Testimonials

“Would absolutely recommend! Taking vocal lessons in the technical tuneup program with Ella at Interlude Music has not only improved my singing from a technical perspective, but has given me new confidence and tools that I can transfer across all of my musical endeavors! Ella’s kind and enthusiastic personality put me at ease while her expertise in vocal science and teaching lovingly challenged me to help see and reach my potential. Each lesson was tailored to my specific goals and experience - to Interlude Music, I wasn’t just another student working through a set of steps/exercises, but rather was treated as a unique individual finding my own voice. Both Ella and Devereux are encouraging and passionate teachers who go above and beyond for their students! You can really sense their love of both musical excellence and effective/caring education in every lesson. If you want to improve not only the technical aspects of your craft, but also your confidence in finding your own voice, I highly recommend Interlude Music!!”

“I have worked with Ella for over 2 years starting as a beginner. She is always excited to work with me and is constantly pushing me in the most supportive ways. Ella knows exactly how to approach my voice each day and adjusts lessons as we go to maximize my voice potential. Ella works on various technique through a variety of flexible exercises that build off one another. She helps me get out of my head and marry acting with singing by incorporating emotion and character work into drills and rep.

To help with improvised singing, we also focus on ear training. Ella has been able to help me develop both scripted musical and improvised musical skills. Under Ella, I was cast in my first musical and I was able to start a musical improv group which is now in residence at a regional improv theater.

Ella continues to inspire me and I am always looking forward to our next practice.”

“I came to Ella for lessons as someone with a background in music. I already had a bachelor’s degree in music education and my instrument was voice. I just wanted to improve on what I already knew. Ella is extremely knowledgeable with various vocal pedagogy practices. She will meet you where you are and help guide you to where you want to be. Ella McGaunn cares about each of her students. She starts each lesson with a quick stretch of the body, and asks you about how you are mentally and physically going into the lesson. Ella will guide her students not only in vocal practices, but performing practices as well. I would highly recommend Ella to anyone, of any ability, who is looking into improving themselves as a singer or performer.”

“I had a wonderful experience working with Ella and could not recommend her more highly. I do both contemporary worship music and musical theater. She was able to help me find new strength in my voice for both genres. She is fun, intelligent, knowledgeable, and encouraging.”

“When I started lessons with Ella I had three goals:

Increase my upper range
Properly use my voice so I was not hoarse after singing
Gain confidence singing

I had years of experience singing backup harmonies on different worship teams but no formal training. When I started singing with a new worship leader I realized I needed to expand my upper register. The keys that worked for her voice forced my harmonies into the very edge of my upper range. Oftentimes after service my voice would be a little raw and I knew that was not good. I’d also been doing backup for so long that I wasn’t used to hearing my voice by itself. And I never led a song, nor was I confident enough to ask to do so.

Then I met Ella, and when I heard her perform I was blown away. I immediately asked her if she gave lessons and much to my delight she said yes. That was nearly two years ago and since studying with her I have achieved my goals and much more. My upper range has gone from a strained octave and a half to a solid two and a half octaves. I no longer have issues with hoarseness after singing. And not only am I used to hearing my voice alone, I now have the confidence to say “Yes of course!” when asked to lead songs at church.

When I say “and much more”, what I didn’t expect was the response from people who hear me sing. It’s one thing to sing well; it’s quite another to touch someone with your singing. Ella teaches not only technique and physiology behind great vocals, but also how to convey emotion with your song so it reaches the hearts of your listeners.

Case in point: my husband and I were enjoying a late dinner at a local restaurant/bar when we discovered it was Karaoke Night. Part of me wanted to get up and sing, while another part of me held me back. What would I sing? How would I know it’s in my key? What if I bomb?

Just as we were paying the bill I told my husband I was going to sing something. I chose “The Rose”, which I was familiar with but had never performed. The bar was noisy and no one was really paying attention, but when I started singing something happened. A hush fell over the room. Aside from my voice, there wasn’t a sound in the house. I totally didn’t expect that.

When I was done, I grabbed my coat and started to head out, and was intercepted by a young man who spontaneously hugged me and said, “That was so beautiful. You made me cry.”

Anyone can hang out a shingle to teach voice lessons. But not anyone can do what Ella McGaunn does. She will lovingly and patiently work that voice of yours to smooth it out, hone your tone, expand your range and build your confidence. But ultimately she brings out of you what you didn’t know was there and helps you develop your gift so you can give it away. And that is a gift in itself.”