Advanced High School and College
Arden Sugarman Eliopoulos is an exceptional singer, vocal technician, and mentor. Since my first phone call with her she has found a way to brighten my voice and well-being. Her unconditional support and shared desire for excellence empowered me to safely develop my vocal instrument, and her mentorship nurtured me into a well-rounded member of my college community. I cannot recommend her enough, as she truly cares about the well-being of her students.
Andre Pang (Studying Theatre at Northwestern University, Class of 2026)
I started at the Sugarman Vocal Studio when I was in the seventh grade. At that time, I was a slovenly mess of a young man. I had a love for singing, but also had no technical base to ensure I wouldn’t injure my voice or would be able to keep singing for a long time. Thankfully, Arden took me under her big ol wings and showed me how to maintain the health and longevity of my instrument. She was engaging, nurturing, and soon became as much as a friend as she was a teacher.
Sam O’Byrne
I then began high school at Marin School of the Arts, and thus engaged in four years of consistently singing. Arden is the sole reason I made it out of there with my voice healthy and intact. She made me confident in my singing, in my acting, and wasn’t afraid to tell me what was what. Arden is incredibly invested in her students, and is always there for emergency lessons or just a word of advice. Without her constant support and loving guidance, I wouldn’t be anything close to who I am today, and I wouldn’t be lucky enough to be attending Carnegie Mellon University. Arden was there every step of the way, be it helping me with my monologues for auditions or working with me on last minute songs for the NHMTA. I cannot recommend her studio enough for the aspiring actor, singer, or just generally good human being.
MARIN SCHOOL OF THE ARTS – THEATRE, CLASS OF 2015
CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY, BFA, ACTING, CLASS OF 2019
I came to Arden looking to build a repertoire and develop my voice to help me thrive at Marin School of the Arts. I wanted to expand my range and have a binder full of songs I could pull out and perform at any moment (both of which I ultimately achieved).
Lindsey Russell
Through fun, but hard work, I watched my range slowly expand high and low, and saw monumental changes in the technique and professional qualities my voice came to develop. I gained an unexpected confidence not only in my voice, but also in myself. I watched myself grow as not only a performer and singer, but as a person. While Arden started as just a vocal coach, she came to be a mentor, supporter, cheerleader, and friend.
While I no longer will be having weekly lessons with Arden since I am going off to college, I know that I will be forever grateful for all she has done for me, and helped me discover about myself. I actually wish I could have a real Pocket Arden to meet, sing and talk with every week because I sure will miss the lessons that came to be the best part of my week.
I just hope that anyone deciding whether or not to study with Arden makes the same decision I did, because I would not be the singer, performer, or person I am today if it weren’t for Arden Sugarman. I give her an 11 out of 10!
MARIN SCHOOL OF THE ARTS, CLASS OF 2015
CAL POLY SAN LUIS OBISPO, CLASS OF 2019
Through four years of training with Arden, I have seen my voice improve immensely. Arden’s studio is welcoming and comfortable, the perfect place for artistic expansion. Arden is an incredibly kind teacher, but is not afraid to push students beyond what they think is possible. Arden’s best quality is that she caters to each student individually and there is no one way of teaching that she follows for every person. If someone is preparing for an audition, musical, recital, even monologue, she will change her curriculum to fit the needs of that student while simultaneously improving technique. I can honestly say that Arden’s work not only helped my singing, but my voice acting as well, and I would not have been accepted to the schools I have been without her training. I highly recommend her studio to any range of talent, from beginner to professional, Arden fits the student.
Jackson Verolini
MARIN SCHOOL OF THE ARTS – THEATRE, CLASS OF 2015
BFA/ACTING UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN, CLASS OF 2019
Arden Sugarman has, without a doubt, helped me become the singer and actress I am today. Before studying with Arden, I had no vocal training whatsoever, or any knowledge of how to use my instrument, or voice. And at the age of fourteen, I was about to enter MSA’s Musical Theater program and was extremely nervous to sing in front of an audience. This was mostly because I felt as if I wasn’t vocally strong or confident enough. However, within a short amount of time, through her valuable techniques, Arden taught me how to produce a sound that was my own. This gave me that much-needed confidence.
Mia Klenk
Not only did she prepare me for unknown material, Arden became a voice of reason. Whether it pertained to a song I was performing, or a monologue I was preparing, Arden never failed to offer me rock-solid advice and critiques that strengthened each piece. If you are a student desiring to work with one of the best vocal teachers, Arden Sugarman is my top pick.
