Welcome to Duet Vocal Academy
We are located in Gaithersburg, MD and work with students throughout the greater Baltimore/Washington area, with programs suited to all levels of singers, including group classes, private lessons and masterclasses.
Duet Vocal Academy was founded by Stephanie Bonte-Lebair and Jenni McGinnis to help singers in any style or genre increase their skills and improve their vocal technique. We promote healthy singing, encourage artistic expression, and believe in using every performance as an opportunity for personal and artistic growth. Kathleen Richards joined the staff in 2012 as an acting and vocal coach and helps with musical theatre classes and workshops as well as private acting lessons.
Latest Updates and Additions
Latest News
Auditions for a NEW A Cappella Singing Group for Teens – Sunday April 7th
Kathleen Richards has joined Duet Vocal Academy as an acting and vocal coach.
New Classes
Group Singing Class Short Session starts May 8th, 2013 for 8-12 year olds with Jenni McGinnis
Accepting Registrations for our Summer Musical Theatre Scenes Workshop Now!
Kentlands Children and Adult Choirs Starting
Next session starts January 2013. More information at http://kentlands.org/chorus
Classes
Private Lessons
Voice Lessons
Ages 8 and older. Beginners to advanced singers welcome. Singing instruction applicable to all styles of music. 30 min, 45 min, and 60 min lessons available.
Acting Lessons
Ages 8 and older. Work on selecting and preparing monologues. Character work beyond monologues, exploring acting in scene work as well as acting through a song. Work on general public speaking skills including vocal and physical exercises and relaxation techniques.
Please Contact us for schedule and pricing.
Group Voice Classes
Little Musical Theatre Class
- Ages 7-9 years
- 8 Classes plus a showcase $250
- Saturdays 2:00-3:00 p.m.
- Singing and acting coaching from Stephanie Bonte-Lebair and Marni Ratner-Whelan
- In the beautiful, spacious Studio of Ballet Arts in Sandy Spring. See Map
- Starts February 2nd (No Class March 16th or March 30th)
- Class Showcase on Saturday April 13th
- Contact us to sign up
This class is designed to work with budding thespians on the basics of musical theater from listening and responding, singing fundamentals, basic movement, stage directions, acting games and full musical numbers. Each child will have a moment to shine as well as learn how to work together to create an ensemble. Class will conclude with a showcase of the musical numbers for parents.
Group Singing Class Mini Session for Kids 8-12/13 years with Jenni McGinnis
- Wednesdays 5-6 p.m.
- Next Session Starts May 8, 2013
- $175 for 6 classes
- For beginner and intermediate students
- Group and Solo songs assigned to every student
- In Class Recital for Parents on June 12, 2013
Teens 13/14-18 years with Stephanie Bonte-Lebair
- Thursdays 6:30-7:30 p.m.
- Next Session Starts January 17, 2013
- $325 for 12 classes (No Class March 28th)
- Musical Theatre Focus on Singing and Acting
- Learn Audition Techniques/Solo Song Assignments
- Monologue assignments from Acting Coach
- In Class Recital for Parents on April 11th, 2013
Adults with Stephanie Bonte-Lebair
- Learn technique and songs in a relaxed, adult-only setting
- Contact Stephanie if interested. Classes formed on demand.
Summer Workshops
Musical Theatre Summer Intensive – Singing and Acting
- June 24th to 28th – 5 days – 20 hours of instruction
- Ages 8-18
- 9 a.m. -1 p.m. Mon. to Wed. at The Academy of Fine Arts in Gaithersburg, MD
- Thurs. and Fri. 2:30-6:30 p.m. at Lakelands Park Middle School
- Workshop limited to only 10 students.
- Registration closes May 25th!
- Several Solo features for each student!
- Tuition $475
Students will receive music, acting and stage direction to fully perform songs and scenes from different musicals. Because the group is small, students will get a large amount of personal attention from professionals in the field and the week will culminate in a performance for family and friends. Every student will get multiple solos and moments to shine!
Contact us for more details or how to register.
Group Acting Class
Acting the Song Workshop – April 5th Registration Deadline
- Ages 12 and up
- Saturday, April 20th 1pm-5pm
- At The Academy of Fine Arts
- Instructor: Kathleen Richards
- Fee: $150
This workshop is designed to help performers find their character in a song. Work on recital pieces, audition pieces, or just the songs you love to sing --- and leave knowing that you will have all the tools for a fully rounded performance that audiences will love!
Each student should come prepared with two contrasting (uptempo and ballad or comic and dramatic) songs memorized and fully prepared musically. We will spend the workshop examining the moments in the songs, discussing basic movement and how to leverage the music and technique to develop your character. An accompanist will be provided. Please bring a clear copy of both songs for the accompanist, hole punched in a binder.
Contact us for more details or how to register.
(NEW) Teen A Cappella Singing Group
Auditions for High School Teens Sunday April 7th
Auditions will be scheduled in 10 minute intervals on Sunday April 7th from 2-5 p.m. in Gaithersburg, MD. Please come prepared to sing a pop, jazz or modern musical theatre song that best shows off your voice. No more than 60 seconds of the song is needed. You will sing a cappella (no CD or piano accompaniment).
Searching for strong singers in 9th to 12th grade. Singers must be able to hold their own while singing tight vocal harmony. This group will also feature several soloists, so strong pop and jazz singers are also encouraged to audition.
This group will sing vocal jazz and pop music in the style of shows like “The Sing Off” and the movie “Pitch Perfect”. Songs will include popular, modern musical theatre and jazz standards.
In general, this group will rehearse once a week for an hour in Gaithersburg, MD. More rehearsals may be scheduled if needed. Every effort will be made to accommodate the schedules of the members chosen. The cost to participate is about $500 a year (or $250 per semester).
Contact Stephanie to arrange an audition time and to get more details.
Student Recitals
Recitals Saturday May 18th
- At Diamond Elementary School Cafeteria Stage
- 10th Grade to adults – 2:00 p.m.
- Kids to 9th Grade – 4:00 p.m.
- Admission is FREE
Recital Sunday June 9th
- At the Arts Barn Theatre
- 5:30 p.m.
- Admission is FREE
2012 - 2013 School Year
Auditions for solos for Fall 2012 chorus season on July 28, 2012
Summer Audition Workshop - August 18 and 19, 2012
Chorus and Group Singing Classes start in September 2012
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Coming Soon
Fall Group Voice Class is forming NOW!
Get your voice back in shape and work on your vocal technique this fall.
Benefit Concert Nets $300 for Humane Society
Jenni and Stephanie are pleased to report that All About Animals, the concert they presented on February 17th, raised $300.00 for the Montgomery County Humane Society!
Sheet Music Resources
My Simon Price Listings for the Singing Book with CD
Sheet Music Direct
Sheet Music Plus
Aria and Song Database
Montgomery County Library