Testimonials
CASSADEE POPE - Lead Singer for "Hey Monday"
"Miss Marie - my vocal coach - I owe you my life. Cassadee"
Hi. My name is Connor. I am 12 years-old and I have been a student of Miss Marie's since I was 8. She has been the best vocal coach. I learned so much from her, not just singing and performing but about music. She opened my eyes to jazz
and taught me the importance of always giving a hundred percent. I got to be apart of shows that I will remember always. Like the monster show, the Disney Show and the Jazz Festival. Miss Marie has been more than just a teacher, she is a friend. I don't think there are many voice teacher's who would invite you to their house for an Easter party and throw Fright Night sleepovers. Sometimes I felt like she was hard on me, but I know now it's because she believed in me and only wanted me to succeed. Now I am in Vegas, living my dream! Thanks Miss
Marie! I love you!
and taught me the importance of always giving a hundred percent. I got to be apart of shows that I will remember always. Like the monster show, the Disney Show and the Jazz Festival. Miss Marie has been more than just a teacher, she is a friend. I don't think there are many voice teacher's who would invite you to their house for an Easter party and throw Fright Night sleepovers. Sometimes I felt like she was hard on me, but I know now it's because she believed in me and only wanted me to succeed. Now I am in Vegas, living my dream! Thanks Miss
Marie! I love you!
CONNOR BLACKLEY - Vocalist with Cirque Du Soleil in Las Vegas - "Elvis" Show - opening December 18th, 2009
BLAKE CLEMENTS - Singer/Actress - Los Angeles.
JOHN BRANDON - recording artist
Dear Marie,
Wow! It's hard to believe that over three years have gone by since my first lesson with you! Even harder to believe is that I am working on my third album since then-thanks to you!
If it were not for you, I would still be singing from my throat and may not even have a voice today! What's more, I have shared many of your techniques with other singers and they have benefited! If I can provide any verbal recommendations for any students who are thinking of joining the team, please call on me!
All best wishes, John Brandon www.johnbrandonmusic.com
Wow! It's hard to believe that over three years have gone by since my first lesson with you! Even harder to believe is that I am working on my third album since then-thanks to you!
If it were not for you, I would still be singing from my throat and may not even have a voice today! What's more, I have shared many of your techniques with other singers and they have benefited! If I can provide any verbal recommendations for any students who are thinking of joining the team, please call on me!
All best wishes, John Brandon www.johnbrandonmusic.com
Miss Marie:
I wanted to thank you with all my heart for everything you have done for me!!! When I became your student, I soon became your friend, and you also treated me like family...going above and beyond without thinking twice about it. You prepared me for singing, for huge crowds, and for the "claws and fangs" of the entertainment world out here in Los Angeles. I wouldn't have made it this far without!!! You have given me something that CANNOT be replaced by even the biggest names in Hollywood!!!
You ARE Amazing!!!! and I Miss You sooooo much!!!!
I Love You,
Blake
MEGAN HEVNER - Former Student - Florida
I have been singing wih Miss Marie since I was 5 years old. I started competing in talent based pageants and at the age of 10 I became the International Cinderella Miss in Las Vegas, recieving a $10,000 scholarship to any college of my choice. I competed in tons of pageants and won many scholarships and bonds that have contributed to my studies. In my freshman year of college I was asked to be part of a pop group called "Infinity", and got to work with producer Michael Cochrane, 12 time Grammy winning music engineer, Eric Shilling; both that have worked with musicians such as Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Beyonce, and Justin Timberlake. I recorded with them but shortly had to leave the group because I would have to give up going to college to stay with the group. I am currently a Sophomore at Stetson University where I am majoring in Marketing and minoring in Business and Journalism. I also plan to soon compete for the title of Miss Florida USA within the next year. Miss Marie has been an amazing mentor, teacher, and friend that has been with me every step of the way. I am thankful for such an amazing person in my life and would not have had all these wonderful experiences or be where I am today. I love her dearly and would refer any new singer I knew, to her.
Megan
Megan
© 2000 - Miss Marie's Kids, Inc. All rights reserved.
LAURA PUCILLO - former student - Florida
Miss Marie is a great vocal coach who taught me so much about my own voice. She made me realize how much I could really do! Working with her made me more confident about my singing and more comfortable with hitting notes that I previously thought were way to high for me. She was also really helpful in teaching me how to protect my voice and not damage it through bad technique. All of these things made me a more capable and confident singer and performer.
