Suzanne Lukather
Voice, Piano & Music Theory Teacher
Classical | Jazz | Musical Theater
Pasadena Studio | Online
(Serving the Greater San Gabriel Valley)
About Suzanne Lukather
Suzanne Lukather is a professional singer, music educator, and vocal teacher whose career spans more than four decades of performance and teaching. She has taught singers of all ages and experience levels in public and private schools as well as in her private voice studio.
At the heart of Suzanne’s teaching is a simple, practical idea: the speaking voice and the singing voice are connected. Her systematic approach helps students discover that connection and use it to
develop healthy vocal technique, musicality, confidence, and expressive communication. Whether working with a beginning singer or an experienced performer, Suzanne meets each student where they are and helps them develop their own natural voice while building the technical and musical skills needed to sing with freedom and confidence.
Education and Vocal Training
Suzanne holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music. She continued her education through graduate studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara Graduate School of Education and post-baccalaureate studies at Juilliard in New York City. Her professional vocal training began at the Aspen Music Festival, where she studied with opera director Wesley Balk and renowned voice teacher Adele Addison. She went on to perform with The Singers’ Theatre of New York and Baby Grand Opera of Cincinnati.
Professional Performance Career
Suzanne’s professional performance career encompasses Broadway, Off-Broadway, regional theater, national tours, opera, concerts, and big band performance. Her Broadway debut came when director and choreographer Gower Champion cast her in the rock musical Rockabye Hamlet.
She has performed in more than 30 Off-Broadway productions, regional productions, and national tours, with credits including Company, Side by Side by Sondheim, Stop the World - I Want to Get Off, South Pacific and The Sound of Music.
As a concert and recording artist, Suzanne has appeared as a featured soloist with the California Philharmonic, Inland Empire Symphony, and Pasadena Pops, as well as with the Lionel Hampton and Tommy Dorsey big bands.
Disney Performance Experience
Suzanne’s professional association with The Walt Disney Company spans 15 years. Her Disney career included performing at the Tokyo Disneyland Grand Opening, at Walt Disney World, and during the inaugural operations of Disney Cruise Line. Her extensive experience across theater, opera, concert, big band, and Disney performance has given Suzanne a firsthand understanding of the demands of professional singing and live performance—and of the preparation, adaptability, and confidence those settings require.
Teaching and Choral Leadership
Suzanne brings this professional experience directly into her teaching. Her students receive practical instruction in vocal technique, musical expression, performance skills, confidence, and the connection between speaking and singing.
She currently serves as Director of the California Philharmonic Children’s Chorus and is co-founder and Vocal Director of Kids In Progress, a Cabaret Institute for Kids.
Suzanne believes that singing should be both technically rewarding and joyful. Her practical, systematic approach gives beginning singers a clear and accessible path toward musical proficiency, while helping more experienced singers refine their technique, artistry, and stage presence.
Professional Affiliations
Suzanne’s professional affiliations include the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), American Federation of Musicians (AFM), Actors’ Equity Association (AEA), SAG-AFTRA, and Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC).
With more than 40 years as both a professional performer and music educator, Suzanne offers students something beyond traditional voice instruction: the perspective of someone who has lived the life of a working singer. She combines that professional experience with a practical and encouraging teaching approach, helping singers develop the skills, confidence, musicality, and joy that can make singing a lifelong pursuit.
TESTIMONIALS
"Suzanne Lukather understands the complete singer. Because of her extensive professional life as a performer and teacher, she has the ability to teach her students to be artists and not just singers. She creates a positive learning environment for the beginning through the advanced student and truly gets results when other teachers only go through the motions. Suzanne is an inspiring person who looks at the big picture while never missing the details and her students' successes are a direct result of her outstanding teaching."
— Rhonda Carlson, International Performing Arts Clinician
"I am grateful to have found Suzanne Lukather! I am a singer for a high profile 80's band and for years struggled with finding my true voice. I became more confused taking vocal lessons from instructors just because they were "famous" and worked with American Idol Contestants and other high profile artists. I always was given "quick fix it" techniques that never worked. My first lesson with Suzanne was a life changing experience and I will continue to study with her as my new confidence onstage is opening new doors of opportunities for me in the music industry."
—Maryam Zadeh
Our daughter, Mary, has taken voice lessons from Suzanne for two years. Through her association with the Music Studio, Mary made her professional debut in Baz Lurhman's "La Boheme" at the Ahmanson in 2004, as well as at The Disney Concert Hall with the California Philharmonic's Childrens Chorus. An accomplished singer and performer herself, Suzanne has the ability to teach vocal technique to young people that is inspiring and highly effective. Suzanne's enthusiasm and professionalism provides a wonderful role model for her students."
—Dr. and Mrs. Michael Regalado
"Suzanne has been able to adapt her style of teaching to meet my specific needs. She has demystified the theory aspect of learning piano by breaking down the elements into easy-to-grasp concepts. I feel I am growing immensely under her tuteledge."
—Timothy Naux, Songwriter
"Suzanne Lukather is one of the best kept secrets in the business. A wonderful teacher, she helped me shed some of the bad habits I acquired along the way and focus in on my own true voice. The breathing exercises are exhilirating and easily translate in performance. I'm so thankful she has decided to share her knowledge of vocal technique and love of music."
—Terrie Richards Alden, Concord Recording Artist
"I began studying with Suzanne with a goal in mind. She helped me to accomplish that goal. Because of her time and effort, I was able to prepare for the audition which led to acceptance at Idyllwild Arts Academy. Suzanne is a wonderful teacher and singer. She uses her experience as a professional singer to teach you how to use the most important parts of your instrument - your mouth, ears, posture, diaphragm - and your mind."
— Danielle D. 16 Years Old