Lesson Options

Voice

Vocal studies at Stafford Studio consists of carefully constructed curricula designed for each student. Audition prep and show work are included in your lessons.  

you'll need

  • recording device (i.e. phone, iPad, mini recorder) 
  • 3-ring binder
  • to buy a book I recommend

Drama

Drama at Stafford Studio is unique and consists of monologue and scene study in PRIVATE lessons to master your skills, reactions and processes before moving on to group interactions.  

you'll need

  • 3-ring binder

Piano

Piano studies are fun and interesting. You'll learn your scales in an easy way and start playing well-known pieces right away.  Progress at your own rate. 

 

you'll need

  • I supply all your materials for music theory and playing. 

Contact Info

Name *
Name

Cheryl Stafford

 

Founder

Owner

Artistic Director

Cheryl Stafford, MS, has directed, choreographed and/or performed in over 350 productions ranging from musical theater to plays to modern dance to baroque opera in the last 40 years.  She has performed at Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, Boston Early Music Festival and with numerous ensembles across the US.  She has directed many theatrical productions, plays and musicals, across the DC metropolitan area in the last 18 years. She taught at the Musical Theater Center in Rockville, MD for 13 years. Ms. Stafford was  drama teacher at Thomas Jefferson Preparatory School in Darnetsown, MD and the Head Teacher for all the Acting classes at Creative Summer Camp at Holton-Arms School, Bethesda.  She was also on the faculty of Black Rock Center for the Arts in Germantown, MD. for two years before opening her own studio in 2012.  Ms. Stafford is currently soprano soloist at St. James' Episcopal Church, Potomac, in addition to teaching full time at her studio.  

 

Cheryl trained at the College Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati and with many noted teachers, scholars and artists over the course of her career.  Her students are on Broadway, in National Tours, in college programs across the country and performing in community productions and school shows.  She is a member of Kentlands Downtown Partnership, Early Music America, and has served on the boards of many arts organizations.

 

My teaching style is process-based with outcomes built in.  If you do the work assigned, you will see results. All outcomes are explained and you are taught to recognize what they are, and how to produce them on your own.     Learning is a two-way street.  It can be hard work, but mostly it should be fun!  I will make every effort to ensure that you are having fun while you are working hard.  

 

I also repair injured voices.  I can hear what is wrong and give you an idea of how long it will take to repair your voice and regain the confidence and technique needed to sing (speak) anything you want.  

 
 

“Cheryl's patience and expertise not only gave me better breath control and more stamina, but also greatly expanded my range and repertoire.”   

Ann, Gaithersburg, MD 

 

“Her talent, creativity, team spirit, and sense of humor make her a joy to work with.”  

Newton, Potomac, MD

  

        “Cheryl is an excellent instructor, very knowledgeable in her art forms and highly regarded by her students.” 

   Debbie, Rockville, MD

 

"Cheryl is a talented, knowledgeable Director with expertise in all areas of theatrical production: casting, staging, choreography, acting, singing, scenery, costuming, lighting -- all of it. I have worked with her as a cast member and as costume mistress. She easily expresses her vision so that the full ensemble is working together, yet she listens and considers everyone's ideas. I have worked with her on wonderful productions with 5 cast members and with 50 cast members; all were learning experiences for everyone involved, resulting in terrific productions." 

 Vera, Potomac, MD