I was a student of Miss Marie's for two years. I loved the fact that she was so passionate about her work, and instilled that passion into my lessons. She is such a dedicated woman, and loves each and every one of her students. It was a blessing to see her and sing with her, and she helped me get over my fear of singing in public! I loved the shows and the practices we had for them. She was always willing to work with my individual strengths, and help me conquer my weaknesses. Marie is and was a great teacher, but most of all, she was a great person to talk to, and a wonderful friend.
Allison Nielsen"
Allison Nielsen"
ALEXANDER LOUKES - Former Student - Florida
"I would consider my greatest teacher to be Marie Hardway. Before I started coming to her class people couldn't stand to hear me sing. Whenever I heard a recording of myself I felt the same way. After she was through with me though, people actually took notice of my voice. I actually like hearing myself sing now. The only flaw I can find in Marie would have to be her love of the Tennessee Titans. But other than that, I wouldn't want any other person training my voice. Now that I've had a taste of the best, I can't have anything else!"
- Alexander Loucks (AKA the Greatest)
- Alexander Loucks (AKA the Greatest)
I took lessons from Miss Marie for about 7 or 8 years, but it feels like I knew her my entire life. Most of my favorite memories are ones that took place during a lesson or rehearsal for a show like the Monster Rock or Smokey Joes Cafe. I can be incredibly shy singing in front of people but I still loved it because Miss Marie gave me the confidence I needed to perform my best. "practice practice practice" "put more UMPH into it!" " facial expressions" and "move your hips!!" these were probably what I heard most at my lessons. I can't pick a favorite memory because I have so many good ones. I love you Miss Marie, and I miss seeing you and your amazingly cute shoes every week, and I'm so proud to still call you my voice teacher. Brit
BRITTANI EASON - Former Student - Florida
ALISON NILESON- former student - Florida
When I started with Miss Marie, I was 8 years old. I came to her with a natural ability to sing, but she taught me how to "put a little umph in it!" She taught me how to breath properly, gave me the confidence to perform in front of a large audience, and helped me with my first CD! At times she kicked me in the butt, but I always knew she had my best interests at heart.
I currently attend the University of Florida (Go GATORS!), and know that she is still there for me whenever I need her to kick me into vocal shape. I look at her as a musical personal trainer. She'll teach you the ropes, she's there with you as you work for the best you can be, and she'll push you until you get there.
I recommend Miss Marie to anyone who is looking for a voice teacher. When we found out that my little cousin Kelci was blessed with a beautiful voice, my mom and I recommended Miss Marie right away. She's the best and I can't thank her enough for all that she has taught me.
I LOVE YOU MISS MARIE :)
I currently attend the University of Florida (Go GATORS!), and know that she is still there for me whenever I need her to kick me into vocal shape. I look at her as a musical personal trainer. She'll teach you the ropes, she's there with you as you work for the best you can be, and she'll push you until you get there.
I recommend Miss Marie to anyone who is looking for a voice teacher. When we found out that my little cousin Kelci was blessed with a beautiful voice, my mom and I recommended Miss Marie right away. She's the best and I can't thank her enough for all that she has taught me.
I LOVE YOU MISS MARIE :)
BROOKE HELVIE - Former Student - Florida
http://www.myspace.com/brookehelvie
Apparently one of my first memories of Miss Marie was me following my older sister Holly into lessons one day and saying, "Miss Marie, I wanna sing." I proceeded to then sing my rendition of "Somewhere over the Rainbow." Well I was only 2 at the time so I don't really remember that, but it's a story I've been told my entire life. Now 22 years later I am still singing that song, several times a week actually. Since being crowned Miss South Carolina in July, I have a very busy schedule which requires me to visit schools everyday. I talk to the students about setting goals and having dreams of things you want to accomplish. One of my dreams has always been to compete on the Miss America stage, and in January it will finally come true. So naturally when the students ask what my talent is (I'm always prepared to sing, even though they think they talk me into it!) I have "Somewhere over the Rainbow" ready. Having Miss Marie as a teacher I learned so much about singing and performing, and I hope to make her proud on that stage in January. It makes me smile just knowing she will be in the audience, probably remembering that Kelly from over 20 years ago. And I hope she smiles just as big as she did when I was 2.
KELLY SLOAN- Miss South Carolina 2009 - (former Tennessee student)