Testimonials

Testimonials for John Murelle

I have been a student of John Murelle for over a year and his support and guidance have helped me not only develop my singing technique, but also my confidence in performing. Through weekly lessons I have gained a deep understanding of breath support, music theory, classical repertoire, posture, and the anatomy of good singing. John’s teaching especially assisted me during my college audition process for musical theatre programs. John coached me through my songs, and filming my prescreen videos, and with his help I was accepted into Marymount Manhattan College’s highly competitive BFA Musical Theatre Program. My lessons with John not only foster growth in my voice, but also in my confidence as his teaching style is supportive and upbeat. When I felt unsure of my abilities, John always made me realize my talent. I am so grateful for my voice education with John, and for his life-changing impact on me.

Merritt Willcox
July 2024

Starting at the Voice Studio of John Murelle at age 12, I had no idea how much I would truly benefit from classical training. I came into lessons as a young girl with little interest in Italian music and a focus in musical theatre. Now, age 18, I am attending college as a music major in which I hope to grow as a classically focused musician and hone my craft that I began improving with John. I feel more confident in my music theory, vocal skills and ability to read an audience, to name a few. I cannot begin to describe the ways in which I have grown thanks to John- whether it be through one-on-one lessons, multilingual recitals or performances in the community. I simply cannot imagine where I would be had I not been a headstrong adolescent with a desire to become a great singer. Since then, I feel as though I have accomplished just that, and I owe all of that to John Murelle and his dedication to helping me become the best musician I can be.

Hi John,

Just a few words to let you know how very much I really enjoyed your concert on the Green.

For me, it was the best concert yet; I absolutely loved all of the songs and all the performances.

I especially enjoyed watching you and the pleasure and enjoyment you get from your students. For you it seems to truly be an act of love, the joy of teaching and the satisfaction of the presentation.

I'd like to thank you for supporting the Food Pantry, and to let you know that the collection that was taken on that day to benefit the Pantry added up to over $700. You had quite an audience there, and they certainly were appreciative of all the performing skills and the memories that were brought to them through your wonderful choice of music and songs. Once again I would like to say thank you for a memorable afternoon and for the benefit to the Sandwich Food Pantry.

Wishing you many more of those happy moments,

Gigi Ridgley, Director,
Sandwich Food Pantry

I heard the voices of Christmas singing music of the season that reminded me of the meaning of hope, peace and goodwill toward men.

In the darkness of winter solstice, amidst covid and the bleakness that abounds, the voices sang out in a quaint New England village meetinghouse.

The young students of a local voice studio performed gratis for their families and their community. The church, founded in 1717, was the perfect stage for this beautiful performance. With its high-backed wooden pews and massive center pulpit, it provided the stunning backdrop for a lovely display of a Christmas tree surrounded by masses of colorful poinsettias.

The 15 singers, girls and one boy, were decked out in lovely, festive dress. They stood poised as each sang their solo piece. Accompanied by piano and flute, the music selections were both playful and holy. The performance was touching in its beauty and simplicity.

As I sat in the warmth of the soft church lighting, I felt the bond of the audience and musicians sharing a celebration of music and the best in all of us.

A worthy wish for always.

So, yes, there is a Santa Claus. Yes, there is the redemption of Scrooge. Yes, the story from long ago of a child born in a manger is true. The stories that love, kindness and connection can light the winter darkness and give us hope, peace and goodwill toward men.

Carole Swartz

December 21, 2021

West Barnstable MA

John Murelle has been an amazing vocal coach for my son, Christian, over the last 2 1/2 years. John taught Christian about music theory, breathing techniques and performance etiquette. Because of John, Christian has learned to sing classical German, French, and Italian songs and has had the opportunity to perform them as well. John supported Christian in his endeavor to get into a music education program with voice as his “instrument”, and in fact we were thrilled when Christian was accepted into every music education program to which he applied, including the Hartt School of Music. John’s classical training, depth of knowledge, and connections with individuals at different universities have all been tremendously important to Christian. We are thankful to John for his belief in Christian as a singer and know that Christian’s confidence and future success will be due in large part to John’s efforts.

