Lessons Offered
Singing
Where are Lessons Offered
In Teacher Studio
About Me
D. Zubovic runs a successful private Voice Studio in Laguna Niguel, California.
Born in Zagreb, Croatia, Dubravka Zubovic received her BA and MA degrees from the Zagreb and Belgrade Music Academies, respectively. Following advice of her long-time mentor, a distinguished soprano Zinka Kunc-Milanov, she continued with advanced training at Teatro alla Scala, Milan. A prizewinner of a number of competitions in Geneva, Oostende, Vienna, and Rio de Janeiro, she also received the prestigious “Il Barbiere di Siviglia” award in 1985 at the “F. Viñas” competition in Barcelona.
The critically acclaimed mezzo-soprano, widely recognized as one of the leading Carmens and Dalilas, she has performed on numerous operatic and concert stages in Europe, Australia, and the U.S.A.
In 2012. D. Zubovic founded OC Ars Vocalis Academy/ OCAVA, which every summer organizes a three-week program for classical singers in Rome, Italy. This intensive program includes daily vocal lessons, Italian language study, master classes with renowned artists, and three public concerts.
STUDENTS' TESTIMONIALS
Ms. Zubovic, lovingly called Duba by myself and her students, is a fantastic voice teacher and linguistics coach. I had less than six weeks to brush up five selections for my Masters in Opera audition for the University of Michigan, after taking a three year break from classical singing, and she was able to work me back into shape, cover all four classical languages, and prepare me for the audition. I was accepted to Michigan, UCLA and NYU after working with Duba, as well as taking first place in the Classical Singer Vocal Competition of 2014. Her technique is flawless and drive for perfection pushes students of all level to become stronger and better singers. Beyond technique and languages, her knowledge of the opera world, repertoire and continued connections to active singers with the LA Opera and more, make her a networking guru as she helps guide me into the next phase of my career. Other words that describe Duba are dedication, compassion, professionalism, intelligence, and kindness. Her summer program, OCAVA, is run just as professionally as her voice studio, opening Italy up to young artists each year that would not normally have the opportunity. I would recommend Duba to anyone in the Orange County area with confidence.
Her students are recipients of numerous awards, among them the 1st place at the Classical Singer Competition in San Antonio,Texas, the 6 winners of the American Protégé International Vocal Competition in NY, MTAC Fold Medals, etc. Many of them were accepted at the prestigious universities and music conservatories.
Ms. Zubovic made her Carnegie Hall debut in the 1987 Wagner Gala and subsequently in a production of Andrea Chenier. Thereafter, she appeared as Amneris in Opera Pacific’s 1988 production of Aida. Since 1990, she performed as Dalila and Carmen in numerous performances in Melbourne and Adelaide, Australia. Ms. Zubovic was a frequent guest in all of former Yugoslavia’s opera houses and major symphony orchestras as well as many Yugoslavian music festivals and television programs. A versatile artist, she has also performed oratorios, lieder, and folk songs. Ms. Zubovic has recorded albums featuring Spanish selections by Granados, de Falla, and Lorca, works by Händel, Purcell, Gluck, and Scarlatti, as well as selections by Yugoslavian composers.
Since 1991 she has been living in Orange County, California. From 2010-2014 she was teaching at the Saddleback College Music Department in Mission Viejo. She also taught at the UC Irvine Vocal Department, and gave master classes internationally and in the USA.
Dubravka Zubovic is a member of NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing), USA and MTAC (Music Teachers’ Association of California).
Amanda Strader
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As both colleague and student, I am deeply impressed with Dubravka’s approach to teaching voice. Her performance experience is vast, her knowledge of the voice as an instrument is unparalleled, and her teaching techniques are effective. In class, I have seen and heard instantaneous improvement in students’ voices with a few words of her advice and direction. On a personal level, with Dubravka’s help I have experienced greater improvement in my vocal performance in a mere four months than I have experienced with any other teacher; and I began formal voice study at age 15! More impressive than her experience, or her knowledge, or her approach to teaching, is Dubravka’s spirit. She is an absolute joy to have in class, and her kindness and patience with students of all levels, from first year students to professional opera singers, is inexhaustible. I cannot recommend her highly enough, both as a person and as a teacher.
