The voice is not merely an instrument. It is the most intimate expression of a developing person — a site of identity, confidence, and lifelong self-knowledge. This program is designed for families who understand that distinction.
Most music lessons are transactional: a skill exchanged for a fee, week to week, with no larger arc or commitment. This program is built differently. Modeled on the rhythms of a rigorous academic calendar, students enroll by semester and are guided through a purposeful, cumulative sequence of vocal and musical development.
Each student is treated as the individual artist they already are — not drilled toward a generic standard, but coached toward their own most resonant, capable voice. Progress is documented, celebrated, and made visible to families through written reports and live performance.
I intentionally limit the number of students in this studio to ensure every student receives the highest level of attention, care, and artistic investment possible.
The student who studies voice seriously does not merely learn to sing. They learn to inhabit themselves with greater depth, precision, and courage — qualities that carry into every room they will ever enter.
What Families Say
In the Words of Our Families
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"You truly have a skill and the touch to teach children. She progressed more than I expected in less than a year."
Parent of a Student
"Thank you for your enthusiasm, positive encouragement, and meticulous teaching at each lesson. We truly had fun learning with you."
— Parent of a Student
"Her practice and passion accelerated during our time together. Thank you for the patience, persistence, and joy that you brought to us."
— Parent of a Student
"Your guidance and support completely changed his attitude towards music. Sincere thanks for being so kind, patient, and a true friend to him."
— Parent of a Student
"Thank you for being an amazing teacher for my kids. You are a phenomenal teacher."
— Parent of a Student
The Academic Calendar
Semester Structure & Optional Intensives
The program year is structured around the rhythms of a rigorous academic calendar. Families plan once per semester — no recurring monthly decisions, no drop-in uncertainty.
Core Semester
Fall Semester
Late August – Mid-December
Approx. 16 weeks
Core Semester
Spring Semester
January – Late May
Approx. 18 weeks
Optional Add-On
Winter Intensive
Late December – Early January
2 weeks · 3 sessions/week
Optional Add-On
Summer Session
June – Mid-July
6 weeks · 2 sessions/week
All lesson scheduling is set at the start of each semester. Dates are fixed in advance, giving families the ability to plan travel, school commitments, and extracurricular schedules with confidence.
Enrollment Options
Study Tiers & Tuition
Three levels of study, each calibrated to the student's development, availability, and artistic goals. Tuition is invoiced per semester — a flat investment that covers all lessons for the term.
Tier
Frequency
Duration
Semester
FoundationFor the developing student establishing foundational technique and musical literacy
Once/week
45 min
$1,800$3,600 / year
ConservatoryFor the committed student preparing repertoire, competitions, or school productions
Twice/week
60 min
$3,200$6,400 / year
IntensiveFor the advanced student pursuing collegiate auditions or pre-professional training
Twice/week
90 min
$4,800$9,600 / year
Program Inclusions
What Is Included in Semester Tuition
All Scheduled LessonsEvery lesson for the semester, fixed at enrollment. No per-lesson billing.
Monthly Progress ReportWritten documentation of technique, repertoire, and musicianship delivered to parents each month.
Practice Guide & ResourcesCurated practice protocols, recordings, and supplemental material — including the option to work one-on-one with a professional accompanist or live ensemble.
Recorded Performance ReviewOne mid- or end-of-semester recorded session with written feedback, performed in collaboration with a live professional accompanist.
Between-Lesson SupportEmail and voice-memo access for questions, practice concerns, or preparation notes between sessions.
End-of-Semester ShowcaseAn intimate recital for family and guests celebrating each student's semester progress and repertoire.
Winter Intensive
2 weeks · 3 sessions/week December–January
$600
Summer Session
6 weeks · 2 sessions/week June–Mid July
$1,400
Audition Prep
4 focused sessions + recorded feedback Available year-round
$800
Enrollment Policies
Policies, Payments & Commitments
Enrollment DepositA non-refundable deposit of $300 is required to hold a placement, applied toward semester tuition upon confirmation.
