About Tonya Broucek
My Story
To understand Tonya, we need to go Bach (see what I did there? Johann Sebastian Bach…lol) in time. I am a native to the Seattle area, born and raised in Enumclaw. I cannot remember a time in my life when singing was not just something I did, but was who I am.
We did not have a lot of har-money growing up, but my parents always supported my passion for singing, and somehow came up with the money for my singing lessons. Throughout junior high, I took lessons from a local gospel singer (hallelujah). During high school, I trained with Kivela Chaffee, the 1st chair soprano in the Seattle Opera. I was able to learn so much from her, but the lessons that carried through most were: first, proper breathing (I still use this everyday and I will teach you how to as well) and second, learning to sing and connect to music that was not in my native tongue!
After high school, I attended Northwest University in Kirkland, taking the 2-year Vocal Performance program. This program required me to be in a number of groups that performed frequently and in many different situations. Post-college, I had the opportunity to do solo work, and while the bulk of my training was in classical music (and I learned so much from my coach) gospel was the genre that spoke to me (can I get an Amen?). My love for and return to gospel music allowed me to participate in an extended tour of London with a troupe based out of Seattle. I also had many other opportunities, a highlight of them being, performing The National Anthem at a number of Mariner’s games.
After several years of performing, I made a choice to settle down, and start a family. During this time I had 2 amazing sons (now 31 & 29), while working in local government. I had a very fulfilling career, which I left after 15 years to be with my sons during their pivotal teenage years. After my boys left the house, I took an opportunity to become a nanny for several wonderful families and I enjoyed working with them for the next decade. I fell in love with each child that I worked with and continue to have a close relationship with all of them, even now.
In 2019 my niece reached out to me wanting lessons to prepare her for an upcoming performance. As she and I worked together I fell in love with coaching and I have not looked back!
As I stepped into the role of vocal coach, I was able to reflect on what brought me to this stage in my career. I will forever be grateful for the opportunities that my years of lessons have afforded me. I have always believed that anyone and everyone should have the chance to follow their musical passions. It is my dream to have a school in which aspiring musicians, no matter their financial situation, can work with professionals to explore their musical abilities.
I offer a half-hour complimentary lesson where we can discuss your long and short term goals; evaluate what level you are currently at, and devise a future lesson plan. If performing is your goal, you will not only learn singing techniques, but mic control, stage presence, and stage awareness. As your coach, my goal in working with you is to see you grow and succeed! I will make every effort to attend all of your performances. I will be there, not as your coach, but as a fan!
I cannot wait to start this journey with you!
Tonya Broucek - Founder
Besides being a musician and coach, Tonya has two incredible adult sons. No grand babies yet, due to the fact that her children are VERY selfish, and think they should have kids when THEY are ready. What was she thinking, raising them to have minds of their own?
She loves to garden, and in the summer, can often be found outside working with her flowers, while rehearsing. Thus, giving the neighbors frequent concerts.
Saiya - Administrative Assistant
Saiya is a very busy high school student. In her free time, she loves to dance a variety of styles such as jazz, lyrical, and ballet, and has been playing piano for 7 years. She is a huge animal lover, and is excellent with kids, who, in turn, absolutely adore her.
Saiya is the team Administrative Assistant, helping with social media, and day to day clerical duties. She helps Tonya stay organized, calm, and (semi) sane.
We also work with several incredible independent
contractors who support our team and help
make Seattle Songbird Academy successful.
Feedback & Reviews
“If I cannot fly, let me sing” -Stephen Sondheim
“I have been working with Tonya for over a year and she is the best vocal coach I’ve ever had. She has many amazing stories about her time working with her own vocal coaches, when she was younger, and uses their teachings, with her own fun twist, to make every time we meet clear and productive. She has such a heartwarming spirit and can always make me laugh. I have been taught so many techniques that I use to this day that have better prepared me for play auditions, choir hymns, and even singing to the radio. She has grown so much with her business and I’m so glad I have gotten to be there through it all. Could never recommend her enough!”
- Nicole
“We were in a music group with Tonya in the ’90s, touring the Pacific Northwest. She is a great vocalist, be it as a soloist, or harmonizing with a group. She approaches music and life, professionally, but always with joy and a sense of humor. We, along with our children, are close with her to this day.”
- Jim & Christine
“Tonya has such a kind and caring spirit! Her love of children and music just overflows and spills out of her and her joyfulness is contagious. Over the years, we’ve appreciated that she knows how to encourage our kids to do their best and be their best, but also to have fun. Tonya is a role model who puts her heart and soul into her work. Our four kids adore her and so do we!”
- Sarah
“Some people just have a way with children and Tonya is definitely one of those people. Her passion and love for her job were evident in the way she interacted with them. She was able to really communicate and connect with them on a level that they understood and thrived in. Tonya was always ready to go the extra mile with them… She devotes her full attention to them and gives each child what they individually need. She shares a very special bond with my kids to this day”
- Sofi
“Tonya takes extra care in making people feel comfortable. My nerves have gotten the better of me in the past, but Tonya helped me move past that and excel.”
- MJ
Ready To Get Started?
I offer a half-hour complimentary lesson where we can discuss your long and short-term goals. We evaluate and create a lesson plan.
