Biography

Stephanie Hatfield is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, music teacher and performing artist in Santa Fe.  Originally from the Detroit area, Stephanie began performing over 30 years ago including earning top scores at state and national competitions throughout junior high and high school as well as touring Europe at the age of 16.   A scholarship paved the way for a degree in Classical Voice Performance at Michigan State University after which she moved out west and began performing in musical productions including the leading role in Cabaret, Chicago, Evita, Oklahoma and Phantom of the Opera.   Simultaneously Stephanie began writing music and expanding her performance career with jazz, rock and Americana bands. 

She has received numerous awards throughout her career as a musician including Santa Fe’s Best Female Vocalist, Best Songwriter, Best New Band and Best Rock Band.  Stephanie is the lead singer, songwriter and guitar player for her own self-titled band as well as playing bass and singing harmony vocals for Bill Palmer’s TV Killers.  She has recorded vocals on dozens of albums for national and local musicians alike.  In addition to her performing and recording career, Stephanie has been teaching music for over 15 years in Santa Fe including Santa Fe Performing Arts, La Mariposa Montessori and private lessons. 
 

Teaching Philosophy

After many years of teaching, I have come to see that there are SONG teachers and there are VOICE teachers.  Song teachers are happy to work on pop song after pop song with their students and give technique advice when possible, whereas voice teachers dig in and work on all aspects of the voice and performance including working in the head voice, music theory, rhythm, proper vocal technique, sight reading, foreign language pronunciation, breath control, dynamics and performance technique.  While I realize that both have their place, I chose the path of a voice teacher because I value the importance of a well-rounded, complete and healthy (i.e. vocal node prevention) practice of voice.  After all, this type of practice is crucial to learning how to sing without limiting one’s abilities or damaging the voice, so I encourage my students to study one classical piece to every pop song (and to write their own songs when inclined).

I host 2 recitals per year with a live accompanist and professional recording of their performances so that students have the opportunity to put their acquired skills to use and amass positive performance experiences.  My students have gone on to:  be accepted into NMSA for voice, be accepted into the prestigious Young Voices Program at the Santa Fe Opera, win the highest ratings at Solo & Ensemble, perform in school musicals, compete at District and State with their school choirs, perform at the State Fair, be awarded scholarships to universities and colleges for study in voice and most importantly, gain confidence, comfort and joy in a skill that will serve them for the rest of their lives!

Testimonials

Belle Allen – “I just had to let you know how amazing our sessions have been for me!  I always feel like I’m floating on a cloud afterwards.   You rock and thanks for taking me on as a student.”

Joe Lindsay - “I just took my first singing lesson today! I am Jazzed! Stephanie Hatfield was professional enough to address my needs and empathetic/casual enough to make me feel comfortable through the process. If you're thinking about it, do it with her. I'm singing in a band here in Santa Fe. We were quite laid back, playing to the Ultimate disc party crowd but now taking it to the next level gigging in the SW. Band name so far Joe and the Giant Clam.”

Mella Carroll Hunter - “Endorsement, if I may: I've just started singing lessons with Stephanie and am really thrilled to have access to the input of the years of her own learning and commitment to this art. Stephanie is a patient, encouraging, and kind teacher - she holds a solid and gentle space for me, guiding and helping to shape my access to my voice. Singing is so much fun! My lessons are a highlight in my week and I highly recommend Stephanie; she's a truly gifted vocal artist, musician, and teacher!!”

Thomas Alden Watts - “Your lesson was really fun and informative and VERY PROFESSIONAL. I really enjoyed it - I posted a tune as ground zero on my home page and now the journey begins. Thanks so much for all the info!”