“… from the inexperienced joyful abandonment of childhood singing… to the terrifying experience of a damaged voice, damaged confidence and a broken spirit… to the rebirth of the incredible joy of singing… this has been my journey.” – Deborah Ellen
Deborah began singing and acting at the age of seven in community theatre productions where she was the lead actor/singer of her theatre company. Over the course of her childhood and teenage years, Deborah won talent competitions, performed as an ensemble singer in multiple choirs and quartets and began her professional career. Deborah was with the “Whatisit? Theatre Company” for four years performing original musicals in San Diego as well as working as a wedding soloist, a featured entertainer at special functions and a casual singer.
After spending four years at the University of California, Santa Barbara, earning her Bachelor’s degree, and graduating Cum Laude, Deborah packed up and moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dreams.
During the next five years Deborah encountered the most difficult, trying experiences of her musical career. She studied vocal techniques that damaged her voice, developed vocal chord nodules, lost command of her instrument, and stopped singing in public. In desperation, Deborah contacted Seth Riggs and began studying the Speech Level Singing Technique. With the assistance of an incredible mentor, and with time, patience and an unyielding commitment to succeed, she found her way back.
Deborah has sung professionally on stage and in the studio, performing as a solo artist and in a trio group. She has also worked as an actor in television. Deborah is a published songwriter signed with Shoot and Score Music/Universal. She currently has the song ‘Ours To Keep’ airing on abc Television’s General Hospital as the theme song for Liz and Jason. The song “If You Only” also aired this year on General Hospital. Deborah recently released a children’s album entitled “Mr. Blue Oven Mitt” which she wrote and recorded. It is currently available for purchase on this website and will be released on iTunes and Amazonmp3 shortly.
Deborah has been involved with the Speech Level Singing Technique for thirteen years. She teaches students of all ages and all levels of expertise. She has worked with artists such as Anthony Kiedis (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Leehom Wang (Sony Asia), and actors such as Sinbad, Derek Waters (Married To The Kelly’s), Mary Lou (Unfabulous) and many others. She is a patient, supportive, gifted mentor with a tremendous amount of experience to share.
“Singing has brought me some of the greatest joys and heartbreaking challenges of my life. I think the fact that I have been through so much myself as a vocalist makes me a better teacher. I understand the pain and I understand the joy of conquering the mountain. Singing is an adventure in every sense of the word. Being a vocal instructor allows me the incredible gift of participating in other artists adventures as well. I wouldn’t miss it for the world. ” - Deborah Ellen