Felicia Varvaras

I started working with Joe my freshman year of high school after meeting him during his Best of Broadway Program at the Crystal Theatre where I immediately started to grow as a vocalist, actor, and musician while also developing my professional etiquette. Joe taught me everything I needed to know for the conservatory level and more. He was always able to make every student feel comfortable, but also knew when to challenge them and hold them to high expectations. From our first lesson of working together, I felt excited to learn because Joe made the learning content comprehensible and intriguing. I came into my first lesson knowing nothing about classical music and by my junior I was getting solos in my high school’s musicals, a capella groups, jazz concerts, and receiving awards in classical singer competitions.

I applied to many conservatories my senior year and got into a handful of them with great scholarships. When I finally made the decision to attend The Boston Conservatory, the faculty commended me on having exceptional technique and professionalism as a freshman. One thing I will never forget about Joe is that he not only treated me as his student but was also an amazing friend and mentor, and was there for me whenever I needed his help. Joe is not only an incredible voice teacher but I have always appreciated and admired his authenticity, humor, intelligence, and loyalty. If it weren’t for Joe, I most certainly wouldn’t be where I am today.