Elizabeth Wells, Voice
Tell us about your formal education in music.
Like many of my students at Allegro, I began studying music in grade school. My first instrument was the clarinet in 4th grade. I then added the piano in 6th grade and dropped the clarinet when I got to Junior High. While my skills at the keyboard hardly reflect it, I took piano lessons all through my undergraduate years. I always say that it’s a good thing I can sing, because piano is clearly not my talent. 🙂
Now, my singing education began later than most. I had taken some voice lessons in high school and then as a non-major in college, but by my junior year the opera bug had bitten me hard and at the end of that year I was given a full tuition voice scholarship. I was a bit of a dark horse in those days and surprised many around me with the progress I made. Heart and soul, I was on fire with passion for my art form and after finishing my degree work at the University of Arizona I was offered a vocal scholarship at Northwestern University where I completed my Masters degree.
What are some of your favorite local restaurants?
I love Kuzoku Sushi, Ba Dar Chinese, Bai Thong Thai, and Caruso’s.
What are some of your favorite movies/shows and books?
My all-time favorite movie is probably The Ghost and Ms. Muir (1947), though it’s a tough call. There are the movies that I love and then the ones that are great films that I am moved by, but are not necessarily favorites.
I read everything from modern mystery to Victorian classics. I enjoy a book that challenges me as much as what I call “junk-food reading”. As long as it is compelling and well written. Though I have a deep admiration for the works of Barbara Kingsolver.
What is the coolest place you’ve visited?
Probably the Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome. Though the entirety of the Eternal City speaks to me on a level that defies logic. Maybe it’s an opera thing…
What is your favorite thing about living in Tucson?
I love that my hometown values the arts enough to support the busy Allegro School. But monsoons, lizards, horn-toads, roadrunners, quail, cacti, mesquite trees, June bugs, cicadas, and endless sunshine, too!