One thing that I think is very important and unique about Arden is her compassion – she is truly the type of person that everyone deserves to have in his or her life.
MARIN SCHOOL OF THE ARTS – THEATRE, CLASS OF 2015
SRJC, AA 2017 THEATRE, ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
Arden pushes her students, knowing what they are capable of and what they can strive to be. She works quickly, wasting no time, and is unconditionally supportive of her students.
Caroline Flett
Arden helped me navigate my way through my college auditions and she more than prepared me for every one of them. It is because of her unrelenting mentorship that I am now attending the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University for a BM in Vocal Performance.
I would recommend Arden’s studio to anyone who truly loves to sing. She will diligently and selflessly work alongside anyone with a passion for voice.
MARIN SCHOOL OF THE ARTS – MUSICAL THEATRE, CLASS OF 2014
BM MUSIC, CLASS OF 2017 JACOBS SCHOOL OF MUSIC, INDIANA UNIVERSITY
Over my years with Arden, my voice has expanded to notes I never even considered attempting to sing and that I couldn’t have reached without her.
Sara Packer
MARIN SCHOOL OF THE ARTS – THEATRE, CLASS OF 2014
OCCIDENTAL COLLEGE, CLASS OF 2018
Absolutely lovely! Arden empowered me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace my voice. She has a talent for recognizing a student’s struggles along with personalizing a unique structure to enhance one’s artistic potential. Arden has helped me find the courage and confidence in my vocal training. She continues to challenge me as an artist and as a student. Arden is truly a sincere and lovable soul that wants her students to thrive: not only will she be your biggest fan; she will act as a rock in your artistic journey. After leaving Sugarman Vocal Studio, you will feel stronger,
Peyton Victoria
SANTA ROSA JUNIOR COLLEGE, 2016
GENDER AND WOMEN’S STUDIES
READ ABOUT PEYTON IN ‘PRELUDE TO A KISS’
Arden instilled in me a love of performing, a love of precision, and a joy of singing.
Elizabeth Hertzberg, Former Student, 1999-2006
SAN FRANCISCO CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC, B.M. 2011
Graduate Student – Clinician
I was a student of Arden’s throughout middle and high school. Our weekly voice lessons are some of my favorite memories from that time. She is an incredible instructor and friend who taught me so much about music and my own voice. It was our lessons together that inspired me to become a speech-language pathologist with an interest in voice disorders. To this day I am still using the techniques she taught me to help singers and non-singers heal their voices and develop healthy vocal habits. Arden is a wealth of knowledge and an excellent educator. I cannot recommend her services enough.
Ella Krikorian
Rush University
Professional Singer
In my experience, what makes a great teacher is an expansive capacity to listen, credence in their own faculties (with the experience to warrant such confidence), and a vast wealth of the currency called trust. Arden Sugarman is a great teacher. I would not be the learner, singer, and person I am today if it were not for Arden. My training with Arden has spanned more than a decade, and even now I continue to improve because I was lucky enough to come under her tutelage.
Josh Bryan
I came to Arden the summer before I started high school, eager and anxious to excel as a singer as quickly as possible in all the wrong ways. Arden started me at the beginning (a very good place to start, I’m told) with breath and posture and ease. But I wanted to do unhealthy things with my voice that, at the time, I thought would get me what I wanted: an ever-expanding range and a powerful belt. Ah, the naïveté of a tweenager. When I expressed my desires, and unknowingly my impatience, Arden gave me a choice: I could choose to study with her and prevent any damage before it happens, or seek training elsewhere, because she would not ever have a student harm their voice under her careful and concentrated study. I chose Arden. Because of her credence.
Throughout my time studying with Arden in high school, I made the determination to pursue a performance degree. I was almost certain that I wanted to study musical theatre, but I also was considering training classically. Arden heard me and heard my desires, but more importantly she really saw me for who I was and for who I could be. She saw in me capability as a technician, talent as an artist, and potential as a college freshman-to-be. Arden rose above and beyond the call of duty. She armed and armored me with everything I needed to be at my best, and I was prepared for every audition, every surprise, and every opportunity. I waltzed through the chaos of college audition warfare and returned with a smile. Because she listened.