A. S. Harris
Saddleback College Adjunct Faculty and Applied Music Student
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Dubravka Zubovic-Radosevic is an excellent wealth of knowledge and inspirational
teacher. She has encouraged me as a singer to think more musically not only in vocal
tone, but also in emotional connections furthered by increased technique. Dubravka
always has the singer's best interest in mind, teaching at the most basic level that a
singer should never feel pain when singing, but through proper technique, singing
can become simplistically beautiful. Her knowledge of the many languages used for
classical music is pivotal for beginning through advanced singers, teaching proper
diction and interpretation of lyrics as they pertain to the work as a whole. Her career
has taken her all over the world and her understanding of what opera companies are
looking for is information that singers often need but over look. Dubravka will
transform a singer's talent by sharing with them breathing exercises, vocalized examples,
and creative insights. She is an excellent teacher to work with, very clear in
her directions, and extremely diligent to furthering the singers career and dreams. I
would highly recommend Dubravka to all of my classmates and fellow singers.
Amanda Strader
B.A.from The University of California, Berkeley
VoiceStudent at Saddleback College
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Dearest Professor Zubovic,
Thank you for the best voice class I've ever had. I'm loving every minute!
Many thanks for the passion, professionalism, and helps you bring to each class. I have been very blessed to take part in such a wonderful and dynamic course.
I have seen improvement in my vocal performance and in many of the others willing to do the work. I look forward to returning in Fall to take your class again and as many times as I can.
Sincerely,
Paulette Brown
Saddleback College Student
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It has been a real honor to have you in class. It has been a challenge and struggle at times. However, your commitment and devotion to us has brought growth and improvement. You are tremendously dedicated and supportive of me. I thank you for being one of the most classy, elegant, beautiful, and kind teachers I had the pleasure of studying with. I look forward to working with you again some time in a near future.
Sincerely,
Craig Tyrl
Saddleback College Student
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I also want to thank you for all your help this semester. …..After performing so many times in front of the class, and your coaching about being in character really helped me let go. Three days after our final performance I competed in a local competition and for the first time received First Place in musical theater and classical. I know this was largely due to what I learned with you. I hope to take your class this next semester but some general education classes might make that impossible. If I am unable let me say that you have already taught me so much that I will be able to take with me. Thank you again and I will see you soon.
Lauren Graham
Saddleback College Student
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your class this last semester. You are a true professional and I so appreciated all your help and intense effort in making ALL the students better singers. You choosing to be a teacher is a true labor of love especially with your background and you have helped many.
Thank you.
Julie Donoho
Saddleback College Student
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Your teaching has not only been fulfilling for me but also inspiring, You are a fabulous teacher as well as a beautiful person. I am blessed to have been able to take lessons from you and to have learned so much.
I really enjoyed my lesson with you this afternoon. The techniques you are teaching me are great and I am looking forward to singing much better as I keep practicing them.
Lyne Friedland
Student
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First let me say Thank you, it is an honor and a privilege to be able to study under the guidance of such an accomplished performer, excellent artist, and wonderful person.
Thank you again Duba, I think I have grown quite a bit in this class.
Sincerely,
Jeff Wollf
Saddleback College Student
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is the best class I have taken for singing (solo or chorus). I have improved techniques, pronunciation of lyrics for songs from three languages, music styles from baroque to modern. We were encouraged to research on the song authors and song's text, given enough time and assistance to memorize, and even able to apply dynamics and self expressions to them. That's a lot of accomplishment for me.
Another plus in this class is you coached and corrected each student's technique on the spot. I saw very good results in many.
Thank you very much, Duba!
Julia Hisaw
Student
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You take great care to find songs that are a little challenging but a good fit for each person.
The work on expressiveness and actual performance is great
You pay great attention to language and other details…
Jon Korbonski
Student
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I had an extraordinary semester, studying voice with you. You are the best voice teacher I have ever had. Thank you very much for your vocal instruction. You have really helped me to develop my vocal technique. Specifically, you have helped me to clearly pronounce German, French, and Italian. So, now I have better diction. And, I have made daily use of the warm-ups and breathing exercises you have taught us. Especially, I appreciate sending us video recordings of our performances.
To me, I do not believe you are too strict in your teaching. I like the way you emphasize specific technique and you make sure we understand your point. Thank you very much.
