Musicianship. Sisterhood. Empowerment.
About Dean Hamilton Vocal Conservatory
Our Philosophy
We offer a unique program created by me that is personal, tailored and convenient. The first year of your child's enrollment includes a one-on-one evaluation of the students' current abilities, strengths and weaknesses in voice, performance and stage presence, plus a curriculum plan customized specifically for them. After that we continue on with weekly lessons to address any talents or issues they may have encountered at school or home.
We are committed to the success of our students. Our community of teachers, parents and students will provide a safe, nurturing collaborative learning environment where every student is recognized as a unique individual and encouraged to develop self-worth, value diversity and understand accountability.
One of the most important things our students can learn is how to express themselves and show who they are. Music gives them that platform and helps them navigate life, by giving them confidence, skills, and a healthy perspective on their own value as a human being.
Our voice is one of the most powerful instruments and the most valuable asset we have. There are so many ways in which we can actively use it to help us to: Live our lives more fully, express who we are, improve our speech and singing voice, improve our communication with others, and gain confidence and self-esteem that translates into improved self-worth and pride.
At the Hamilton Vocal Conservatory, students will learn to be leaders and role models while having fun. Our precollege music instruction can help transform a shy student into an artist through the development of important skills such as increased vocal range and flexibility, stage presence, empathy or improved class performance.
Founder,
Director, & Instructor
Melissa Angulo
Biography
Berkeley native Melissa Angulo, known for her rich and compelling soprano tone, is an artist on the rise. A singer equally at home in styles of opera, jazz, rhythm & blues, and musical theater. In 2022, Angulo premiered a new work by french hornist Jefferey Scott, alum of Imani Winds with the Quadre Horn Quartet including members of the San Francisco Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Portland Opera, and University of Michigan Faculty. Angulo sang alongside Frederica Von Stade at the 2015 Mendocino Music Festival. With participation in the University of Michigan University Choir, Angulo received her first Grammy nomination in 2014 under the baton of Kenneth Kiesler for Best Opera Recording. Additionally, in 2014, she covered the role of Inez in Virago Theater’s production of Il Trovatore, and in 2013, she took 1st place in the Pacific Musical Society Vocal Competition in the 19-25 category, adjudicated by Frederica Von Stade, Olivia Stapp, and the late Lotfi Mansouri. She has sung for events such as the Bear Valley Music Festival, the 100 Club Gala, Music and Wine in the Vineyards, the Arts Medallion Luncheon and Ceremony, and Open Opera’s Summer Sizzle.
Angulo completed her studies and training at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, under the instruction of the world-renowned, Cesar Ulloa. While at SFCM, she had the opportunity to work with Martin Katz, Danielle De Niese, Jose Maria Condemi, and Tamara Sanikidze, among others. Angulo began her collegiate career at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, studying with Daniel Washington. While at Michigan, she performed in the University of Michigan MUSKET’s production of Little Shop of Horrors by Alan Menken as the sassy Chiffon. Additionally, Angulo was coached by George Shirley, Robert Owens, Kamal Kahn, and Scott Piper. The summer following her freshman year, she participated in the summer young artists program, Music in the Marche, in Mondavio, Italy studying the Italian language, diction, voice, and performing opera scenes from Il Matrimonio Segreto and L’Incoronazione di Poppea. While in Italy, she studied voice with Rebecca Wascoe.
In addition to performing, teaching and working with youth has always been an integral part of Angulo as a musician. Angulo’s experience is primarily in teaching pre-teen and teenage students in theatrical and classical vocal performance, having worked with many notable organizations, including the Young Musicians Choral Orchestra and the Young Artists Conservatory of Music. She served as Junior Choir Conductor at YMCO during her time there and as an Assistant Stage Director for their Musical Theater program.
While Angulo’s teaching approach is rooted in classical technique, it is not limited to a book or any one genre. Angulo teaches students from the basis of classical vocal technique to approach Classical, Opera, Musical Theater, R&B, Jazz, Rock, and Pop. Each student has their own unique set of strengths, interests, and past knowledge and must be addressed as an individual. Angulo does not just aim to create good singers, but great musicians. Through taking what comes naturally to a student and nurturing it, comes the most fulfilled musicians. Angulo has helped past students step into University of Southern California, University of Michigan, New England Conservatory, UCLA, Rice University, Michigan State, Columbia University, Berklee College of Music, and more, armed with skills and scholarships.