Mary Ella Van Voorhis

About

Mary Ella Van Voorhis is an accomplished soprano and vocal educator with extensive experience in private instruction, choral conducting, and music education. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Whitworth University and a Master of Music from the University of Idaho, demonstrating her commitment to rigorous musical training. Additionally, she earned Levels I, II, and III Certification in Orff-Schulwerk from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, providing her with specialized expertise in music pedagogy. Throughout her career, Van Voorhis has studied voice with three distinguished instructors: Tom Tavener, Dorothy Barnes, and Nina Hinson, each contributing to her comprehensive understanding of vocal technique and artistry. As a performer, she achieved recognition as a Northwest Regional Metropolitan Opera Finalist, performing with major Los Angeles organizations including LA Master Chorale, LA Opera, and the Long Beach Bach Festival. She has also performed with numerous regional church and synagogue ensembles throughout her career. Her teaching career spans multiple settings and institutions. Van Voorhis taught applied voice at Whitworth University and UC Irvine, establishing her credentials as a skilled university-level instructor. From 1998 to 2018, she served as an elementary general music teacher in California school districts, gaining expertise in music education across age groups. Currently, she teaches voice at Holy Names Music Center in Spokane, combining her classical vocal background with her broader music education experience. Her teaching expertise encompasses private voice instruction, choral conducting, and general music education, making her a versatile and well-rounded vocal educator.

Education & Qualifications

B.A. Music from Whitworth University; M.M. from the University of Idaho; Levels I, II, and III Certification in Orff-Schulwerk, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Teaching Styles