Peisha McPhee began her teaching career 20 years ago at the insistence of her voice teacher, Seth Riggs. Today she is the Artistic Director of the Los Angeles-based Cabaret Performance Workshop and has a thriving private practice.
For 15 years Peisha has trained young singer/performers in the art of vocal technique, styling, patter, subtext, and stage presence, specializing in pop, belt, and legitimate placement, as well as creating a vision and plan for each student. Each workshop session culminates in a series of student showcases at notable cabaret venues, such as the legendary Cinegrill and Tom Rolla’s Gardenia supper club.
Peisha also conducts a performance class at the Los Angeles Community College. In this very popular class, whose enrollment regularly sells out, Peisha encourages students to bring American Pop Standards or Musical Theater repertoire to work on over a period of six weeks.
She has received international acclaim and recognition for her work as a performance coach and teacher. Peisha was recently featured on the current season of American Idol as a vocal and performance coach to contestant Katharine McPhee. She has also been featured on The Learning Channel’s “A Slice of Life” – a television series that profiles today’s successful women from all walks of life. The Los Angeles Times says,
Peisha also has a busy private studio practice. Her students have received numerous honors as well while working with her. Among these are:
Vocal coach for American Idol contestant, 5th season
Winner of the First Annual Oak Room Young Artist Competition, Samantha Sidley - Algonquin Hotel, NYC
Acceptance to the prestigious Cabaret Symposium at Yale University
Acceptance to the Perry- Mansfield Performing Arts School, Colorado
4-time winner on Ed McMahon’s “Next Big Star”
National Arts Scholar / performance on 2003 Grammys Pre-Show at The Apollo Theater in Harlem
Acceptance to Anne Reinking’s Broadway Theater Project in Tampa, FL
Acceptance to Los Angeles County of the Performing Arts, Berklee College of Music, The Boston Conservatory, Syracuse University, Webster University, USC, UCLA ( many including full talent scholarships)
Peisha is able to draw extensively from her continuing professional successes and vast knowledge of Musical Theater repertoire. She has played the role of Julie in numerous national productions of Showboat opposite Davis Gaines and Donald O’Connor, as well as co-starring roles in Guys And Dolls, Man of La Mancha with John McCook, and Fiddler On The Roof opposite Ed Ames and the late Herschel Bernardi. She also appears in many national commercials and television shows.
Peisha has a BFA in Vocal Performance from Loretto Heights College in Denver, CO. Her students range from age 7 to 75, and have very diversified backgrounds from amateurs to professional actors and singers.