Artichoke Community Music Teachers

Marie Schumacher

Music Bio

Marie Schumacher is a teacher and musician who specializes in a cappella vocal singing and arranging. Marie applies her backgrounds in developmental psychology, music theory, and classroom teaching to her vocal instruction of groups and individuals. She plays guitar and piano, and she has taught vocal technique, chorus, music theory, piano, and creative exploration workshops to both adults and children. She holds a master's degree in educational psychology from U.C. Berkeley and a bachelor's degree from Harvard University, where she directed and managed a co-ed a cappella singing group.

Marie has released two CDs of original acoustic pop music, Inside Looking Out (2001) and Invisible to the Naked Eye (1998). Her third professional recording, Sometimes at Night, will be released in the fall of 2006. She has played with several rock, folk, r & b, and jazz bands and worked on numerous music projects, in addition to her own original work.

PDX Vox

PDX Vox is a singing group and vocal workshop for busy people who have a passion for pop music and are looking for a fun, low-pressure way to improve their singing in a friendly, supportive environment. PDX Vox is a cross between a chorus and a "vocal band," where pop songs are performed with voices only, and many of the voices "play" the parts of instruments. There are no voice auditions for PDX Vox, though some previous singing experience in a semi-organized way is recommended.

While learning some innovative and catchy arrangements of pop songs (which include folk, rock, doo-wop, r & b, gospel, jazz, and world music), the director works with the group on vocal blending, solid singing technique, music theory, and performance tips. You will improve your singing, learn a bit about the history of a cappella music, and have a great time harmonizing with other music lovers. There are three 10-week sessions per year: fall, winter and spring. There is also a holiday mini-session of 2-3 rehearsals and 2 performance opportunities.

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