Today we’d like to introduce you to Aziza Poggi.
Hi Aziza, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I began acting as a teenager, which naturally evolved into singing in musical theatre ensembles. Before launching my music career, I worked in independent film and served as a casting assistant on major projects, including Hardball with Keanu Reeves and Diane Lane, and 61 starring Barry Pepper, Thomas Jane, and Anthony Michael Hall.
In my early twenties, I began formal vocal training and soon launched my first successful rock band, Dendura—a hard rock project with an Egyptian-inspired aesthetic and sound. The band gained notable traction, including film-scoring work for a Comedy Central web series. We opened for national acts including Epica, Scar Symmetry, Doro, and EdGuy, and earned regular radio rotation on WGRD and WKLQ.
After Dendura disbanded, I shifted my focus to classical voice, studying at Grand Rapids Community College under Dr. Stephen Barton. During this period, I also founded Aria Flame, a symphonic metal project where I blended classical technique with rock belting. Aria Flame performed internationally at major festivals such as Femme in Eindhoven and the Metal Female Voices Festival in Belgium, opening for Xandria, Lacuna Coil, Evergrey, and others.
In recent years, my work has centered more heavily on classical performance. I have produced and headlined my own classical concerts and performed regularly with the West Michigan Opera Project, where I serve as a board member. This year included performances with the Southwest Symphony and a milestone appearance at Carnegie Hall.
I completed my Bachelor of Arts at Berklee College of Music in June 2025, further strengthening my academic and artistic foundation. I also continue my advanced vocal training with Nicholas Loren, Master Voice Instructor and Coach.
Alongside performance, I have operated my own voice studio since 2013 and currently teach more than 30 students.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, the beginning of the road was not smooth, but every challenge has strengthened my discipline and clarified my artistic mission. Many of my early struggles centered on being taken seriously—especially when I stepped into the classical world. Coming from a rock background, I often had to prove my legitimacy. I still remember standing in a masterclass early in my classical journey when someone asked why I was pursuing classical music at all and suggested I “just stick with rock.” It stung deeply, but instead of retreating, I doubled down, trained harder, and used that moment as fuel.
I also battled a significant amount of performance anxiety in those early years. Singing solo in classical settings—without the built-in support system of a band—required a new level of vulnerability and internal strength. Learning to trust my voice alone onstage was one of the biggest personal and professional hurdles I faced.
Balancing these emotional challenges with the practical realities of training, performing, touring, and running my studio often meant navigating high pressure with limited resources. But each obstacle sharpened my resilience. The questioning, the anxiety, the uphill climb to be taken seriously—all of it pushed me to refine my craft, lead with conviction, and elevate my standards.
Ultimately, the struggles became catalysts for growth rather than barriers, shaping me into the artist and instructor I am today.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a mezzo-soprano and crossover artist with a career spanning opera, classical, rock, symphonic metal, and musical theatre. I have performed internationally with my bands, including Aria Flame, at major festivals in Europe, and shared the stage with acts such as Lacuna Coil, Evergrey, and Xandria. In opera and classical circles, I have and still produce and headline my own concerts and perform regularly with the West Michigan Opera Project, where I also serve as a board member. It was through the Opera Project that I performed with the Southwest Symphony and at Carnegie Hall. Alongside performing, I run my own voice studio, training over 30 students, and continue advanced studies with Nicholas Loren, Master Voice Instructor and Coach. My background also includes early film and casting work, giving me a unique perspective on performance both on stage and behind the scenes.
I specialize in blending operatic and classical technique with contemporary musical styles, creating performances that are emotionally resonant and technically precise. I am known for my versatility and ability to connect with audiences across genres. Having learned to overcome performance anxiety and navigate dyslexia, I bring empathy and insight to my teaching, helping students who face similar challenges build confidence and find their voices. I take particular pride in guiding my students to develop their own artistic identities and in building professional bridges between rock, opera, and classical music. What sets me apart is my multifaceted career, which combines performance, teaching, production, and artistic leadership, and my dedication to continually evolving as an artist while maintaining authenticity, emotional depth, and technical excellence in every project I undertake.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
This is an easy one. Honestly, some of my fondest memories come from my childhood with my family. My Lebanese grandfather, whom we called Jido, was one of a kind. He passed away from lung cancer when I was just 15, and I will always remember him as the sweetest and funniest man I ever knew. I also treasure my childhood friendships, many of which I still maintain to this day. I feel incredibly grateful for my wonderful family. I’m very close to my parents and my husband, son and stepson. Another cherished memory is when my mom took me to an acting convention at age 14 and signed me up for modeling classes, which helped me break out of my shy phase and sparked my early love for performing. I’ve always been a big animal lover as well, and growing up surrounded by pets added another layer of joy and companionship to my childhood.
Pricing:
- You can get an hour voice lesson for $70
- For a half hour I charge $43
- I also offer assistance in helping build others careers.
- As for booking me as a concert singer, prices vary
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.azizaworld.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azizapoggiortiz/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/azizapoggiofficial/?locale=de_DE
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aziza-poggi
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AzizaPoggiworld
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/aziza-poggi-voice-studios-grand-rapids
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/azizapoggi
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@azizapoggi