I’m a recent college graduate with a BFA in Musical Theatre from Emerson College, and am now a professional multi-hyphenated performer. In January of 2020 I was hired to work as a Mainstage Performer with Disney Cruise Line in various productions on the Disney Wonder. Although the pandemic took away my employment, it presented me with the opportunity to study with Arden again – a chance I jumped at. Little did I know that this time around with Arden would be possibly the most rewarding. Arden’s faith in me was ever present from the beginning, but what she gave me was the faith I needed in myself. I learned what it meant to truly rely on my body, my voice, my instrument to consistently do what was asked of it. Arden made me feel like the badass I am. Because she gave me trust.
Of the many identities I walk in, the one I’m most proud to own is that I am a lifelong learner. I am still being physically, intellectually, and musically propelled. I am still deepening and specifying and solidifying my technique. Oh, and by the way, I do have an ever expanding range and a powerful belt. Arden, my music Mom, with the deepest gratitude, thank you.
joshbryan.net
Through Arden’s excellent mentorship I have taken my singing to the next level. With her guidance I discovered increased range and much more ease, for the first time making fast, agile musical passages attainable.
Kyla Knox
Arden has a wealth of knowledge about healthy singing technique and a great ear for correcting problems. She is positive, resourceful, organized, and committed to her students in every way.
I highly recommend Arden for any student interested in making their singing easier, healthy, and more polished.
MM (VOCAL PERFORMANCE), MOORES SCHOOL OF MUSIC, UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON, 2014
…Arden is the consummate professional. I have learned so much from her and I love her approach to the music, the technique, and the students. I am privileged to have been her student.
Raquel Bitton
HTTP://WWW.RAQUELBITTON.COM/
In Arden, you have a partner — a highly skilled professional who will meet you in that mysterious world of your voice and explore every corner of it with you. At every lesson, she meets you exactly where you are and helps you to grow from there. And she has that rare ability to make you feel like you are the only person on the planet when she is with you!
Illana Zauderer
STANFORD U., BA MUSIC AND VOICE
Hear Illana
Excellent voice teacher! Arden Sugarman, in my opinion, is an absolute top-notch, professional voice teacher. The foundation she’ll teach any student will allow them to choose whatever style they’d like to sing and then dive into it with full confidence that they’ll have the knowledge and experience to do it really well. (If they PRACTICE, of course!) Even though the bulk of my professional singing career has been in rock music, I would not be able to sing the wide variety of styles I do without having had vocal training similar to the caliber Arden offers. I send my kids to her without hesitation and I think she’s the best. Two thumbs way up!
Brette Stranne, RIP 1958-2011
Music Professional and Teacher
I came to Arden to better understand the mechanics of the voice before I attended graduate school. She helped me discover the depth, resonance, and unique beauty of my voice in a completely supportive environment.
Barret Wilber, M.M Collaborative Piano University of Maryland ‘17
I have taken lessons from Arden for a few years, and she has helped me develop my voice in a way that I could not have imagined. Although Arden had a career as a singer her passion is teaching, and you can feel this in every lesson. Her enthusiasm is contagious and her positive attitude supports the progress. Her knowledge of the human voice combined with the articulation of words is superior.
Christyna Kaczynski-Kozel, Teacher of Musical Phenomenology
I highly recommend Arden for students of all ages and of all proficiency.
VIDEO ON PRACTICING MUSICAL PHENOMENOLOGY
CHRISTYNA KACZYNSKI-KOZEL PLAYS DEBUSSY
It has rarely happened to me in my musical life to meet a great artist who is also an outstanding teacher, or a very skilled teacher who is at the same time an highly gifted artist, as well as a sensitive artist who teaches at top-level and also shows rare qualities as a human being. When I met Arden Sugarman it was immediately clear to me that I was in the presence of all three of those characteristics: a gem of an artist, a teacher and a human being. Arden’s proximity as a musician, an educator and a friend has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have been blessed with since I moved to California.
Laura Magnani, Vocal Coach; Accompanist; Concert Pianist: Piano Teacher; Chamber Music Coach
Arden’s teaching artfully combines skill, experience, knowledge and understanding. Her support for her students and her belief in them is unwavering, and the results she gets range from terrific to brilliant.
John Boyajy, Concert Pianist and Teacher
B. MUS., M.S. THE JUILLIARD SCHOOL
Arden Sugarman is a wonderful coach because she consistently provides constructive criticism illuminating new goals for students while giving specific and positive feedback on work already accomplished. This combination maintains forward energy in coachings and keeps students aware that they have a teacher right by their side the whole way. She is there for you!
Christopher Zander, Pianist, Music Director
ST OLAF COLLEGE, BA/MUSIC, PIANO EMPHASIS, CLASS OF 2014
If I have a student who is serious about music and wants to improve his/her technique and musicality, Arden is always my first recommendation. My high school students who have studied with her have gained so much.