Payment OptionsTuition may be paid in full at semester start (5% discount applied) or in two equal installments — one at enrollment and one at the semester midpoint.
Re-Enrollment PriorityCurrent students receive first right of return for their lesson slot in the following semester. Re-enrollment opens four weeks before the new term.
CancellationWritten notice of withdrawal must be received at least 30 days before the semester starts. Withdrawals after the semester begins forfeit the remaining tuition balance.
Missed LessonsStudents may reschedule one lesson per semester with a minimum of 48 hours' notice. Instructor-canceled lessons are always made up.
Professional EngagementsThe instructor may be unavailable for up to 3 weeks per semester due to professional performance engagements. Known conflicts will be communicated no later than 30 days in advance. Make-up lessons will be scheduled or a prorated credit applied.
Student ConductStudents are expected to arrive prepared, having completed their assigned practice. Progress depends on the quality of engagement between lessons, not the lesson hour alone.
How to Enroll
The Enrollment Process
Placement in this program is intentional. Each student's structure is designed to align with their individual goals, level, and artistic trajectory — ensuring the program works for them specifically, not just in general.
Submit an Inquiry
Send a direct message expressing your interest. Include your student's age, any prior musical experience, and what drew your family to this program.
Complimentary Consultation Call
A 20-minute video call to discuss your student's goals, experience, and readiness. A chance for both parties to ask questions and confirm fit before any commitment is made.
Placement & Tier Recommendation
Based on the consultation — and when appropriate, a brief voice assessment — the instructor will recommend a study tier and confirm available scheduling.
Enrollment Agreement & Deposit
Families review and sign the enrollment agreement, remit the $300 deposit via invoice, and receive their semester schedule and welcome materials.
First Lesson
The semester begins. Students receive their first practice guide and repertoire assignments within 24 hours of the initial session.
Your Instructor
Michelle Gallardo-Arias
Michelle Gallardo-Arias holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from San Diego State University and has built one of the most genuinely cross-genre careers of any working soprano in the region. She is currently a Staff Singer with the San Diego Master Chorale and Section Leader at Pacific Beach United Methodist Church — active in the city's most respected choral institutions at the same time.
On the operatic stage, her credits include chorus work with San Diego Opera in productions of Tosca, Suor Angelica, and El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego, and the role of Musetta in La Bohème with Opera a la Carte. Most recently, she served as cover for the role of Mother / El Río in the 2026 world premiere of Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote — a bilingual children's opera by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Anthony Davis, co-produced by Bodhi Tree Concerts and Ópera de Tijuana, premiering simultaneously in San Diego and Tijuana. She is also a Teaching Artist with San Diego Opera's bilingual after-school opera creation program, where she has developed original curriculum and libretti from the ground up.
Beyond the classical world, Michelle is the featured soprano vocalist of Mambo Nocturno — a premier Latin jazz ensemble built around her voice and vocal range, where she performs as the sole female artist among San Diego's most respected Latin musicians. She is also the featured vocalist with Maracuyá, a 17-member timba ensemble representing the upper echelon of Latin jazz performance in the region, again as the only woman in the group. These are not peripheral affiliations — they are working, performing relationships with the artists who define the Latin music scene in this city.
She has worked under conductors including Yves Abel, Valerio Galli, and Roberto Kalb, and has studied in master classes with Jake Heggie, Ricky Ian Gordon, and Alisa Jordheim, among others. Her awards include First Place at the Hawk Vocal Awards and Best Performance of a Contemporary Piece at the La Jolla Symphony & Chorus Emerging Artist Competition, both in 2024.
Students who study with Michelle do not simply receive instruction — they are introduced to a living professional community at the highest level of the craft, across every musical tradition she inhabits.
Ready to Begin
Application to The Young Artist Studio
Complete the form below to apply for enrollment. Once received, Michelle will follow up within 48 hours to schedule your complimentary consultation call.
Still Have Questions?
Request More Information
Not quite ready to apply? Send a note and Michelle will be in touch to answer any questions you may have.
Begin the Conversation
Spots are limited and filled by consultation. If you believe this program may be right for your student, I invite you to reach out.
