Rita Mathsen is the reason that I am an opera singer. I always loved the art form, but I never expected that I could (or would) actually pursue it as a career until I met Rita. At our first lesson (knowing that she was an opera
singer), I told her that I wanted to improve my singing in musical theater and with my classic rock cover band. She said “OK,” and began to teach me the foundations of good singing, which translate to every genre of music. Very quickly, though, she recognized an interest and ability within me that had not yet been developed, and initiated a foray into the world of classical music.
As we ventured into this process, Rita’s teaching opened me up to a vast repertoire, a passion for opera, and a confidence that I had sorely lacked before. She developed my musicality and taught me about breath support, flexibility in the voice, and clear, emotional communication through language and intention. I became more confident, and my vocal technique improved in every aspect and style of singing: classical, cabaret, and popular alike.
Rita gave me opportunities to sing and encouraged me to seek out others. I had not always expected that I would pursue music in college and beyond, but Rita championed the idea. She urged me to do this, not because she wanted me to, but because she knew that it was what I really wanted to do. Rita was right; I earned a scholarship to a music program in college, spent graduate school at a well-known conservatory, and have continued working in the field since completing my academic studies. Early on, she taught me concepts that revealed themselves to be vitally important at every stage of my vocal and professional development. Since that first lesson with Rita, singing has taken me to theaters and concert halls throughout the United States, Europe, and South America,
and has provided me the amazing opportunities of performing leading roles in operas that I love, including La boheme, Le nozze di Figaro, Tosca, and Don Giovanni.
Rita has always been a steadfast source of support as a teacher and mentor. She has also been a pleasure to count as a friend for the past 12 years. Her warm personality and encouraging demeanor inspire enthusiasm from students of all interest levels, from young enthusiasts to budding professionals.
I cannot recommend anyone more highly as a teacher or credit anyone more significantly with guiding me onto my current path. Loving music (and even singing) can get you far, but meeting the person who can develop that love, sharpen your skills, and advise you on a path...that can mean the difference between a pipe dream and an attainable reality.
Jennifer Hoffman, lyric soprano
As we ventured into this process, Rita’s teaching opened me up to a vast repertoire, a passion for opera, and a confidence that I had sorely lacked before. She developed my musicality and taught me about breath support, flexibility in the voice, and clear, emotional communication through language and intention. I became more confident, and my vocal technique improved in every aspect and style of singing: classical, cabaret, and popular alike.
Rita gave me opportunities to sing and encouraged me to seek out others. I had not always expected that I would pursue music in college and beyond, but Rita championed the idea. She urged me to do this, not because she wanted me to, but because she knew that it was what I really wanted to do. Rita was right; I earned a scholarship to a music program in college, spent graduate school at a well-known conservatory, and have continued working in the field since completing my academic studies. Early on, she taught me concepts that revealed themselves to be vitally important at every stage of my vocal and professional development. Since that first lesson with Rita, singing has taken me to theaters and concert halls throughout the United States, Europe, and South America,
and has provided me the amazing opportunities of performing leading roles in operas that I love, including La boheme, Le nozze di Figaro, Tosca, and Don Giovanni.
Rita has always been a steadfast source of support as a teacher and mentor. She has also been a pleasure to count as a friend for the past 12 years. Her warm personality and encouraging demeanor inspire enthusiasm from students of all interest levels, from young enthusiasts to budding professionals.
I cannot recommend anyone more highly as a teacher or credit anyone more significantly with guiding me onto my current path. Loving music (and even singing) can get you far, but meeting the person who can develop that love, sharpen your skills, and advise you on a path...that can mean the difference between a pipe dream and an attainable reality.
Jennifer Hoffman, lyric soprano
I cannot recommend Rita Mathsen more highly as a vocal teacher, coach, mentor, and friend. Over the four years that I had the pleasure of working with her, Rita has helped me to develop a highly transferrable skill set as a singer that I can use in a variety of genres from broadway and pop to classical and opera. Rita's teaching method, in which students learn the physicality of vocal music in addition to theory and technique, allows students to explore themselves as artists and vocalists and maximize their talents. The skill set that I have developed with Rita is very similar to one that a chef might develop in cooking school - she provides students with all the tools and methods that they need to succeed as vocalists and, after studying with her, these students then are able to transfer these skills into the genres and settings of their choice. She is warm, encouraging, and a true teacher and mentor, deeply passionate about her students, her music, and helping to develop and build the next generation of strong singers. In the four years that we worked together, Rita has completely changed the way that I sing and helped me to become a stronger, more confident, and well-trained artist. With her guidance and support I was accepted as a member of the New York State School Music Association Conference All-State Mixed Choir, the University of Pennsylvania Glee Club, and the Pennchants, an all-male a cappella group at UPenn. Any student of vocal music would be lucky and blessed to work with such a qualified and incredible instructor.
Jacob Meiner
University of Pennsylvania '15
College of Arts and Sciences | The Wharton School BA, Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations
BS, Economics School of Arts and Sciences Chair, 2015 Class Board
Jacob Meiner
University of Pennsylvania '15
College of Arts and Sciences | The Wharton School BA, Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations
BS, Economics School of Arts and Sciences Chair, 2015 Class Board
I was a full time student of Rita Mathsen's for 3 years but have been a part time student of her's for almost 8 years now. Rita is a wonderful and nurturing teacher that will do whatever it takes to help her students succeed. Rita is the reason that I got into the Boston University College of Fine Arts as a Vocal Performance Major. Her love, guidance and support has helped me grow not only as a musician but also as a person. Rita is not only my teacher but she is also a great friend. I would highly recommend her to all students of any age or level.
Kara Fleishaker
Kara Fleishaker
