Peggy McNulty
Education
Peggy McNulty, soprano voice teacher, earned a Masters of Music Degree with a voice pedagogy specialty from The Catholic University of America. She studied at the Juilliard School of Music and at the Aspen School of Music. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree with a speech major and music minor from the University of California at Berkeley.
Professional Experience
Peggy performed as a soloist in Christian Science Churches for 35 years. She has presented many recitals at venues in the Washington D.C. area. Some of these include the Alexandria Lyceum, Meridian House, The Arts Club, and Lewinsville Presbyterian Church. In the 1970’s, Peggy studied voice with Todd Duncan. She performs at the Friday Morning Music Club and is a very active member of the NVMTA. By presenting several benefit recitals, Peggy raised $6000 for the Music Teachers Voice Scholarship Fund.
Awards
In 2011 Peggy was awarded the Northern Virginia Music Teachers Association Laureate designation. She was honored for her longtime dedication and service to NVMTA. Also in 2011, she became certified in Level 11 of Contemporary Commercial Music (CCM) Vocal Pedagogy Institute, which was created to meet the demand for vocal training grounded in voice science, voice medicine, and tested methods of CCM pedagogy.
Additionally, a proud moment for Peggy was an MTNA Classical voice competition in the 1980’s when it was held in Spokane, WA. Her student was the winner and it was very exciting. She performed in the winner’s recital on the stage of the Spokane opera house with Marjorie Lee collaborating on the piano.
Voice Teaching
One of her students, Cynthia Hu, wrote the following about Peggy, “I studied with Peggy McNulty from 5th grade until just before I entered conservatory. She is the most incredible teacher and one of the most special people I’ve ever met. It was her passion for teaching and her care for her students that truly instilled in me a love for classical singing and opera. I feel so lucky and blessed to have achieved, and continue to achieve, such musical and personal growth under her tutelage. Our relationship is one that I will hold dearly and treasure forever.”
Her students have continued their vocal studies in colleges such as The Oberlin Conservatory, Rice University, Northwestern University, New York University, James Madison, and William and Mary in Virginia. Many of her students have won prizes in the NVMTA Voice competitions. Her students have also been winners at the NATS Virginia State Auditions and have attended the Mid-Atlantic Regional Auditions.
Peggy’s adults perform in local choirs such as the Washington Women’s Chorus, The Cathedral Choir, New Dominion Choir, and Master Chorale. Many of them are active soloists in their church choirs as well as professional choir members.
NVMTA
Peggy has been a member of NVMTA for over 50 years! During this time she says, “I have met wonderful friends! I’d like to pay tribute to the many excellent NVMTA officers who have led this organization in the many years I have been fortunate to be a member.” Her goal is to keep singing as long as she can! She is certified (NCTM) with MTNA and says that working toward certification was an excellent goal and it made her learn more about teaching!
Her advice to NVMTA teachers is to enter students in the festivals and competitions. She chaired the NVMTA voice competition for over 25 years. During that time, she made new singing teacher friends and learned new repertoire from listening to the many singers who performed at the competitions. She also became acquainted with possible adjudicators.
Personal
As you can tell, Peggy loves to sing. She finds breathing to sing to be relaxing and energizing in her life. Peggy enjoys all types of classical music, not just vocal and French Lieder is a particular favorite. She likes to read, exercise and attend theater and musical productions.
You can find out more about Peggy McNulty, soprano voice teacher on her website: peggymcnulty.com
NVTMA Vocal Events
Achievement Awards Competition: Voice