Emily Gates, Music Teacher
SAN MARIN HIGH SCHOOL
Professional Voice User/Orator
Arden is an extraordinary teacher. I initially came to see her to develop a better speaking voice. I never thought of myself as a singer, but with Arden’s exquisite technical assistance and encouragement I discovered I can sing! Each lesson is geared to my needs and musical interests. I always learn something new, and Arden supports and challenges me to just the right degree. The lessons are always a pleasure, and Arden unfailingly lifts my spirits.
Lisa Ferguson
NICASIO
Pre-Professional Singer
Arden has taught me an incredible amount over the past four years that I have been studying with her. She is my brilliant mentor, unending inspiration, and caring friend all wrapped up in one. She has shown me that singing is a delicate balance between control and letting go, between following an established technique and trusting your own voice. I think of these as not only integral lessons on how to become a successful vocal musician, but also on how to become a successful person. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow with Arden and for the pure joy that she brings to every lesson!
Gena Madory
M.A. (EDUCATION) WITH MULTIPLE SUBJECTS TEACHING CREDENTIAL AND BILINGUAL AUTHORIZATION, STANFORD UNIVERSITY, 2016
B.A. (SPANISH LITERATURE) WITH LATINA/O CONCENTRATION, KENYON COLLEGE, 2014
Arden Sugarman is an extraordinary voice teacher. Without her instruction, insight and unflagging support, I would not now be progressing so swiftly and surely along the path to a professional operatic career. She draws on her extensive professional background and innate sensitivity to bolster and steady her students through the challenges of competition and performance.
Bryn Aratyr Jimenez, Soprano
Arden will unfailingly turn every experience- no matter the outcome- into an opportunity for her students to grow as singers. She is, beyond doubt, the most selfless and encouraging teacher I have ever met.
During my time in her studio, her approach systematically eliminated the unnecessary tension in my sound production, focused my voice, unified my range and improved all aspects of my over-all performance product.
…because her approach to teaching voice recognizes both individual skill levels and a student’s individual aspirations, singers of every age and caliber will further their goals, develop their skills and blossom under Arden’s tutelage.
Avocational Adult
I have been Arden’s student for 15+ years. I have aged in years but not my voice, even though I am now 74, and I know it is because of the high quality caring teaching she has given me. She calls me “her oldest student” and we both feel the warm friendship that has grown over the years as she nurtured my growth as a singer and as a musician. I feel enormous gratitude that she has been in my life diligently and joyfully changing my bad habits and psychological impasses through her work with my singing.
Pilar Montero, Ph.D.
Yesterday I told her she was a healer as well as a teacher. I added that I am a psychoanalyst so I know what I am saying. Yes, she was pleased and once again I received one of her laughing hugs.
MARIN COUNTY, JULY 2016
Arden is such a wonderful voice teacher. She is enthusiastic, encouraging and kind. After many years without singing, I wanted to give it a try again when I retired, and really did not know if I would be able to produce any sort of decent sound. Arden was recommended to me by my previous voice teacher, and I feel so lucky to have found her. She helped me “get back in the saddle” and I am now singing again. I never leave a lesson without having gained something positive to help my singing… a mental trick, a spirit uplift or a physical improvement of some sort.
Susan Simpson
MARIN COUNTY, JULY 2015
Parent
Arden is an amazing singing teacher. My daughter’s voice and poise as a singer has improved greatly over the years. However, what I am most appreciative for is the way Arden has taught my daughter to respect and honor herself, her choices and her beautiful singing voice. High School students absorb a lot from their friends some positive some not so positive. I always felt so grateful that once a week my daughter would enter the sanctuary of Sugarman Vocal Studios. On her singing days she would come home walking a bit taller with renewed confidence. I loved watching how Arden’s beauty, grace and loving presence would rub off on my daughter. I am so grateful my daughter had the opportunity to train with a master singing teacher and equally grateful for the excellent role model Arden has been in my daughter’s life.
Janice Campbell (Christina’s mom)
Thank you for such a delightful summer experience for Laura. She leaves your studio beaming and excited to tell me the new things she has learned. You are a talented teacher who knows how to encourage, correct and inspire.…Thank you for making a difference in our family.
