Recommendations

February 4th, 2019

Hello there,

My name is Kate Madden, and I am a Toronto-based musical theatre performer. I am writing in support of Susan Gudgeon, who has been my vocal teacher, mentor, and friend for the last twelve years. I first met Susan when I was fifteen-years-old. I had no musical training and had little performance experience at the time. However, I knew that I loved to sing. A friend introduced me to Susan while we were at a production of Wicked.

The rest is history! I remember doing introductory exercises with Susan in our first few lessons. She explained vocal anatomy and breath in a way that made sense to me. If I ever struggled with a concept, she worked very patiently with me until I fully understood her. I felt confident and supported by Susan, and I was eager for our weekly lessons. Susan has a vast knowledge of music, ranging from opera and art songs to contemporary musical theatre. She encouraged me to try new things, and I remember having several breakthroughs while I was singing in front of her piano. She brought me along with her to numerous events, so that I could increase my comfort with performance. She helped enter me into the Burlington Rotary Festival, which is where I began singing in front of larger groups of people.

Susan introduced me to opera and even had me audition for her friend Giuseppe Macina, who ran a Toronto opera school called Toronto Opera Repertoire. It was here that I performed in Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro. I remember panicking during rehearsals because everyone else had been studying music and voice for years. It took me much longer to learn the material. Susan was always a phone call away, and she squeezed me in for in-person lessons whenever I asked. She reassured me and reminded me that I deserved to be there.

Susan helped me prepare my audition material for the Music Theatre Performance Program at Sheridan College. It had been my dream school for years, but I knew that the competition was very tough. I got in! I graduated from the program in 2016, and have been performing across Canada ever since. Over the years, Susan has taught me about vocal anatomy, breath support, music theory basics, classical and contemporary repertoire, and has shared her personal experiences in the performance industry. Not only has she provided this knowledge, but she has remained personal support and mentor throughout my journey into adulthood. Susan helped me realize my dreams. She had confidence and faith in me from the very beginning. I have seen Susan work with her other students, ranging from children to retired adults, and she gives the same dedication and support to all. She is always in her students’ corner, and I think that is pretty great!

If you have any questions for me, please feel free to write or call me at: kate.madds@gmail.corn or (289)230-1778.

Thank you,

Kate Madden

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