I came into your studio wanting to go into musical theater, but you told me to try classical. I sang my first classical piece in your studio and now I’m in college as a classical voice major. Not only did you help me find my passion, but you also gave me the tools to succeed in it and I can’t thank you enough for that!

Rachel Corliss

Voice Performance Major,
Hartt School of Music

“John is an absolutely fantastic teacher for singers of all ages! I came to study with him my junior year of high school and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. John helped me as a young singer learn the integral parts of being a musician like reading music, matching pitch, and pronouncing foreign languages.

He runs a very professional and energetic studio that demands commitment and focus from students, while still encouraging the fun of music. I not only improved immensely over my tenure with him, I was encouraged by him to participate in opportunities I never even would have known about. He understands not only the thriving arts communities of the Cape, but also the music world at large. He prepared me for not only my college auditions but paid concerts as well, always emphasizing how to present oneself in a professional manner. He facilitates many wonderful performance opportunities for his students, such as studio recitals and master classes with skilled singers in the business. These were some of my first experiences performing in front of people and in different situations and they both challenged and encouraged me as a singer. The skills John taught me, both in terms of performance and technically, I’ve carried on through my life as a musician and still think of whenever I walk into an audition. As a student now currently on scholarship working towards my Graduate Degree in Opera Performance, I have John to thank for a lot.”

Kristen Howard

Student of John Murelle

“It was a pleasure to work with John Murelle on a seasonal concert, Holiday Duets, at the Cahoon Museum. His performance, in our main art gallery, created a moment that can only be described as magical. From his assistance in organizing the details, planning and promoting, the experience was truly superb. Our guests are still talking about it! I highly recommend John’s work; his professionalism and level of quality with his music are top-notch.”

Sarah Johnson, PhD

Director and Curator,
Cahoon Museum of American Art

“What a teacher! Not to mention the person!

My daughter found John Murelle late into her junior year of high school. With his guidance and mentoring, she was able to navigate her way through college music school applications and auditions with ease.

John is a challenging and demanding teacher, but also a thoughtful and patient one. He encouraged my daughter to study classically, and in doing so she is learning to use her voice to its full and natural capabilities — learning not only the mechanics of singing but the artistry as well. With the many recitals John puts on with his students, they gain experience not only singing different musical genres and styles, but also in performing.

His dedication and passion have fostered a love of classical music in my daughter (whose main focus had always been musical theater). John has made such a difference in her life, and has proved to her what she can accomplish with hard work and dedication. This fall she will be attending one of the top voice performance schools in the country.”

Cindy Harrington

Parent of a John Murelle student

Good evening John. A few things I would like to share with you this evening as we wind this summer down: first, your expert coaching with Lilly. I am sure you believe “in the magic of young girls heart“ and perhaps you have coached any of them, but for us, this precious child has done so well developing her instrument under your care for tutelage. We are so grateful to have found you by serendipity and for your interest and dedication.

The concert with your students was indescribably fabulous! Thank you so much for arranging all of that and for teaching all of these lovely people in their beautiful voices how to put together a show In the most difficult of times. Clearly you are not only a gifted artist yourself but also a great director.

…is that I appreciate it as does Lilly your expertise, your kindness and your skills. We feel blessed to have found you by whatever magical Forces came together to enable that to happen with this, of all years. Thank you so much, John! You rock!

Karen Wolf

The studio prepared me for the audition season and helped me every step of the way. John is an amazing mentor and is very knowledgeable about the admissions process for music schools. Thanks to his lessons, I had my pick of multiple, very prestigious music schools.

Andrew Steele

tenor

What a wonderful recital! You've done a great job with each student, John! Their confidence, their trust in you, their voices, and their hard work were all evident! I was completely impressed with their no-talking when they were seated, their focus and support of the person who was singing, and their introduction and explanation of the piece that they were about to present! Their voices and their stage presence were both inspiring and delight-filled!

I have to say that glancing over and seeing the JOY on John's face as you were conducting and the singers were giving their all was so endearing.

Thank you for the hours and hours of hard work you are pouring into each student. Our community will benefit from your work and their efforts for years to come as they continue to raise their voices and their love of music.

Well done!

Congratulations to all!

Bette, June 2023