Mei Schermer
Student
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi Duba,
I just wanted to let you know that I got into the Chicago College of Performing Arts as a Voice Performance Major for my Bachelor of Music!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)..... I just wanted to thank you as well for making this a possibility, without you being my teacher and coach I would not be where I am today.
Thank You Again
Sophia Ahwazi
...Can't tell you how important you have been to me becoming a singer. You were the first person to really give me confidence in singing solo. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Jon Korbonski
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Dear Duba,
You have made the world a better place by sharing your beautiful voice and your gift of teaching voice students....
Lyne Friedland
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you very much Duba. I often listen to all my video recordings and lesson recordings to hear the flaws and think of how to fix them. But I owe this improvement mostly to you, and your hard work as a great teacher. If you were not a great teacher and without your help, support, and you pushing me, I would not be where I am. So again thank you!
Sophia Ahwazi
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FANTASTIC! I have had many voice teachers through the years, but no one can compare to Dubravka. Her knowledge of voice and proper technique is rare and In one short month the difference in my voice is amazing.
Natalie Walker
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Miss Duba is one of the most fantastic voice teachers I've had. She really works on getting a singer to understand where and how your voice makes sound! Not only does she help produce correct sound, she also helps with feeling what your song is about! I would recomend her for first time singers all the way up to the advanced singers!
Sarah Lonsert
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My Musical Education Background
Certificate- Teatro alla Scala di Milano, Italy
MA- Belgrade University
BA- Zagreb University- Academy of Music
Member of NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing), USA and MTAC (Music Teachers’ Association of California).
Founder/Artistic Director of the OC Ars Vocalis Academy/ OCAVA
Genres and Subjects Taught
Classical Singing
Musical Theater
Vocal Technique
Posture
Resonance
Tone Projection
Diction
Public performance/concert
Lesson Rates
There is a payment scale, from $125- $170 per one hour, depending on the school and experience level. Professional accompanist included as needed.
Ages / Skill Levels Taught
11 years on...
My opinion is that the body and mind have to be matured enough to start the singing studies. I would recommend starting at an early age with an instrument playing (piano preferably for singers) and a children chorus for a couple years, and then start with voice lessons.
My Certifications and Awards
I am a recipient of a numerous awards from the international vocal competitions- Rio de Janeiro( Brazil), Vienna (Austria), Geneva (Switzerland), Yugoslavia, etc.
Certificate - Il Teatro alla Scala di Milano, Italy- Il Centro di perfezionamento
Service Area
Student Reviews
Craig T
Fullerton, CA
It has been a real honor to have you in class. It has been a challenge and struggle at times. However, your commitment and devotion to us has brought growth and improvement. You are tremendously dedicated and supportive of me. I thank you for being one of the most classy, elegant, beautiful, and kind teachers I had the pleasure of studying with. I look forward to working with you again some time in a near future. Sincerely, Craig Tyrl Saddleback College Student
Julie D
Laguna Niguel, CA
I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your class this last semester. You are a true professional and I so appreciated all your help and intense effort in making ALL the students better singers. You choosing to be a teacher is a true labor of love especially with your background and you have helped many. Thank you. Julie Donoho Saddleback College Student
Jeff W
Aliso Viejo, CA
First let me say Thank you, it is an honor and a privilege to be able to study under the guidance of such an accomplished performer, excellent artist, and wonderful person. Thank you again Duba, I think I have grown quite a bit in this class. Sincerely, Jeff Wollf
Mei S
Irvine, CA
I had an extraordinary semester, studying voice with you. You are the best voice teacher I have ever had. Thank you very much for your vocal instruction. You have really helped me to develop my vocal technique. Specifically, you have helped me to clearly pronounce German, French, and Italian. So, now I have better diction. And, I have made daily use of the warm-ups and breathing exercises you have taught us. Especially, I appreciate sending us video recordings of our performances. To me, I do not believe you are too strict in your teaching. I like the way you emphasize specific technique and you make sure we understand your point. Thank you very much. Mei Schermer Student
Jon K
Laguna Niguel, CA
...Can't tell you how important you have been to me becoming a singer. You were the first person to really give me confidence in singing solo. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Jon Korbonski
S
Foothill Ranch, CA
