Teaching Experience
An Experienced Youth & Adolescent Vocal Coach
Delaware County native and graduate of Archbishop Prendergast High School, Debra Lynn Cotterall is a well respected and established musical educator whose passion for instilling confidence and a strong performance foundation has supported hundreds of students throughout her career, both in her capacities as a classroom teacher and in her private vocal studio.
She currently serves on the music faculty at Saint Francis of Assisi School in Springfield, PA, where she teaches students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. She is an expert in working with youth, as her students have gone on to achieve vocal scholarships from Cardinal O’Hara Fine & Performing Arts Department, and The Academy of Notre Dame, among others. Her students are also regularly cast in leading roles in academic settings at Bonner-Prendergast High School, Archbishop Carroll High School, and in semi-professional settings with CCC Shines, the Media Theater, The Wilmington Drama League, the Brandywiners, and the Vocal Star Youth Competition.
In addition to her work with students, Cotterall draws upon a strong performance background as a classically trained vocalist. She has been featured throughout the Northeast region in roles such as La Badessa in Suor Angelica with Opera Magnifico, Marcellina in Le nozze di Figaro with Delaware Valley Opera Company, and as Susan in the Philadelphia premiere of The Filthy Habit at the Philadelphia Fringe Festival. She is also an established church musician and serves as cantor for several parishes throughout the Delaware County region for over 15 years.
Cotterall earned her Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from Rowan University, as well as an MA in Creative Arts Therapy from Drexel University. She has been a board-certified music therapist for over ten years, having served at COMHAR, Friends Hospital, Peaceful Living, The Kardon Institute for Arts Therapy, BuildaBridge International, The Philadelphia Intermediate Unit, and The School District of Philadelphia. Cotterall has been a lead music therapist with The Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation since the inception of it’s first special education program, The Butterfly Buddy Camp and Club. She currently serves as the Assistant Vocal Director and Vocal Coach for CCC Shines, a youth musical theater organization, serving the Delaware Valley area.
Student & Family Testimonials
Parents of Jimmy (5th grade):
Thank you so much! We’ve seen such a wonderful transformation — not only has his singing improved, but his confidence has grown tremendously since working with you. It’s truly noticeable! Your patience, kindness, and ability to make your students feel comfortable make all the difference. We’re so grateful!
Parents of Audrina (9th grade):
Audrina has been working with Debbie for 5 years, and what a gift it has been! Her confidence has increased immensely, her technique has been elevated, and she’s found someone who she can truly trust to help elevate her to the next level. And she does all this while having a blast! Audrina is comfortable reaching out to let me know when she needs a little extra help from Debbie and she always puts the work in. I highly recommend Debbie if you’re looking for a vocal coach for your child.
Gemma (7th grade):
What I really like about Mrs. Cotterall is that she doesn’t just tell you what to do, she shows you. She gives me tips on how to sing stronger while taking care of my voice. She is helping me be a better singer.
Gemma’s Mom:
Mrs. Cotterall has been a wonderful way for Gemma to build her skills! A definite improvement has been noticed since she started lessons. We are also grateful for her flexibility in adding lessons when needed.
Parents of Kirsten (6th grade):
I couldn’t be happier to recommend Debbie Cotterall for voice lessons. My daughter has just started lessons with her, but I can already confidently say that she is a truly brilliant and inspiring vocal coach.
Every lesson for my daughter is filled with encouragement and her infectious passion for music. I am so grateful my daughter has her as a teacher.
Parents of Lilly (6th grade):
My daughter’s voice lessons with Mrs. Cotterall through CCC Shines have boosted her confidence and stage presence, and have taken her singing to the next level. She’s had so much fun learning singing fundamentals as well as helpful vocal techniques in a personalized, supportive environment. Can’t wait to see what’s ahead!
Haley (2nd grade):
I LOVE taking singing lessons with Mrs. Cotterall! She shows me fun ways to warm up my voice so I can sing my favorite songs really well. I like spending one-on-one time with her because she makes learning how to sing so much fun. Singing with her is the best part of my week!
Haley’s Mom:
I love that my daughter, Haley, has the opportunity to work one-on-one with Debbie Cotterall each week to improve her singing. After every lesson, Haley comes home with a big smile on her face, excited to share what she has learned. It’s wonderful to see her developing a musical ear.
Mrs. Cotterall has been instrumental in preparing Haley for CCC Shines shows and auditions. She has guided Haley through the audition process, offered encouragement, and helped her build confidence. Haley sang her first solo during the spring vocal concert, and for weeks leading up to it, she practiced diligently at home. Despite her nerves, she performed beautifully in front of an audience just a week after her seventh birthday.
Haley continues to come home from lessons brimming with joy, excited to share the songs she has been learning. We are so grateful for Mrs. Cotterall’s guidance, encouragement, and the love for music she instills in her students.
Interested in voice lessons for yourself or your child?
Enrolling now!
Debra Cotterall is currently accepting students of all ages, both in her private studio and through the organizations on which she serves as a faculty member.
If you would like information about how you or your child can join Cotterall’s studio, please contact us today and a member of our team will provide additional information.
Thank you for your interest! We look forward to hearing from you.