Hartt School Sorel Studio Alumni
Acis and Galatea Cast List: Galatea: Weiting Xu ‘25, Sorel Studio—Acis: Haoran Wang ‘26, Sorel Studio— Acis Cover: Jason Cain ‘26, Sorel Studio—Damon: Haylee Caserta ‘26, Sorel Studio—Polyphemus: NicDaniel Charles ‘25, Sorel Studio—
Ensemble members from Sorel Studio: Xinni Lu ‘26, Ciara May McGrath ‘27, Naru Hardaway ‘27, Jason Cain ‘26, Guan Wang ‘27
Lynnae Labato”
Vocal Performance and Music education ‘24
Working with Valerie has truly been a blessing for both me and my instrument. Initially, I was apprehensive about changing voice teachers, as it's always daunting to essentially start over and build a relationship with someone who holds the keys to your career. However, from the moment she met me, she dove right into the work, and within just a few months, she has markedly improved my technique and sound overall. Valerie has become an integral part of my journey as a vocalist; she constantly pushes me to achieve my best and ensures my voice remains adaptable, even on challenging days. She steadfastly refuses to let me doubt myself and instills in me the confidence to embrace my musical gift fully. I feel incredibly fortunate and grateful to be a part of her studio, and I eagerly anticipate the ongoing collaboration. Her expertise in vocal pedagogy and technique is truly remarkable and has significantly contributed to my growth as a singer and musician. I wholeheartedly recommend her to singers of all genres, as her versatility knows no bounds.Working with Valerie has truly been a blessing for both me and my instrument. Initially, I was apprehensive about changing voice teachers, as it's always daunting to essentially start over and build a relationship with someone who holds the keys to your career. However, from the moment she met me, she dove right into the work, and within just a few months, she has markedly improved my technique and sound overall. Valerie has become an integral part of my journey as a vocalist; she constantly pushes me to achieve my best and ensures my voice remains adaptable, even on challenging days. She steadfastly refuses to let me doubt myself and instills in me the confidence to embrace my musical gift fully. I feel incredibly fortunate and grateful to be a part of her studio, and I eagerly anticipate the ongoing collaboration. Her expertise in vocal pedagogy and technique is truly remarkable and has significantly contributed to my growth as a singer and musician. I wholeheartedly recommend her to singers of all genres, as her versatility knows no bounds.
Manyi Zhu
Master Degree Vocal Performance ‘24
It has been one of the greatest privileges of my graduate studies to work under the mentorship of Professor Valerie. As my vocal instructor and artistic guide, she has had a profound and lasting impact on both my technical development and personal growth as a musician.
Professor Valerie possesses a rare combination of exceptional vocal pedagogy, deep musical sensitivity, and unwavering dedication to her students. Her approach to teaching is both rigorous and compassionate—grounded in a strong understanding of vocal technique, yet deeply attuned to the emotional and artistic individuality of each singer. Under her guidance, I learned how to approach my voice with greater freedom, efficiency, and expressive depth. She helped me refine my breath management, resonance, and diction, while also encouraging me to explore the emotional truth behind every phrase and character.
What truly distinguishes Professor Valerie is her extraordinary empathy and her belief in the transformative power of music. She supported me not only through vocal challenges, but also during moments of self-doubt, always offering clarity, encouragement, and inspiration. Her mentorship gave me the courage to embrace vulnerability on stage and to connect more authentically with both the music and the audience.
Professor Valerie’s teaching philosophy is rooted in artistic integrity and in nurturing each student’s unique voice—both literally and metaphorically. Her influence on my growth as a singer and an artist is profound and enduring. I am truly honored to have been her student, and I will always be grateful for her generosity, insight, and unwavering support.
Weiting Zu
Vocal Performance ‘24
Michael Love
‘24
Before joining Valerie’s studio, I struggled to connect with music.But, through her guidance, I not only learned to sing but how to sing with passion . Valerie has a unique talent for helping singers connect deeply with the lyrics of a song. Initially, I faced numerous neurological challenges that hindered my ability to truly embody the music. With Valerie's guidance, I learned to overcome these obstacles and sing fearlessly, allowing the emotions within the lyrics to resonate authentically with my own experiences.
NicDaniel Charles
Vocal Performance ‘24
Hanye Chu
Master Degree_Vocal Performance ‘24
Kaylon Hall
Vocal Performance and Music education ‘24
Le Nozze di Figaro ‘24
Count Almaviva: Ian Shaw ‘24, Sorel Studio—Countess: Qian Ye, Sorel Studio —Figaro: Yichuan Lyu ‘26—Susanna: Min Ji Cho ‘24–Montserrat Traconis ‘24, Sorel Studio— Susanna Cover: Weiting Xu ‘25, Sorel Studio—Cherubino: Hanye Chu ‘25 Sorel Studio, and Caroline Christopher ‘24, Sorel Studio—Marcellina: Lynnae Labato ‘25, Sorel Studio and Kaylon Hall ‘25, Sorel Studio—Barbarina: Haylee Caserta ‘26, Sorel Studio—Basilio: Jason Cain ‘26, Sorel Stuio and Michael Love ‘25, Sorel Studio— Antonio: Guan Wang ‘27 Sorel Studio and Klark Rubinshtein ‘24, Sorel Studio—Don Curzio: Nickolas Gastello ‘26, Sorel Studio
Ian Shaw
Vocal Performance ‘24
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.
Monserrat Traconis
Vocal Performance ‘24
Since being part of Valerie’s studio, I have seen an immense growth in not only me, but my fellow studio mates. Our lessons always bring breakthroughs that I carry with me to this day, and in every performance. She is honestly, a breath of fresh air, she not only cares about you as a singer but as a person, and supports you all the way through. She has helped me believe in myself as a musician, and a singer, by always being caring and empathetic. My voice has evolved in a way I didn’t know was possible thanks to her, and the ways in which she approaches voice lessons, which are fascinating and so efficient. Meeting her and being her student has impacted me in such a positive way, that I really can’t thank her enough.
Katherine Platte
Vocal Performance ‘24
Valerie has truly revolutionized my approach to singing and my career. I began working with her when I was 20 weeks pregnant, and from the outset, she instilled in me the confidence to perform a recital with ease. Her remarkable ability to pinpoint and address vocal issues in just one session left me feeling empowered after every lesson. Throughout my pregnancy and now, three months postpartum, Valerie has guided me through the changes in my voice and body with unwavering support. Thanks to her mentorship, I feel assured navigating the transitions between both stages of my life. In just a year, I've witnessed significant improvement in my singing prowess, evident not only to me but also to those around me. With Valerie's continued guidance, I now possess the confidence to take the stage at any point in my life—a priceless asset. In her vocal studio, I've truly found my musical home.
Seth Allen
Master Degree ‘24
Valerie Sorel is the gift that keeps on giving. I struggled throughout my time in university to find a teacher who really understood me and my voice. I finally found that with Valerie Sorel. As a multi-genre performer I have to use a lot of different techniques and different parts of my voice and Valerie has made me feel equipped to handle anything life throws at me. Before I began lessons with Valerie I felt stuck in my technique and my voice.
After two years of study I now feel so strong and secure throughout my range that I feel comfortable taking on almost anything because of the confidence and technique that Valerie has instilled in me and my voice.
Links: https://www.heartlandsings.org/seth-allen
Instagram: @Sethaustinallen
Facebook: Seth Allen
Caroline Christopher
Vocal Performance ‘24
Klark Rubinshtein
Vocal Performance ‘24
Claire Taylor
Vocal Performance ‘24
