Tom and I want to thank you for all you have done for Kristen. You set high expectations and she was eager to reach them. Your disciplined work ethic along with positive encouragement make a great combination. Kristen has grown both in voice and in confidence. Thank you for being a positive adult mentor.
Bari and Tom Thompson	Cary, North Carolina

On behalf of the Saint Mary's School Community, I want to express my deep appreciation for your superb recital for our final Smedes Parlor Series concert of the 2007-2008 season. We could not have asked for a more brilliant program or exciting performance. Your full-house audience included the most sophisticated listeners as well as our young students, and all seemed equally enthralled. You received the only standing ovation of the whole season, and it was well deserved. Your beautifully prepared program notes and translations provided a welcome guide for audience members. This program was unique in the connectivity of the songs around a theme, and one was fascinated always on so many levels, whether it was history, humanity, or the sheer enjoyment of your beautiful singing.

Terry Elizabeth Thompson

Smedes Parlor Series Director, St. Mary's School, Raleigh, North Carolina

I am so lucky to have had Catherine as a voice teacher. She helps each of her students set out on the path of their unique vocal potential, always being sure to stay within the lines of natural, healthy singing. I always found it fascinating to see, from month to month, how each of her students improved immensely under her teaching. In addition to building her students’ technical abilities, Catherine establishes the firm foundations of well-rounded singers by focusing on all the aspects of a great performance, including technique, appearance, and emotional involvement. In studying with Catherine, I began to understand that performing isn’t just about singing notes on a page - it’s about using the music to communicate with an audience. Catherine has been an incredible person in my life as a singer, and I am so grateful to her for her patience, kindness, and encouragement.

Karen Hayden

3rd place finish, national finals of the Music Teachers National Association 2005 Senior Voice Competition, Seattle, Washington; full scholarship recipient, North Carolina School of the Arts

Catherine Charlton is a one-of-a-kind individual dedicated to teaching the art of classical singing and the world of history and culture that accompanies it. Not only does Catherine encourage technical and vocal development, she is interested in helping her students become well-rounded musicians and comfortable and poised performers. Her approach is organic and inventive, and her instruction and knowledge of the body and voice has empowered me to explore all aspects of my own unique instrument. Catherine has been my greatest mentor, challenger, advocate, and inspiration, and has given me a multitude of opportunities to compete and perform, all of which have opened wonderful doors for me as a singer.

Hailey Clark

College Park, Maryland; 2004 National Finalist, National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts ARTS and Talent Search; 2004 Presidential Scholar in the Arts

I can’t begin to express how blessed I feel to have had Catherine Charlton as a teacher. Her creative and effective teaching, encouragement, compassion and warmth opened a lot of doors for me that I was incapable of opening for myself as a less-than-motivated, notoriously shy ninth-grader. Catherine has a way of explaining things that helps her students to successfully balance the many elements of singing – she has an enlightened teaching style that affects her students’ singing at a deep fundamental level, rather than relying on superficial quick-fix answers like “shoulders back!” And Catherine has always been willing to go the extra mile for students – her compassion, generosity and dedication are apparent in all her walks of life. She’s taught me so much about singing and communicating with people, and I am so grateful to have known her!

Eleanor Hanna

2nd place finish, National Finals of the Music Teachers National Association 2006 Senior Voice Competition, Austin, Texas; scholarship recipient, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The first time I met with Catherine I knew that studying with her would be a worthwhile investment. Looking back, she has risen above and beyond any of my expectations for a voice teacher. Of course she taught me the art of singing and performing well. She has a way of explaining technique in a manner that even the most inexperienced singer can understand. Although my voice has improved dramatically under Catherine's teaching, that will not be what I remember most fondly about her. She has been a great friend and mentor to me over the past three years. I am comfortable sharing my anxieties with her, knowing that she has a sympathetic ear and wise words to share. Catherine has taught me much about being gracious, level-headed and compassionate when dealing with other musicians and people. She got me into the habit of writing thank-you letters to accompanists and other people who support my singing advancement. The best thing about Catherine is how much she genuinely cares for her students. There have been many occasions when she has worked or researched outside of the studio for the benefit of her students. She never gives up on working to help each student achieve new levels in their vocal development regardless of their talent or experience. This to me is the mark of an excellent teacher.

Katie Nashland

National Finalist in the 2007 Senior Voice Competition, Music Teachers National Association, Toronto, Canada; Best Leading Actress, Music Theater, 2007 Capitol Awards, Raleigh, NC; 1st place, Carolina Hamony Chorus Sing for Scholarship Competition, 2006

Your passion for your craft, your interest in your students’ abilities, and your enthusiastic and encouraging approach has been a winning combination for our son. Your belief in his abilities has been the key success factor in his achieving scholarship offers from several schools. Throughout our lives, we come across certain individuals who leave impressions that remain with us for a lifetime. We believe that you have become one of those ‘certain individuals’ who has crossed our son’s path.

Steve and Anastasia Cedermark

Cary, North Carolina

Catherine Charlton is more than a voice teacher. She is a vocal performance mentor. Whether it’s technique, repertoire, or performance anxiety, Charlton’s wealth of experience helps student of all ages work through the psychological ups and downs of a serious singer. Catherine is the most hands-on, easy-to-understand voice teacher I have ever studied with. She brings a scientific approach to the art of singing which has helped me understand the physiology and physical aspects of good vocal technique. I have done my best singing under her tutelage

Kelly Kress

Knoxville, Tennessee; former Miss North Carolina, former member National Opera Company; musical theatre actress, singer

When I was first approached five years ago to accompany several of Catherine's younger students for the NC NATS adjudications, I was apprehensive. I had not played for high school students for many years. When I worked with them, I was honestly shocked at their level of preparation. Her young students not only knew the basics such as correct notes and rhythms, but also the subtle nuances of dynamics and interpretation. They were poised and calm and ready for collaboration with a professional accompanist. Over the subsequent years, all Catherine's students have shown consistent progress in music and life. She is a supportive mentor who celebrates with her students in their successes. When they leave her studio, they go out as singers ready to conquer college studies and performance opportunities. In my career, I have accompanied twelve years of incoming college freshmen, and I can say with certainty that her students are among the most musically advanced and well-prepared of any I ever have or ever will meet.

Susan Young

Accompanist, University of North Carolina at Greensboro and Greensboro College

The combination of Catherine's warmth, enthusiasm and thorough knowledge of the art form made her a pivotal teacher in my vocal development.
Tracy Shea	Los Angeles, California; free-lance opera singer