THE TEACHER
Betty Anne Northup began welcoming students to her home studio in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia in the late 90's. A very busy and successful performer, she didn't plan to become a voice teacher, a music mentor, rather she fell into it. In 1996/97 Betty Anne and her late husband Larry Christensen opened Vernon Recording, at the time an analogue recording studio. They were hired to take on a huge recording project for Vernon's Silverstar Elementary School. The project enlisted Betty Anne to sing all the guide vocals for the elementary students. As the kids came in day after day to record the vocal parts they had learned at school, many handed a note to Betty Anne from parents inquiring as to whether she would consider teaching their child.
Betty Anne was a natural connecting easily with students and her roster quickly grew. An intuitive teacher, she can access the needs of each person offering kind affirming guidance while building awareness. Over the years she has become a respected music educator in voice and vocal health, song writing, music theory and stage presence. Students are offered the opportunity to record in her studio thus gaining additional invaluable experience. Her clientele ranges in age from as young as five to seventy and beyond. She has encouraged, mentored and helped boys, girls, men and woman through the years. Betty Anne works with the absolute anguished beginner, professionals whose technique needs tweaking and everything in between.
In recent years she has coached actors in local community theatre and has hosted online session to students from Vancouver to Toronto, from Bellingham Washington to San Carlos Mexico. Still a busy performer, Betty Anne continues to keenly share her experience and knowledge with her clientele.
Student Testimonials:
Andrew Allen
As a professional touring singer/songwriter that's had the opportunity to open for acts like Bruno Mars, One Republic, The Script, Train, The Barenaked Ladies and more, my voice is definitely something I need to keep well conditioned, and strong. Betty Anne helped coach me early on in my career, giving me the necessary tools to sing effectively night after night to prevent vocal strain, maintain good vocal health, while still achieving the desired vocal tone and ability to hit notes powerfully and authentically. I've carried these skills with me through countless TV performances, radio tours and live shows where often the monitoring was less than awesome, yet I was able to intonate and successfully navigate the song often by feel. I credit Betty Anne with this ability, and would highly recommend her training for any level of singer!
Plus, she's super super nice.
-- Andrew Allen
Kailee Duggan (McGuire)
"Taking vocal lessons with Betty Anne has been a huge help in my musical journey. She has given me the tools and techniques to hone my vocal skills, let go of bad habits and create new healthy ones that support and further my progress as a singer. She has also helped me immensely with my song writing. She is incredibly kind and has created a warm, welcoming space in her studio. I never feel judged and am free to sing loud, make mistakes and sing her personal songs I have written. I would highly recommend her to anyone seeking a vocal coach!"
Olivia Penalva
I was introduced to Betty Anne when I was eleven years old after deciding I wanted to pursue a career of music. Although it’s been many years since I’ve had the pleasure of working with her, I credit a lot of my early inspiration and vocal abilities to her. I had the pleasure of learning from her, recording my first album with her and even had her playing alongside me for many of the local gigs and CD release shows I did in the early years of my career. I am very grateful I got to share all those special moments with such a great mentor. Betty Anne is a very kind friend, talented musician and an even better teacher whom I am glad I’ve had the pleasure of knowing.