Magda Mendes
About
Magda Mendes is a Portuguese singer who has made The Netherlands her home for the past twenty years. Known for her intimate and heartfelt performances, she writes and sings her own compositions with different ensembles. Alongside her career as a performer, Magda has been sharing her passion for music through teaching since 2010. She offers private vocal lessons at her Fado vocal school in Rotterdam and in Amsterdam, where she helps students of all levels explore the beauty and complexity of Fado, the music of her birth city Lisbon.
Her lessons are designed for adults who are drawn to the melancholic and soulful tones of Fado. Whether you're an experienced singer or discovering your voice for the first time, Magda creates a welcoming and supportive environment for you to connect with this unique musical tradition.
Teaching Style
Magda’s teaching style is rooted in connection, and a deep understanding of each student’s individual journey. As she explored the Fado after singing other music styles for years, she understands the challenges this style presents for singers that are starting to dive in it. Her approach is patient and personalized, guiding students step by step through the nuances of Fado singing. This includes exploring the text, melody, rhythm, and intricate ornamentations that make Fado so unique.
She believes in creating a safe space where students feel encouraged to experiment, express emotion, and develop their own connection to the music. Magda emphasizes vocal technique, storytelling, and the emotional depth required to truly convey the soul of Fado. With her guidance, students not only learn to sing but also immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Portugal.
Curriculum
Mende´s teaching approach is rooted in the oral tradition of Fado — a deeply expressive Portuguese music style that is traditionally passed on by listening and singing, rather than through written material.
In these lessons we don’t use formal textbooks, as there are no standard method books for Fado. Instead, we work with lyrics, recordings, and live demonstrations to help students internalize the phrasing, ornamentation, and emotional depth that define the style.
We learn by listening, repeating, interpreting, and feeling — always at the student’s pace and level. The teacher also provides custom materials when needed, including lyric sheets, translations, and curated listening lists.
Credentials & Affiliations
I began studying music at the age of four and later trained at the National Conservatory in Lisbon, where I studied the viola. After earning a university degree in Marine Biology, I followed my passion for singing and graduated cum laude from the Codarts Conservatory in Rotterdam, where I studied vocals in the Jazz & World Music department.
This diverse background has shaped my open and exploratory approach to music, with a special focus on Fado and other traditional genres (Portuguese and Brazilian music).
Praise of recent album "Canvas"
“Canvas is a white surface waiting for a touch to colour your life.”
After her sparkling and acclaimed first CD, the latest album Canvas again received overwhelming reviews.
The star of the Portuguese/Dutch band LuzazuL is steadily rising. Their performance during the sold-out concerts of Cesaria Evora proved to be a major start. LuzazuL combines influences from different worlds its a sparkling mix of Portuguese Fado, relaxed Brazilian melodies, spicy Flamenco, African feel and groovy, organic beats. Pivotal role is played by Magda Mendes, with her warm and mesmerizing voice. She is surrounded by a group with a very strong live-act reputation: flamenco guitarist Alain Labrie (Labryenco), percussionist Udo Demandt (Fernando Lameirinhas, Primos del Norte), on Wurlitzer, pianist Emiel van Rijthoven (Sensual, Waylon) and the multi-instrumentalist and founder of the band Martijn Morselt (composer and producer).
“Sparkling, Melodious, Diverse, Professional, Enthusiastic” written by the NRC newspaper about their début CD.
CD Canvas (MunDoRecords – XangoMusic)
TROUW (newspaper):
“Canvas mesmerizes with its wealth of ideas and the ear pleasing vocals” ✭✭✭✭✭
Jazzism (magazine):
“the combination Brazil with flamenco works out very good on Canvas” ✭✭✭✭
The Telegraph (newspaper): “Luzazul hits the right note again” “we want more!” ✭✭✭✭
NRC (newspaper) : “a rocking soundtrack for a hot summer” ✭✭✭
HEAVEN (Belgium): “Top album, internationally seen” ✭✭✭✭
debut CD Luzazul (MQN-Coast to Coast)
HEAVEN (Belgium) “Competition for Zuco 103” ✭✭✭✭
NRC (newspaper) “Sparkling, Melodious, Diverse, Professional, Enthusiastic” ✭✭✭✭
OOR (magazine) “Clear and Sparkling Poppy Album”
JAZZ (magazine) “What a beautiful Album!”
PLATO “Part of the best on offer in World Music these days”
“warm and passionate music that sounds original as well as contemporary” ✭✭✭✭