Berit Johnson, M.M., Soprano
Estill trained, NYC-based performer and arts educator with classical and contemporary voice training!
About me
CROSSOVER SINGER-ACTOR
I received my Master of Music in Vocal Performance and Literature in 2020 from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where I performed six versatile mainstage roles in opera and musical theatre. My Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and Theatre Art is from Concordia College Moorhead, Minnesota, where I sang Soprano 1 in the Concordia Choir and student chamber group, was captain of the student improv team, and performed multiple roles in straight theatre and musicals. Professionally, I work consistently as a cabaret singer, choral artist, church musician, and musical theatre/light opera performer in venues in New York City and across the country.
VOICE TEACHER/COACH, TEACHING ARTIST
I currently am on the voice teaching staff at the award-winning Krowne Vocal School in NYC and Acting Out! Premiere Acting Studio in Brooklyn and Westfield, NJ.
I work with vocalists and performers of all ages, voice types, and levels, amateur and professional! Whether you're interested in strengthening your mix/belt, perfecting your go-to aria or contemporary up-tempo, or want to feel confident singing your favorite pop or folk song, I have versatile training to work with any singer. I also lead audition and improv workshops and teach improv classes. Through my teaching, my students have a clear understanding of practicing healthy vocal and performance habits, authenticity and etiquette in the craft, application of collaboration with their peers, and a firm sense of joy and love for the performing arts. I ensure this by establishing an understanding and dedicated practice of vocal health in lessons with accessible language for each student depending on age and level, helping students understand and apply pedagogy in voice and acting training, and working with students to create an extensive versatile repertoire that is accessible and challenging to them while establishing a comfortable, safe relationship teacher to student.
VOCAL MUSIC DIRECTOR
I have music directed multiple fully staged musicals, three virtual projects in the COVID pandemic, directed and choreographed scenes for undergraduate showcases, and assistant directed two professional light opera productions as a graduate student. I believe authenticity and truth embedded in healthy vocal habits are key to successful storytelling in live theatre!