_______________________________________________________________________

"In 1998 I joined the cast of Les Misérables in Duisburg (Germany), where Edward Crader was teaching some of the cast members.

I started working with Edward as well and the vocal technique he taught me helped my voice immediately. He helped me to find the natural position of my voice and my sound, and taught me to sing with ease, not by making a lot of effort. My voice became stronger; I could sing for a longer time without getting tired, the sound became richer, fuller and more open.

Edward taught me how to approach a song technically, how to go through passagio. And to use sheet music like a technical roadmap. It shows where you go into passagio and where you come out of it. My way of singing became more relaxed. I was singing high notes with a lot more ease then I used to. Sometimes I couldn’t believe myself what I had sung, because it felt so easy.

Of course I realise I was lucky, I could practise what he taught me immediately in the show.

Apart from the technique, it was also the way Edward was (and still is) teaching. Never did I get the feeling that he had a standard program that he simply repeated with every student. Of course we did the same, or similar, exercises, but he was always very focused on the students’ voice and changed the exercise to help the voice better, to make it work for you.

Also in repertoire choices, he helped to use the technique properly, without ignoring the interpretation of a song. And that it really changed my voice for the better became clear when I auditioned for the musical Oliver! This was three months after I started working with Edward.

Ken Caswell, who directed Les Misérables, heard me and asked me what had happened, my voice sounded so much better. Right then and there he sent me to London to audition for Les Misérables on West End. They wanted to have me, but couldn’t place me at that time, unfortunately.

I really miss working with Edward. But Amsterdam – St Petersburg is a bit far to maintain the weekly lessons, which I regret. J"

Rolf van Rijsbergen, Amsterdam

My résumé includes:

Musicals: Evita, Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, Cyrano the musical, Music in the Air, Pacific Overtures, Joe the musical, Titanic, Elisabeth.

But also opera, operetta and stage plays.

_________________________________________________________________________

I met Mr. Edward Crader for the first time in January 2000 during my musical theatre studies at the “Stage School of Music, Dance and Drama” in Hamburg, Germany, where he has been my singing teacher for half a year.

Within that relatively short period of time, he worked with me in a very intensive way on a regular basis. Specifically on a healthy singing technique, including a proper breath control and body support, passagio and register equalization, following his own education in the Lamperti Belcanto technique.

My improvement in these six months was most remarkable.

We achieved to establish an essential foundation of my singing abilities and possibilities.

More and more my “real” voice revealed and emerged, and I learned how to sing both in an economic and efficient way. I really enjoyed working with Mr. Crader, whom I appreciate for his extraordinary musicality and expertise.

_______________________________________________________________________

My name is Caroline Andreasson, I am 29 years old and I live in Sweden. I went to Florida to study music 2002-2003. My instrument is my voice. I am a soprano and I studied with Mr. Crader to develop my voice in the best possible way. Mr. Crader taught me the Bel Canto technique and it really works for me. My voice got much stronger and I can perform longer without losing strength or pitch. His teaching was very easy to understand and it was fun because he put a lot of effort in what the student likes such as musicals, opera etc. All you need to become a great singer is a mirror, a bottle of water, a tape recorder and Mr. Crader!

Caroline Andreasson

____________________________________________________________________________

Edward's talent is God given! I have been a student of Edward's for two semesters at HCC in Ybor. My voice has never been able to sing the way that it can right now. Not only does he emphasize on proper vocal technique but he encourages superb musicianship.

Edward is a very accomplished and talented man."

"Before Edward I had never had a voice lesson. I have always dreamed of having a career with my voice. But I always had a thorn in my side- My mother used to quote an old musical with Doris Day, "Calamity Jane." She would say, "Your voice is wonderful for choirs and weddings but it will never carry beyond the footlights." Although I knew that there was power inside me, I heard that line playing in my head for a long time. Needless to say when I apply what I've been taught. I'll blow the bloody footlights out and be heard in the nose-bleed section."

"Edward has shown me where the power of my instrument is and how to use it- not just to sing but to make beautiful music. He has provided me with the true reflection of what I can become- with dedication and hard work. I am confident that I will be successful because of the  foundation that I have been given. There is no fluff to his technique, he is just FABULOUS at what he does!!"

"The people at HCC are blessed to have him there and I am proud

to be one of his students."

"HE IS PHENOMENAL AND ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT!!!"

Ashley Wilson, Tampa

I’ve always wanted to learn to sing but had major pitch problems. I started out in Mr. Crader’s beginning voice class. I was so impressed by his teaching abilities, that when the course was over, I began taking private lessons. Although he expects his students to work hard, he has the patience of a Saint. It doesn’t matter what kind of music one prefers, he teaches the proper techniques to sing any type correctly. Only students who are serious about learning to sing properly should consider contacting Mr. Crader for voice lessons. I am honored to have this opportunity to work with such a brilliant voice instructor.

Candy Bryant, Tampa

_________________________________________________________________________

My name is Natasha Hojati.  I am a 19 year old vocal student at HCC Ybor City, Tampa campus where I met my current voice teacher, Mr. Crader. Mr. Edward Crader's teaching style has been a gift to me. I walked in on the first day of the lesson and got a boost of confidence from Mr. Crader that I had a wonderful voice; but I then realized I have a voice but didn't know a thing about music. Mr. Crader's style teaches you about the passagio, how to breathe properly, how to open your mouth on the right pitches, and so forth. It has honestly helped me form a voice. In my past teachings someone would say "Sing that Staccato or Legato," my response would be, "What?" I now actually understand, and I've been studying with Mr. Crader for less than two months. My range has also improved; I found with Mr. Crader that I have a coloratura range, which I never knew before. Mr. Crader doesn't just teach his students, he gets to know them, so you do what is comfortable for you. Mr. Crader is also a very honest teacher. As a voice major in Opera I know what I need to fix to become successful, and Mr. Crader is not mean, but tells you honestly what you need to do to fix yourself for the future. I think he gives out fair criticism to his students, is very helpful, and takes out of his personal time to come and help you if you need it. Mr. Crader is a wonderful teacher, using his experience from prior knowledge as a performer with the Lamperti Bel Canto technique he learned while in his studies. The  one thing I appreciate most about Mr. Crader, he's been on stage and knows what is honestly out there, so he knows how to help you build up your future to achieve your goals.