Isabelle Schelbaum
Teaches Voice, Piano, Ukulele, and Group Music Classes
About Me
Hello! My name is Izzy Schelbaum. I am a graduate from Rowan University with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance. I also hold a Master's Degree of Vocal Performance and Pedagogy from Westminster Choir College. At Rowan University and Westminster Choir College, I performed in multiple choral ensembles, as well as Opera's. Previous roles I've sung are: Musetta in Puccini’s La Bohème, Despina in Mozart’s Così fan tutte, Adelaide in Dove’s The Enchanted Pig, Gretel in Humperdinck's Hänsel und Gretel, Mag in Wargo’s Ballymore and the title role of Cendrillon in Viardot’s Cendrillon. I have also performed as a soprano soloist in Faure’s Requiem, Mozart’s Missa Brevis, Khvoshchinsky’s Bogoroditse Devo, and Mendelssohn’s St. Paul Oratorio.
I seek to build a safe and nurturing environment where students can create meaningful and artistic experiences. I believe that music lessons should be fun, encouraging, and a process of discovery. My approach incorporates the positive encouragement for my students to express themselves through this musical outlet!
"My approach incorporates the positive encouragement for my students to express themselves through this musical outlet!"
When did you start playing music, what brought you to it?
I began my musical journey at the young age of six, playing piano. My father was a pianist and inspired me to start lessons, which I continued with through High School and eventually college. Throughout those years, I also developed an adoration for singing and involved myself in multiple ensembles and musicals. My high school choral experience inspired me to continue my journey with music through college and grad school, where I discovered the art of Classical singing. Within those years, I developed a strong foundation of vocal technique that I continue to use in my teachings, as well as personal practice.
What other instruments, aside from the ones you teach, have you played before?
Aside from teaching Piano and Voice, I have also played Ukelele, and feel able to teach the beginner basics if needed!
What style(s) of music do you like to play the most? Why?
I would say my favorite style of music to play/sing is Classical repertoire. As a young student, it was difficult for me to appreciate it. However, after years of studying and building a strong knowledge of performance and technique, I have such high respect for the art form. I have always loved musicals, whether it be participating in one or singing show tunes in my free time. I love the messages behind them and the unique styles they offer.
What are some of your favorite teaching moments?
What is a musical obstacle that you remember overcoming? How did you overcome it?
I have overcome many musical obstacles throughout my music journey. One being, dealing with stage fright. For the longest time, ever since I started piano lessons at 6 years old, I was always terrified of performing in front of an audience. I felt that I wouldn't be able to get through the performance without messing up, which I thought determined my worth as a performer. For a while, I chose to stop participating in recitals because of my fear, until I realized that the more you do something, the more you get better at it. If I am able to get through a tough section of my music by practicing it multiple times, I am able to build confidence in myself and perform onstage for an audience. Don't get me wrong, I always got nervous, but as I kept performing more and more, the nerves as scary anymore.
What are some musical goals you hope to achieve?
As I continue teaching Piano and Voice, my goal is to inspire my students to want to practice and to achieve their musical goals. I want to build a safe, nurturing and fun environment for my students, and will always aim to do so. I hope to encourage and inspire students to want to continue with music throughout their life, whether that be a career or even a hobby.
What advice could you give to someone who has just begun learning music?
The biggest advice I can give to a beginner student is that progress of any kind are still big victories! Everyone's pace is different and mistakes are all a part of the process. Music lessons are a place to express yourself artistically and to have fun.