Thank you very much Duba. I often listen to all my video recordings and lesson recordings to hear the flaws and think of how to fix them. But I owe this improvement mostly to you, and your hard work as a great teacher. If you were not a great teacher and without your help, support, and you pushing me, I would not be where I am. So again thank you! Sophia Ahwazi
Sarah L
Mission Viejo, CA
Miss Duba is one of the most fantastic voice teachers I've had. She really works on getting a singer to understand where and how your voice makes sound! Not only does she help produce correct sound, she also helps with feeling what your song is about! I would recomend her for first time singers all the way up to the advanced singers! Sarah Lonsert
Natalie W
Mission Viejo, CA
FANTASTIC! I have had many voice teachers through the years, but no one can compare to Dubravka. Her knowledge of voice and proper technique is rare and In one short month the difference in my voice is amazing. Natalie Walker
Julia H
Tustin, CA
This is the best class I have taken for singing (solo or chorus). I have improved techniques, pronunciation of lyrics for songs from three languages, music styles from baroque to modern. We were encouraged to research on the song authors and song's text, given enough time and assistance to memorize, and even able to apply dynamics and self expressions to them. That's a lot of accomplishment for me. Another plus in this class is you coached and corrected each student's technique on the spot. I saw very good results in many. Thank you very much, Duba! Julia Hisaw Student
Lyne F
Irvine, CA
Your teaching has not only been fulfilling for me but also inspiring, You are a fabulous teacher as well as a beautiful person. I am blessed to have been able to take lessons from you and to have learned so much. I really enjoyed my lesson with you this afternoon. The techniques you are teaching me are great and I am looking forward to singing much better as I keep practicing them. Lyne Friedland Student
Lauren G
Mission Viejo, CA
I also want to thank you for all your help this semester. …..After performing so many times in front of the class, and your coaching about being in character really helped me let go. Three days after our final performance I competed in a local competition and for the first time received First Place in musical theater and classical. I know this was largely due to what I learned with you. I hope to take your class this next semester but some general education classes might make that impossible. If I am unable let me say that you have already taught me so much that I will be able to take with me. Thank you again and I will see you soon. Lauren Graham Saddleback College Student
Paulette B
San Clemente, CA
Dearest Professor Zubovic, Thank you for the best voice class I've ever had. I'm loving every minute! Many thanks for the passion, professionalism, and helps you bring to each class. I have been very blessed to take part in such a wonderful and dynamic course. I have seen improvement in my vocal performance and in many of the others willing to do the work. I look forward to returning in Fall to take your class again and as many times as I can. Sincerely, Paulette Brown Saddleback College Student
Amanda H
San Juan Capistrano, CA
As both colleague and student, I am deeply impressed with Dubravka’s approach to teaching voice. Her performance experience is vast, her knowledge of the voice as an instrument is unparalleled, and her teaching techniques are effective. In class, I have seen and heard instantaneous improvement in students’ voices with a few words of her advice and direction. On a personal level, with Dubravka’s help I have experienced greater improvement in my vocal performance in a mere four months than I have experienced with any other teacher; and I began formal voice study at age 15! More impressive than her experience, or her knowledge, or her approach to teaching, is Dubravka’s spirit. She is an absolute joy to have in class, and her kindness and patience with students of all levels, from first year students to professional opera singers, is inexhaustible. I cannot recommend her highly enough, both as a person and as a teacher. A. S. Harris Saddleback College Adjunct Faculty and Applied Music Student
Amanda S
Dana Point, CA
Ms. Zubovic, lovingly called Duba by myself and her students, is a fantastic voice teacher and linguistics coach. I had less than six weeks to brush up five selections for my Masters in Opera audition for the University of Michigan, after taking a three year break from classical singing, and she was able to work me back into shape, cover all four classical languages, and prepare me for the audition. I was accepted to Michigan, UCLA and NYU after working with Duba, as well as taking first place in the Classical Singer Vocal Competition of 2014. Her technique is flawless and drive for perfection pushes students of all level to become stronger and better singers. Beyond technique and languages, her knowledge of the opera world, repertoire and continued connections to active singers with the LA Opera and more, make her a networking guru as she helps guide me into the next phase of my career. Other words that describe Duba are dedication, compassion, professionalism, intelligence, and kindness. Her summer program, OCAVA, is run just as professionally as her voice studio, opening Italy up to young artists each year that would not normally have the opportunity. I would recommend Duba to anyone in the Orange County area with confidence. Amanda Strader