Testimonials
Marisa’s former students are singing professionally in the US, Ireland, Switzerland, Germany, Slovenia, Australia and England as well as with the Vancouver Chamber Choir, Musica Intima, Elora Festival Singers and Vancouver Opera to name a few. Students of Ms. Gaetanne have repeatedly won top National Awards in RCM Exams and have many times achieved medal standing at the Provincial Kiwanis Festival.
Marisa Gaetanne is one of the finest voice teachers in Vancouver. Her depth of knowledge of the vocal mechanism, body alignment, and vocal function is exceptional, and her ability to hear and diagnose even the smallest details sets her apart. From my very first lessons, I was impressed by how quickly she identified both subtle and significant issues in my singing. Her explanations were always clear, precise, and practical, enabling me to make immediate improvements. In a remarkably short period of time, she helped expand my vocal range, improve my focus and tone, and develop greater vocal freedom, power, and consistency.Through her detailed and methodical training, I was able to progress into a professional singing career and later build a successful voice studio of my own. Marisa taught me that healthy singing begins with the body, that consistent technical work and warm-ups are essential, and that there are very few limits to what can be achieved through proper training and dedication.I am deeply grateful for the impact she has had on my development as both a singer and teacher. Any student who has the opportunity to study with Marisa will be learning from a truly exceptional educator.
Marisa was my teacher while I was studying for my Bachelor of Music degree at the University of British Columbia from 2009-2013. We clicked right away at our first lesson and I have since learned so much from her. In the studio, she is equal parts technician and musician; outside, she has played the roles of both life coach and mentor. She creates an atmosphere of genuine, honest learning and always speaks clearly about singing technique. More importantly, Marisa has provided me with the self-confidence and moral support needed for a performance career. What I appreciate the most about Marisa is that she always dedicated all her attention and efforts to me during a lesson. She is passionate about teaching and is constantly keeping up to date with the latest pedagogical concepts. Marisa is a real teacher-- not just someone doing a job-- and I am a much better artist and musician today because of her. I would recommend her to anyone seeking a truthful, dedicated and supportive singing teacher. ... Evanna Chiew
Marisa is an exceptional musician and teacher. I studied with Marisa for many years during high school and throughout my BMus at UBC before going onto the Royal Academy of Music in London and now Dublin, Ireland where I work as a professional soprano. I often reflect on the wonderful foundation Marisa helped me build. To this day my singing as well as my teaching is profoundly informed by the work I did with Marisa. She is dedicated, enthusiastic, detail-oriented, nurturing, and talented and I feel very fortunate to have been one of her students." ...Catherine Redding
Marisa is a singer and teacher who blends impeccable musicianship with a deep love for her art. Her extensive knowledge of song literature and style as well as vocal pedagogy, her mastery of languages and incredible attention to detail within the multi-layered world of song enable her to teach and sing with conviction and beauty. I have been so blessed to have had Marisa as my voice teacher. She encouraged me to make my dreams a reality and I am profoundly grateful to her for guiding me toward excellence in my studies of music, studies which have unveiled for me many paths of happiness and fulfillment. Thank you for the joy of singing, Marisa!" ...Leanne Page
While singing with the Vancouver Bach Children's Chorus, I began to take lessons with Marisa, my first voice teacher. One season I sang second alto in the choir, the next I became first soprano... Marisa provided me with a solid beginning in vocal technique and satisfied my ravenous musical appetite with challenging works. She carefully and successfully prepared me for university auditions. Marisa is a supportive and honest teacher who I believe genuinely cares about her students and has much to share, both vocally and personally. This is why I left every lesson looking forward to the next."...Theresa Plut
I had the pleasure of studying private voice with Marisa from 2007-2010 while completing the Bachelor of Music program at UBC. During my time with her, I grew to respect her not only as an educator, but as a mentor and a friend. She is a consummate professional, but still manages to connect with her students on a personal level, taking great interest in their goals, celebrating their achievements, and helping them through their struggles. In the studio, she is a skilled technician and musician. Lessons with her were always engaging, challenging, and packed with 'a-ha' moments -- a singer's best friend! I particularly enjoyed her coaching sessions with my piano collaborator. She has a real knack for building ensemble and encouraging communication between musicians. I have also had the joy of working under Marisa's artistic directorship as an administrator and conductor with the Vancouver Bach Children's Chorus from 2009-present. As a colleague, Marisa is energetic, eager to try new things, supportive, and understanding. As a music educator, she is committed to professional development, and dedicated to developing the musical, social, and emotional well being of those in her tutelage. Marisa's energy, compassion, and pure joy of music are infectious, making her a wonderful teacher and mentor!"...Stephanie Olson
