Evelyn Czaja
Piano and Voice Teacher Evelyn Virginia Sophia Czaja is a lyric mezzo-soprano, choir director, and skilled organist. She also possesses expertise in stage direction and is a certified makeup artist.
Her musical journey began as an opera singer in Chicago, IL, where she performed with esteemed local opera companies such as Repertory Opera Theater and DuPage Opera. She also collaborated with renowned local symphonies like Northwest Symphony and Lake Shore Symphony, in addition to Chicago Opera Theater. Evelyn has presented numerous captivating recitals both in Chicago and Boston, MA. Additionally, for a span of 15 years, she served as a Cantor in the Roman Catholic Church in Chicago.
Among her notable roles, Evelyn has portrayed Musetta in Puccini's "La Boheme," The Queen of the Night in Mozart's "Magic Flute," and Yum-Yum in Gilbert and Sullivan's "Mikado," among others.
After establishing herself as a voice teacher in Chicago, Evelyn expanded her teaching practice to the Boston area. She also incorporated beginner and intermediate piano instruction into her schedule. She has accompanied vocal students during recitals and even showcased her piano skills as a piano bar performer for one of her pop singing students.
Recently, Evelyn has taken on the role of an organist and choir director at various Greek Orthodox Churches, including Panagia in Cohasset, Dormition in Somerville, and currently St. Catherine's in Braintree.
As a private music teacher, Evelyn finds great joy in witnessing her students' personal achievements. Observing their growth and witnessing their performances in recitals is incredibly rewarding. She values the process of nurturing each student's individual artistic expression.
Evelyn's educational background includes a Master's Degree in Applied Music Pedagogy from Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, IL, and a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Rosary College (now Dominican University) in River Forest, IL. She has received private voice training in both Chicago and Massachusetts, as well as performance coaching. Evelyn has also pursued private piano lessons and studied choral conducting at Rosary College, IL, and organ performance in both Chicago and Massachusetts.
She is an active member of esteemed associations such as the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), Boston Singers Resources (BSR), and the National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians.