Los Angeles opera singer Rose Beattie was in Seattle this spring to perform as a guest soloist in Seattle Opera's Young Artist Program’s production of “A Midsummer Nights Dream.”  While in town, she came to Shoreline to encourage voice students to take advantage of all the performance opportunities they have right here at Shoreline Community College – which she knows a lot about because she studied here for three years. 

Beattie said it was at Shoreline that she found confidence in her voice and stage presence. Even though she had had taken classical voice lessons when she was in junior high school, she said she credits Shoreline for her skills and successes.  “I learned much more than the basics of singing on stage at Shoreline,” she told the students, “I learned to work hard and to believe in myself.”

Beattie urged the students to join the performing groups at Shoreline – to get as much performance under their belts as possible.  “You have so many opportunities to perform here at Shoreline,” she said.  “Don’t miss out!  You won’t find these opportunities anywhere else.”  She was not only referring to the choral and vocal groups and the annual musical and Opera Workshop Performances, but the master classes that provide another level of learning and confidence.  

She spoke fondly of the Opera Workshop Performances.  “I loved the scenes.  I learned so much and that experience helped me grow as a performer.  It was fantastic.” 

Beattie also talked passionately about the support she got from her instructors.  “Without Sue’s (Dolacky) help, I would never have gotten to where I am today,” she said referring to all the times Dolacky was there to help her with personal challenges.  It was her instructor who helped her with the application process to transfer to the Thornton School of Music.  It was Dolacky also, who was there long after “business hours” were over to provide an ear when personal challenges got the best of Beattie.

When it came time for her to apply at universities where she would complete her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, she found another source of support at Shoreline.  “I was totally clueless,” she said on what to look for, how to start the process.  She found the kind of help she said her mother would have given her from Sue Dolacky.  “I will be forever grateful.” 

Beattie also gave the students suggestions on how to make lasting impressions when they went for auditions.  "Be on time!  Never, never be late for an audition.  And take the time to write thank you notes afterwards. They will remember you."  Beattie also suggested that the students find mentors.

Beattie went on to earn her bachelor's degree in Vocal Performance from USC's Thornton School of Music, her master's from UCLA's Herb Alpert School of Music and her doctorate in musical arts from UCLA.  She was awarded a UCLA teaching fellowship for 2005-2008 and won the UCLA Atwater Kent All Star Concerto Competition in 2007.