Amy Barker (Voice / Violin / Piano) received her Bachelors in Vocal Performance from Saint Mary’s College at Notre Dame University where she studied with Laurel Thomas. After college, she continued her vocal education in the Chicagoland area with Baritone, Ryan DeRyke. Ms. Barker began her musical education as a violinist, studying at the Betty Haag Academy of Music and was a member of her traveling performing group, The Magical Strings of Youth. In college, Amy chose voice as her primary instrument, but continued to study and teach violin. Amy was the recipient of the Irene Ryan Theatre Award for her performance of Cunegonde in Bernstein’s Candide; Glitter and Be Gay remains one of her signature solo pieces. Amy has also had the opportunity to play Monica, in Menotti’s The Medium, and Maria in West Side Story. Despite a classical education, Amy has a passion for musical theatre and spreads that love through her robust knowledge of the repertoire and presence in the Chicagoland musical theatre scene. As a teacher, Amy strives to instill passion and a love for music in her students. Her teaching style encourages healthy and natural singing by focusing on eliminating tension and any artificial manipulation of the vocal mechanism. Amy is an active performer in the Chicagoland area and firmly believes in the power of music and its ability to bring people together.