Bio
Bertram Gulhaugen MM, CMVT
“Bertram the Voice Geek”
I could list my education credentials at this point but what’s really important here is that I tell you about my passion for voices. Education is just an exercise in amassing information, learning is when you apply the information in life after the education process and, as any good teacher will tell you, we continually learn from our clients. I’ve been teaching, singing, conducting, creating dreams, helping people speak and sing more confidently for over 38 years and am still going strong.
I am a bona fide, self-labeled “voice geek,” meaning that ever since I started teaching in 1984, I have been obsessed with understanding the human voice. I’ve studied the anatomy, physiology, acoustics, and psychology of how it all works but more importantly, I’ve studied how to apply that science to helping people speak and sing better without making them wade through technical terms…unless they want to.
In 1993 I formed a neighborhood women’s choir that eventually grew into non-profit 501(C)(3) amateur choral and musical theater organization called Seattle Glee Clubs in 2003. I taught and conducted the Seattle Women’s Glee Club, the West Seattle Glee Club, The Olio Players Theatrical Troupe, the Offbeats Vocal Jazz Ensemble, voice classes, vocal jazz workshops, and coached a variety of vocal ensembles. The whole purpose of Seattle Glee Clubs was to have fun making music and theater.
In 2017 I earned certification from the McClosky Institute or Voice as a Voice Technician, CMVT or Certified McClosky Voice Technician. The focus of MIV is to achieve complete relaxation when singing and speaking, and it is possible.
I'm a low bass and have extensive experience with many styles and performance situations: choral (European/European inspired music, a.k.a classical), jazz, gospel, pop, instrumental, theater, art song, standards, musical theater, and more. In addition to my own performing, I held the position of bass section leader for the Seattle Jewish Chorale from 2010 – 2013 and over the years has served as soloist/section leader and music director for various Christian denominations and a synagogue.
Oh, and for the record, I earned a Bachelor of Music from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA and a Master of Music from the University of Colorado, Boulder.