“The only thing better than singing, is more singing.”  Ella Fitzgerald

Philosophy

My name is Cari Fukura, and I am a singer who loves to share what I’ve learned throughout my career with others.  My philosophy of teaching is this:  No matter what your music of choice may be, rock, pop, classical, or jazz, I can teach you how to connect what you feel with how you sound to everyone else.  In our own heads, we hear our own potential.  I help people realize their potential by teaching them to manipulate and control their vocal mechanisms.  But to truly understand and gain this control takes exercise, intellect, and a lot of work, so if you want my help, then I need to know you’re willing to do the work!

Here at Spotlight Studios, I offer lessons in Vocal Technique & Artistry, Character Development & Vocal Coaching, Music Theory & Sight Reading, and Beginning Piano Instruction.  For more information about my expectations or to set up an appointment feel free to contact me directly at carilynmae@yahoo.com or contact the studio. 

Bio

I have been making music my entire life.  When I was just 18 months old, I had my first violin lesson.  I was a student of the Suzuki method up to age 8.  Don’t ask me to play now.  I don’t remember much of what I learned, but I credit that time on the violin with the development of a strong ear for tonality and harmony.  

I have been singing in choirs since I was 5 years old, having the honor of performing many amazing musical works with Central Washington University’s Chamber Choir, The Bellevue Chamber Chorus, CWU Vocal Jazz I, and a number of other ensembles in that time.  At age 10, I started taking piano lessons that lasted 11 years.   

The love of music, lead me to pursue a degree in music which I completed in 2006 at Central Washington University.   During that time, I studied with Soprano, Dr. Diane Theuson-Reich. As a mezzo-soprano, I have performed a wide variety of repertoire from art songs to opera, cabaret to musical theater. In 2006, I performed as Carmen in CWU's Opera Workshop, and had the opportunity to partake in a master class with Grammy Award Winning Composer William Bolcom, singing a selection of his cabaret songs.  Although my vocal training has been primarily in classical technique, my heart belongs to jazz. Being a member of the Vocal Jazz Choir allowed me to explore the use of improvisation and microphone technique in ways I had never experienced before.