youtube.com/@hayleecaserta7258?si=VcKWUdWMFKF96m9v

Soprano

Mezzo-Soprano

“I was assigned to Valerie's studio under unexpected circumstances at the start of my freshman year at The Hartt School. My first lesson with her was life changing. Within just moments of singing for her, she was able to communicate an insanely deep understanding and connection with not only my voice and the experiences I have had as a singer, but more importantly with who I am as a person. I was stunned as she articulated thoughts and feelings I always felt about my voice but was never able to put into words. I felt immediately seen, loved, and deeply supported, and left that lesson in tears. Valerie was an angel sent to me from God at just the right time, and her influence has changed the course of my life forever. The progress I have made with her is exponential. In each lesson, she closely takes in all aspects of my current vocal, mental, and physical state and develops a unique set of exercises curated just for me. These exercises bring me back to center and make me more available for singing. I have always struggled with being taught with concepts, thankfully Valerie has a much different approach, she gives you exercises that help you to feel the corrections on your own, to create a deeper understanding. She words everything in a way that encourages me and pushes me forward. Her unique, scientific, and nurturing approach has brought progress to my voice and musicianship that I could have never imagined previously. I am more than confident that Valerie will continue to lead me towards my dreams. Her words and actions affirm deep in my soul that she believes in me, and it is that foundational support that continues to make all the difference in my growth as a singer and as a person.”

https://ciaramaymcgrath.com/

Instagram: @ciaramaymcgrath 

Baritone

"Before I met Valerie Sorel, I thought voice lessons were supposed to be about scales, warm-ups, etc. I didn’t realize how disconnected I was from my instrument until she showed me what true, informed, and personalized vocal work looks like. Valerie doesn’t teach from a mold. Nothing about her studio is cookie-cutter. From day one, she’s met me exactly where I am, building tailored foundational exercises that speak directly to my voice, my nervous system, my intellectual and animal brain, and my growth.

    Valerie’s approach is unlike anything I’ve experienced. It’s rooted in science, artistry, and an incredible depth of human understanding. Every lesson draws from her multifaceted background, not just in vocal performance, but in anatomy, trauma, and vocal recovery, behavior, thought patterns, and more. She has this gift for seeing what’s going on beneath the surface, whether that’s a vocal habit or a deeper block, and she addresses it with such precision and empathy. It’s never guesswork. It’s never filler. It’s always exactly what I need, even if I didn’t know I needed it.

    The exercises Valerie has created specifically for me have been game-changing. They're not recycled from a book or borrowed from tradition; they’re real tools, designed and adjusted in real time to fit my voice and brain’s unique path.

    I’ve achieved things with Valerie I never imagined possible, not just technically, but artistically and personally. And through it all, she’s been brilliantly and deeply committed. More than a teacher, she’s a guide, a mentor, a teammate, and someone I now think of as family.

    Valerie’s teaching isn’t just effective; it’s transformational. It’s built on precision, trust, and a rare kind of empathy that leaves a lasting mark."

Contact Info:

@edpenabaritone on Instagram

Soprano

Recent Performances:

April 2025, Berlin Philhamonie Concert, Berlin, Germany.

July 2025, Mozarteum University Salzburg, Austria.

“Since I began studying with Valerie, I've come to recognize her as an exceptional teacher who has introduced me to a truly unique vocal technique, previously unfamiliar to me. Singing has transformed into a deeply gratifying and enjoyable pursuit, replacing any prior frustrations. Valerie adeptly addressed my issues, and also has helped me be a healthier singer physically and mentally. Notably, my highest note has expanded from high F to high A flat. Her warmth, humor, positive and boundless energy have consistently inspired and uplifted me. Without her invaluable support and guidance, I wouldn't be where I am today. I feel immensely grateful and fortunate to have her as my mentor and teacher; she is the finest teachers I've studied.”

Soprano

“In the time that I have been able to spend with Valerie so far, she has been an empowering, guiding hand in making use of the knowledge I already have, and she has expanded my horizons with her ability to prescribe just the right song for your voice. Valerie can see right through the fog of self-doubt and straight into a person's true abilities. She does not sugarcoat. Her honesty is direct, refreshing, and always in service of growth. With her insight and expertise, she takes the raw skills I bring and nurtures them until they blossom into something beautiful. Working with her has not only strengthened my voice, but also my confidence.”

Tenor

Master of Music

Soprano

Master of Music

High Baritone

“When I first came to Valerie’s studio, I was at a place where music no longer felt like joy. After bouncing from teacher to teacher, I had started to lose my confidence and even grew afraid to sing — but Valerie helped me rediscover the love and passion I thought I had lost.

Art and music have always been a big part of my life and a way for me to express who I am. As a Black, gay artist from Washington, D.C. who was adopted, my journey hasn’t always been easy — but Valerie’s studio gave me a safe space to be vulnerable, take risks, and fall back in love with singing.

This past year, I had to fight to return to her studio, and that experience reminded me just how much her guidance means to me. Valerie has not only helped me grow as a singer, but also as an artist and as a person. She inspires me to bring honesty, courage, and heart into every note I sing.”

To learn more about Michael, click here:

https://linktr.ee/Iammrlove?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=1dc64e37-8e0c-4c7e-b536-4b7156611c3d

Tenor

Graduate Professional Diploma, Voice Performance - Bass

Baritone

Master of Music, Voice Performance

“I first met Valerie through Debbie Lifton, my voice teacher at the Hartt School. In just a few short months, I found myself miles ahead of where I had been as a singer. Valerie helped me solve countless vocal issues with ease, which gave me greater confidence as a professional. Her guidance not only improved my singing but also inspired me to start teaching and step outside of my comfort zone.

Her understanding of the voice, body, and mind is truly unparalleled. Valerie is an incredible teacher and an astonishing human being—kind and compassionate when discussing recent auditions or performances, yet always honest about what needs work. I'm so grateful for the impact she has had on my journey.”

Learn more about Ian at: https://www.ianshawbaritone.com/home

Soprano

Music Education/Vocal Performance

Mezzo

Music Education/Vocal Performance

Mezzo-Soprano

Bachelor of Science, Acoustical Engineer

Tenor

Soprano

Bass-Baritone

Bass-Baritone