When Deanna Brewick sings, her sweet yet powerful soprano voice commands the stage. Now 24 years old, the Normandy Park native continues to wow audiences, but is dominating stages far from home.

In March, she made her debut at both the New York Metropolitan Opera and Carnegie Hall.

"Her voice is absolutely beautiful," says Fran Reid, voice instructor and owner of Fran Reid Music Studio, formerly located in Normandy Park and now at Angle Lake.

"It's melodious and truly enchanting," says Reid who instructed Breiwick from age 7 to 18 years.

A graduate of Seattle Christian School in SeaTac, Breiwick was a member of the choir and won first place in Washington state for the soprano division during her senior year.

However, nothing quite prepares a singer for their first time competing on stage at the Metropolitan Opera. Breiwick was one of 1,500 singers who participated in the annual Metropolitan Opera's National Council auditions.

She was one of eight singers who earned a spot in the March 14 finals.

"The first time I walked on stage for the semi-finals, I felt sheer terror," laughs Breiwick. "I usually don't get nerves, but it was the biggest stakes I'd ever dealt with."

Her singing won over the judges and she continued to the last round of competition.

"I approached the finals with the attitude that I wanted to remember this terrific experience and having had the time of my life," says Breiwick.

Singing to the judges and an audience of 4,000, Breiwick sang an aria from a Gioachino Rossini opera and an aria from Verdi's "Falstaff."

"It felt like the theatre was hugging me. To work with the Met orchestra and sing on that stage, it felt wonderful!" she says.

While Breiwick was not ultimately awarded one of the cash prizes, The New York Times review commented that she easily could have received the honor.

"Being a student singer for so many years, I feel that it was the turning point of really feeling like a professional," says Breiwick.

Currently completing her master's degree from The Julliard School, Breiwick followed her Met debut with a performance at Carnegie Hall singing in a reconstruction of Mozart's "Zaide."

"It was nice to have something to throw myself into after the Met performance," says Breiwick. "It was also good timing. After performing at the Met, nothing else is as scary. It's amazing what experience will do for you!"

Reid foresees a long career ahead for Breiwick because of her mixture of talent and work ethic.

"She is one of the most disciplined students I've ever had," says Reid who has taught music for over 40 years.

"Her voice is a gift, but she has diligently accepted the hard work and sacrifices required to reap the success she is having."

Breiwick hopes to one day return to the Met stage and would also like to travel and sing in Europe. Another welcome opportunity would be a professional return to Seattle.

"I would love to perform at the Seattle Opera!" enthuses Breiwick who remembers attending with Reid. Breiwick's parents and sister still live in the area.

"It would be so special to have everyone I've grown up with be able to be there."

One thing is for sure; the sky is the limit for Breiwick.

"I don't think any dream is too big," she says.