bio

a singer
revealing and freeing up emotions through storytelling

a composer
exploring unconventional sounds and textures

a teacher
teaching voice function and repertoire interpretation to students at all stages

Elana has a voice studio in New York City and has been teaching voice for 12 years. Elana studies the work of vocal expert Jeanie LoVetri, and teaches using the principles she learned in all 3 levels of Somatic Voicework™ The LoVetri Method. Elana is a member of The National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) New York City Chapter and The Voice Foundation. She holds a Master of Arts in Voice Performance from Hunter College where she was awarded as a Richard Burke scholar, in memorial of composer and educator Richard Burke, and the Shirley P. Mintz Award for Comprehensive Knowledge and Love of Music. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Voice Performance and Composition from the prestigious Berklee College of Music. Elana recently completed a postbaccalaureate in speech-language pathology from Northwestern University, and has a special interest in voice disorders. She is working on a new musical project, as well as classical chamber music. Elana teaches a weekly group singing workshop at New York Jazz Workshop. Please see her contact page here to inquire about lessons, classes, and performances.

Elana Hedrych realized from a young age that singing was an unavoidable, strong passion. She began performing in the New York City area at the age of 12, gracing venues and festivals such as B.B. King, Bowery Ballroom, Gathering of the Vibes Festival, and more. She embarked on two tours of the East coast before the age of 18, performing on prominent stages with her own brand of rock music and a commanding stage presence.

With Elana’s constant performances and desire to learn more, it became clear that she was destined to continue on the path of music. At Berklee, Elana was opened up to the vast field of jazz. In her early years at Berklee, Elana cultivated a repertoire of jazz standards, and explored how to treat the voice as an instrument.

During her undergraduate studies, Elana focused on her teaching career and passion for composing. Her mentor, composer Marti Epstein, expanded Elana’s understanding of Western classical music, particularly 20th and 21st century composers. Epstein guided Elana to compose according to her vision. Elana began performing with former band, Fireproof Collective. With this group, Elana fell into the world of free improvisation, performing the unconventional sounds and techniques that she had been implanting into her compositions. Elana’s mentors Alison Wedding and Kenny Werner (Effortless Mastery) led Elana to her refreshing and candid approach to singing and improvising.