Belcanto Vocal Studio

Elina Avanesyan is the founder and creator of Belcanto Vocal Studio.

Throughout her singing career, Elina has taught voice and embraced teaching singers of various styles and genres for over 25 years. With a rich background as a classical opera singer, she brings extensive experience in teaching healthy vocal techniques to popular music singers, helping them navigate the demands on their voices. Her studio includes students who sing pop, rock, jazz, musical theater, contemporary Christian, folk, country, and classical music.

Many of her students are studying at prestigious institutions such as the Manhattan School of Music, UCLA, Berklee College of Music, CSUN, the Royal Conservatory, and Santa Barbara University. Some of her students are professional performers pursuing careers as solo artists. Notably, three of her students have excelled in the Vivaldi and Cambridge classical competitions, and one has advanced in the Next on Stage Broadway competition. Elina holds a Master's degree from Belcanto Vocal School and specializes in Baroque music.

Teaching Experience

2019-2022 AGBU Manoukian-Demirjian High School & Middle School
Choirmaster and Music Appreciation Teacher for 6-9th Graders

Instructed a choir and taught music history to 6-8th graders.
Taught Music History and Theory of Music to 9th graders, a college-approved course.

2018-2022 Colburn Music Academy

Instructed vocal classes and piano lessons to students.
Organized events such as competitions and awards nights for the students.

2009-2022 St. Mary's Apostolic Church
Choirmaster for Sunday School

Led a choir of 65-100 students.

2005-Present Amadeus School of Music and Arts
Vocal Coach

2000-2004 Yerevan State Conservatory Named After Komitas
Vocal Instructor

Belcanto Vocal Studio Policies

Lesson Schedule
- Students are required to take one lesson per week.
- Lesson duration (30 minutes, 45 minutes, or 1 hour) will be determined by the teacher based on the student’s needs.
- All students must participate in two studio recitals per year (optional for adult students).
Lesson Pricing
- 1-hour lesson: $70
- 45-minute lesson: $55
- 30-minute lesson: $40
Curriculum and Practice
- The teacher will create a tailored program and curriculum to suit each student’s abilities, needs, and goals.
- Homework assignments, accompaniment recordings, and demonstration recordings will be provided and must be thoroughly followed during daily practice to ensure progress and effective learning.
Parent Responsibility
- Parents are responsible for ensuring the student’s regular daily practice to support their learning and progress.
Tuition and Payment
- Tuition is payable monthly, on or before the first lesson of each month, based on the number of expected working weeks.
- Payments can be made via Zelle.
- A $25 late fee will apply for tuition received after the first lesson of the month.
- Monthly tuition reserves the student’s weekly class time. Attendance is the student’s responsibility, and no refunds or credits will be provided for missed lessons.
Missed Lessons and Make-Up Policy
- Make-up lessons may be arranged for missed classes only in cases of valid emergencies (e.g., medical issues, sickness, or unexpected transportation problems).
- Make-up lessons will not be provided for non-emergency reasons, such as other extracurricular activities, birthdays, or family events.
- If the teacher needs to cancel a lesson, it will either be rescheduled or credited toward future lessons.
Lesson-by-Lesson Payment Option
- Payment on a lesson-by-lesson basis is available upon special agreement with the teacher.
Termination of Lessons
- Belcanto Vocal Studio reserves the right to terminate lessons if expectations are not met. Efforts will be made to resolve any issues between the teacher’s expectations and the student’s performance.
Communication
- Parents are encouraged to contact the teacher via phone or email with any questions or concerns about their child’s lessons.