I went on to make my professional debut with Opera San Jose in California and lived and worked on the West Coast for many years in both operatic and concert repertoire. While living in New York City, I made my Carnegie Hall debut as the featured Soprano soloist in Handel's Messiah and John Rutter's Requiem and also performed recitals with Trinity Church and the New York Festival of Song.

Additional roles include Rosina (Il Barbiere di Siviglia), Zerlina (Don Giovanni), Despina (Così fan tutte), Atalanta (Xerxes), Adele (Die Fledermaus), and Norina (Don Pasquale) with organizations such as Opera San Jose, Festival Opera, Lake George Opera Festival and the Chicago Humanities Festival as well as American Bach Soloists and the San Francisco City Choir and Orchestra.

I have recorded on the Deluxe label and worked with such prominent conductors as Alondra de la Parra, Daniel Beckwith, Paul Nadler, Jeffrey Thomas and Michael Barrett. Since moving to Vermont, I have devoted my time to teaching voice privately, recital work and raising my three children. I am also on faculty at the Upper Valley Music Center and have taught at Keene State College and Dartmouth College. As a performer, I explore the intersection of bluegrass, folk and classical music. I have performed Joni Mitchell’s Blue album to sold out venues with Tristan Bellerive on guitar, Dave Wysocki on bass, with myself on vocals, piano and dulcimer.

My students are active with NATS, All State, NEMFA, Northern Stage’s Boot Camp program, with many graduates pursuing classical voice, musical theater degrees, and working as internationally-touring professional musicians. 

After receiving my training at the Oberlin Conservatory,

ready to launch your singing career?

I work with all ages and skill levels to develop a strong foundation for healthy vocalism in a variety of styles including:

  • Classical

  • Musical theater

  • Pop music

  • Folk

My rate:

  • $40/half hour

  • $60/45 minutes

  • $80/hour


why should you work with me?

  • I offer personalized lesson plans tailored to your individual goals.

  • We focus on building confidence and stage presence in a safe and comfortable environment.

  • You experience preparing for auditions, performances, or college applications to meet your most important musical moments competently and gracefully.

  • Build a devoted practice that will fulfill your passion for singing.

“Young adults seek teachers and mentors they can trust and feel safe with and Julie embodies both of these traits. Julie dedicates herself to her students and their musical journey and in-turn the students show-up and trust her with their vulnerabilities when learning how to use their voice as an instrument. As a parent I have been an audience member in many performances that highlight Juile’s students and what a joy that is and will continue to be!”

— Heather Nowlan

“Woodstock”

with Julie Ness & Tristan Bellerive