Testimonials
My name is Irene Hoogveld, a soprano and currently studying with Claudia Patacca at the ArtEZ Conservatorium, Institute of the Art, in Holland. I first met Claudia at a recital where she sung herself. I was drawn to Claudia because of her enthousiasm, passion and clear messages in her singing. When I discovered she applies these qualities in her teachings too, I was convinced she could really help me improve as a singer. Claudia not only works with me on range, quality of tone and finding the most natural way for the voice to flow, she also teaches me how to perform on concertante and operatic stages. She shows me how to create a full interpretation while following my own artistic instincts and guiding me in becoming a complete singer. Every lesson is concentrated, fruitful and gives me inspiration. She gives me her undivided attention. Claudia has a very wide range in her repertoire, often challenging me to broaden my horizon and discover new music. To me, that is the greatest gift. To be able to be surprised by music as a singer, and having a teacher to unravel those secrets together with you. In Claudia, I found an energetic, positive and skillful teacher who is not afraid to challenge me in the best ways possible.
Irene Hoogveld
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My name is Raoni Hübner, and I have studied with the tenor Amand Hekkers at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. It was indeed a wonderfull experience; Amand is a great teacher, and especially as a tenor I have to say I could develop a lot under his tuition. His work in technique and mainly in the freedom of the voice helped me to work on my issues and also to even my register. I still use his vocal exercises and warmups, they are of much help in my daily life as a young singer. At the time I was under his tuition, I had the opportunity to prepare 3 main characters of the opera stage, and it was also very good to have him by my side. His musical ideas and knowledge of the repertoire helped me to develop my ideas and to put the rolles inside myself, technically and acting wise. His knowledge of the business and also the experience on stage were determinant to give me the right direction towards successsfull appearences on stage. In addition, I found in Amand a very special person who always supported me, and he is always looking forward to helping his students in every sense. All of this said, I believe Mr. Hekkers is one of the most complete teachers I have had during the whole of my studies.
Raoni Hübner
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My name is Mélanie Brilman. I’m a Dutch mezzo-soprano. I have been studying with Claudia Patacca for 5 years during the pre-course and bachelor of the ‘Artez institute of art’. Through this period Claudia has been an amazing guide in many ways. As a teacher I admire her because of her educational skills. Claudia creates an atmosphere in which it’s safe to be yourself. Within this environment she motivates and provokes you to outgrow yourself as both singer and person. She supports you during the discovery of your own voice. Claudia has the ability to recognize technical problems, help you to understand them yourself and lead the way to making progress achieved step by step. Her knowledge about classical music is broad and profound as well as her experience as a teacher and performer. As a person Claudia is also wonderful. She’s kind, honest and full of energy which just takes you in it’s flow. This quality’s make it impossible to leave her lessons uninspired.
Mélanie Brilaman
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I am Kieran, a 25 year old Tenor and I have had the pleasure of being taught by Amand Hekkers at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland for 3 years. He has been my teacher throughout my Undergraduate studies and has helped me to improve many different aspects of my singing. He has a very attentive teaching method and has taught me how to better my practice outside of lessons. Amand is not only a fantastic teacher but a very caring and generous man, he will always have a smile on his face and succeed in cheering his students up in whatever situation. As a young singer it is important to have somebody who believes in you and pushes you to reach your full potential. Amand has been there for me and because of this my confidence in myself and my singing in performance has improved greatly. I am very thankful for the time and effort that he has dedicated to me over the last three years and regret that I must leave him as a teacher as I’m moving to The Royal Academy in London to start my Masters.
Kieran
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I am Magnus Schou Vassbotn and so happy that I went to the first masterclass with Amand Hekkers in March 2014. Since then I followed 3 masterclasses with him and I really feel that it has helped me to develop a more legato and natural sound, with more light. My teacher here at the Royal Acadamy of Music in Copenhagen is also very positive with the help and coaching I get from you. You have really made me believe that I can grow into the verismo repertoir, and you teached me to sing the heavyer repertoir with a more lyrical and belcanto input to it. I feel that you have helped me to develop more of my natural sound, with less push, which makes it easier to get through the passagio and reach the highnotes with more flow and freedom. The result of that is actually that the sound is bigger, but I get less tired. I'm looking forward to his next masterclass.
Magnus Schou Vassbotn
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My name is Stella Louise Göke (soprano) from Germany. The moment I came to Claudia Patacca as a singing student was maybe during the worst periode of my singing career so far. I was in the 
middle of my studies and my voice always broke in the passaggio. I wasn’t able to sing anything higher then a c’’ and had nearly no hope left. When you get to know Claudia as a person and a teacher you will find out that she is simply amazing. Claudia immediatly knew how to teach me in the right way. She never gave up on me during this time and I learned to trust my vocal techniques again. The great thing about Claudia is that she sees you as a person with all your strong and weak parts. She demands self discipline and passion for singing, but in return you get a lovely, strict teacher, who helps you to reveal the best in you as a singer and a person. My voice developed so great under her teaching. I finished my Bachelor last year and I am now starting my career as a classical singer. I still try to see her as often as possible, because she always shows you different and new ways to sing and feel the music. I’m very grateful to her.
(Stella has won the Grand Prix d'Alliance Française 2015).
Stella Louise Göke
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