I studied private voice with Mr. Patterson for roughly two years, and I cannot say enough about his remarkable talent and ability to shape the voice. Going in, my voice was young and timid, but through a lot of practice and dedication on both our parts, he made it powerful, confident, and beautiful. I am now singing in two university choirs at Western Michigan, and I wouldn’t be here without his guidance. If you are serious about your future as a musician, Mr. Patterson will be committed to helping you achieve your dream.

Elizabeth Riggan, former high school student

My daughter is currently a freshman in the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre and Dance as a Vocal Performance/Teacher Education major. Jim Patterson is the reason that Jayme was able to fulfill this dream and take her first steps toward pursuing a career in music. As a teacher, Jim is the total package. He has the knowledge, experiences, and background as a professional musician to draw from, along with the patience, understanding, and compassion necessary to bring out the best in his students. Jim is the type of teacher who is always there for support. He encouraged, advised, and challenged Jayme over the years, always keeping her best interests in mind. Although she is still a work in progress, I will be forever grateful to Jim Patterson for helping Jayme discover herself through music.

Janet Kelmigian, parent of former high school student

Mr. Patterson is an excellent voice teacher. I’ve learned so much about classical music and about the voice. And where a lot of voice teachers will just hand you music and help you learn the notes, he actually teaches me how to use my voice and use the notes as a vehicle for the notes that are on the page. 

Michael Rubyan, former high school student

Jim Patterson knows his stuff. Upon first hearing me sing, shortly after I had received my master's degree in vocal performance, his expertise told him – and me – that I was NOT a mezzo soprano. He began working with me on a more open sound and introduced me to various pieces from the dramatic soprano repertoire. Suddenly my voice opened up and I finally felt like I had found my home in vocal literature. He is equally comfortable and knowledgeable in working on details of the vocal mechanism and technique as he is working on proper pronunciation and styles in French, German, Italian – any language in the vocal rep. Jim is also a marvel when working on the details of proper expression of styles and phrasing among various composers. I learned more from him in a week than I ever learned in years from other voice teachers. Thank you, Jim!

June C. Zydek, dramatic soprano and prominent vocal and music educator

When I first started lessons with Mr. Patterson, I was a meek soprano just trying to hit an F. As time went on, I became more comfortable with singing and he challenged me to discover my voice. I never understood the idea of having my own voice until it happened, but he always suspected there was more, if we could just find it. Then one day, as I sang higher, the sound became more solid; I reached high A and it all came together. “That’s it!” he shouted, beaming. My last few years with Mr. Patterson concentrated more on the emotional side of music, focusing on how phrasing, tempo, and dynamics express so much more than simple notes. I opened myself, so everyone could see the true me: the person I find when I sing with my own voice.

Rachel Lum, former high school student

Of all the teachers I have had in high school, Mr. Patterson was the most influential. He is a magnificent voice teacher who knows how to coax the sound he wants out of his students, and during my study with him, he helped me progress tremendously. Mr. Patterson is constantly challenging me to grow, both as a musician and a person, and I am blessed to have him as a mentor and teacher.

Sarah Ring, former high school student and current voice major at University of Michigan