Voice Lessons in Eugene, OR

Paula Alva Garcia (soprano) started her music education in Trujillo, Peru with the renowned soprano Martha Perez. She participated in numerous recitals and concerts and received several master classes. In 2017 she came to the United States to study with Dr. Jeanie Darnell at FGCU. She played the role of Berta in “The Barber of Seville” in Trujillo in 2018 and has also been a soloist with the Symphonic Orchestra of Trujillo many times. She has participated in several performances in and out of school and she was also an active member of Opera Naples (Florida). Currently she is studying for a master’s in music performance at the University of Oregon under the guidance of Dr. Camille Ortiz, where she performs with the Opera ensemble and has GE duties.

Lyayuka is a soprano from Nairobi currently based in Eugene, Oregon. She began voice classes with Eddie Baraka Mony while in Kenya, where she explored various repertoires from arias to musical theater. She is currently pursuing a Masters in Vocal Performance at University of Oregon under the tutelage of Dr. Karen Esquivel.

She has participated in various opera productions by Baraka Opera Trust, they include; Okoko in the opera Nyanga, Carmen from Habanera and mother in Amahl and the night visitors. She recently performed the role of Belinda in Dido and Aeneas with the UO Opera Ensemble. She recently won the UO Opera Ensemble Annual Scholarship Competition.

Tea Mercer has had a passion for music and helping people find their own voice since they began their voice training in musical theatre at the age of nine. Their natural talent was honed through their teenage years by several talented coaches and teachers; including Dorian Holley (former vocal coach of Michael Jackson, and American Idol).

Tea began their professional music career in 2010 performing at small independent venues. During this time they began their own music coaching with a dual bachelor’s degree (Drama & Education) at the University of California at Irvine.

In 2017 Tea’s professional performing career took center stage as they moved to Los Angeles and pursued a professional pop music career including 2 EPs and several single releases, and performing at iconic venues throughout Southern California. During this time, they continued teaching and coaching performers in singing and piano of all ages and abilities.

In 2024 Tea was accepted to the University of Oregon’s College of Education seeking Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology. Tea’s experience, passion, and patience gives them a uniquely broad and effective perspective.

Denise Norwood is thrilled to be a member of the Pavilanis School Of Music team. She retired from several decades of full-time performing as lead vocalist in a myriad of different bands (including Top 40, New Wave, Disco, Country, and Jazz), and, in conjunction, has been teaching voice for many years. Denise’s early training was in classical voice, and she seamlessly weaves in technique and solid fundamentals, while supporting the musical genres preferred by each individual student. Denise has also served as vocal arranger, choreographer, costumer, director and performer in Musical Theater, and for over 20 years worked alongside her husband producing year-round theater in a beautiful turn-of-the-century Opera House.

Denise welcomes students of all ages and skill levels and specializes in those who are extra challenged by shyness or anxiety. She takes great joy in using her skill and committed heart to provide a nurturing environment that inspires risk-taking and ever higher levels of growth and creativity. Denise will work with you to set individualized goals… and honor the unique and beautiful partnership between student and teacher.