“Dr. Castaldi was my voice teacher, Somatics teacher, as well as my closest mentor during my Master’s Degree in Opera Performance at Wichita State University. There, she went above and beyond to teach me how to train my voice, my body, and my mind to prepare me for the next step in my career as a classical singer and voice teacher. Dr. Castaldi’s Essential Somatics for the Singer course provided not only a designated time to focus on wellness during the week, but equipped me with tools to mitigate my own tension and relieve pain with daily practice. I still use exercises I learned in this class daily.”

“Dr. Castaldi has completely shaped and refined my technique. Her somatic-focused technique has given me a deep understanding of my body as my instrument. She knows exactly when to push me to reach my fullest potential. She has a vast knowledge of repertoire which she chooses thoughtfully for students. She cares very much about details, while still inspiring a broader love and understanding of the music. She is a mentor, friend, role model, and advocates for her students ferociously. Dr. Castaldi has built such a solid foundation of technique and work ethic in me, that I feel confident and prepared to enter the performance world.”

“Dr. Castaldi’s teachings emphasize and encourage the holistic health of voice, mind, and body. Her development of the Essential Somatics practice specifically for singers encourages me to maintain a healthy lifestyle and mindset that will keep me singing happily and healthily for the rest of my life. Dr. Castaldi also practices what she preaches - she models a healthy, balanced life for her students. Her dedication to health and happiness encourages us to follow in her footsteps in a way that is so important for folks to see. I had never before encountered an example of a wholly healthy approach to singing, working, and living, and Dr. Castaldi is an example that I aspire to follow every day. ”