Jonie Helms (Avery and Laura’s Mom)
There are teachers and vocal coaches out there…..and then there is Arden. My son Josh studied with Arden during his four years at Marin School of the Arts. He always had a strong voice….a blank canvas, if you will, for Arden to work with. The first time I dropped in to attend a lesson I was in tears. I could not believe what I heard! At his senior recital a few months ago I had so many parents and students come up to compliment me on how amazing his voice was. Those kudos are for Arden! Lastly, in a few weeks Josh will be off to pursue his BFA in Musical Theater at one of his top college choices. With a freshman class of just 15, the competition was fierce! I honestly do not believe Josh would be one of the lucky 15 without the coaching and guidance and love and nurturing he received from Arden over the years. And yes, sometimes a kick in the pants. She is worth every penny. Every hour of practice. And she genuinely cares about each and every student. She wants to be the first to get the college audition de-briefs, and tears up when her students move on. Thank you Arden! When Josh earns his first Tony we will all be thanking YOU!!!!!!
Karyn Scott (Joshua’s Mom)
We feel so fortunate to have found Arden. When she first met Arden, our daughter, Ava, was a timid, insecure and unfocused 14-year old. Arden saw Ava’s potential, and worked with her to develop the technique and discipline a serious vocalist needs to reach their goals in a healthy, sustained manner. We have watched our daughter blossom from a shy and uncertain singer, to a true performer. She is singing songs from multiple genres that she never thought possible. We have learned a lot as well!
Arden does not simply focusing on vocal education. She sees her pupils as unique individuals, and cares deeply that they are healthy, fulfilled and happy in all aspects of their lives. Arden has been a mentor to Ava – and to our entire family – as we have navigated the ups-and-downs of high-school. Her advice has been, and will continue to be, invaluable as we begin our journey in the college application and audition process. We know Arden will be there, cheering us on every step of the way!
Nancy Roche (Ava’s Mom) Ava – Berkelee College of Music, Class of 2020
Arden Sugarman has been the most incredible influence on my daughter in many ways… She has coached her vocal abilities so beautifully… Arden heard the potential in her voice and knew exactly how to bring her voice to blossom.
Lora Dinga (Phoebe Dinga’s mom)
Chelsea says: “Arden makes the process fun and she works so quickly. I love that about her. She wastes no time and we can cover so much ground just when I really need to.”
Deborah O’Flynn (Chelsea and Riley’s mom)
Riley says: “Arden makes me feel very comfortable and made my transition back into singing easy and enjoyable. I have made so much progress in such a short amount of time.”
You will always be a special part of helping them strive toward their artistic goals, Arden.
Arden is professional, focused, and positive…always. Arden helped Rae select her audition pieces, and her coaching was key to Rae winning the Beach Blanket Babylon vocal scholarship, as well as her acceptance into a prestigious musical theater program with a talent scholarship. We recommend Arden without hesitation.
Evelyn and Nick Davoren (Rae Davoren’s parents)
Arden took a shy girl with a quiet voice, and transformed her into a soloist. Arden has been an amazing teacher, but also a mentor to a teenager emerging into young adulthood.
Cindy Klinkman (Andrea and Monika’s mom)
Arden is professional, pleasant to work with and is exceptionally supportive. With Arden’s coaching, my daughter obtained a vocal talent scholarship from Chapman University.
Gina Friedman (Gianna’s Mom)
Young Singer
When I first came to Arden, I was insecure about how weak my voice was. Through her tireless support and amazing teaching skills, my voice became so much stronger, and I became one hundred times more confident about it. Arden helped me navigate the scary world of MSA auditions, and made sure that I was as prepared as I could possibly be. I recommend Arden to anyone looking to improve his or her voice in a kind, supportive environment.
Julia Schulmanm
MARIN SCHOOL OF THE ARTS/THEATER ARTS, CLASS OF 2019
Thank you so much for all of the wonderful lessons you gave me. It changed how I sing and perform. You gave me so many tips and gave me so much good attitude and confidence. When I walked into the studio for the first time I have to admit I was a nervous wreck; I had never had voice lessons in my whole life! But two lessons into it I felt as comfortable as I could have been. You have such an inviting attitude that could have made anyone feel like they were at their own house.
You are so funny and sweet and I loved being one of your students. I will continue singing forever and I think part of the reason I love singing so much is because of you.
Thank you so much! I am so lucky that I got to be taught by someone like you.
Malika Powell
SINALOA MIDDLE SCHOOL, CLASS OF 2016
What I really like about Arden is that she gives me “physical visuals” that really help me to understand the concept she is communicating. Arden has such an encouraging energy that is contagious… and she is so patient and understanding.
Lauren Grieve