Singing is Movement
Singing is movement – a highly complex combination of movements.
These movements are motivated by the impulse to communicate.
These movements lead to the production of highly expressive sounds.
But the activity of singing itself is accomplished through movement.
When you understand that singing is movement, everything becomes simpler. It eliminates the element of mystery that is often characteristic of our practice:
Will I ever master this?
Am I talented enough?
Why can’t I sing free high notes, perform coloratura or riffs, improve my stamina?
When you understand that singing is movement, you become confident that you will master it, because the work is codified and finite. You realize that mastery has everything to do with dedication and very little to do with talent. You know that learning efficient movement patterns will result in the ability to sing high notes, perform scales, develop stamina, and do anything you wish to with your voice.
A Comprehensive Approach
When you study with me, you’re learning a comprehensive method. Mastering singing requires the cultivation and integration of many different skills. Because singers all begin as self-taught, many things that are lacking in their technique may escape notice if they are able to produce a pleasing sound; when they encounter an obstacle, it can be tempting to tweak individual issues as they arise rather than encourage singers to embrace an overall method. This can lead to a technique that amounts to a bag of tricks, some which will be more successful than others. And while some singers may be able to achieve a high level of skill this way, many others will not – and even those who do will be exerting more effort than is necessary.
The exercises that I use to develop technique are designed to expose and ameliorate tension and poor coordination rather than compensate for them. I train the processes that activate the voice rather than focus on directly adjusting the sounds and sensations that arise. As a result, my students’ performances are fueled by creative intent. Free of the need to monitor the mechanics of their technique moment to moment, they can fully devote their energy and imagination to musical and dramatic expression.
Voice Lessons
One-on-one study is costly, so it is very important to me that you receive as much value as possible during the time you spend with me and feel that I am an available resource should you have questions or need clarification. I strive to be highly specific about how to practice and apply the principles covered in lessons so that you will be able to integrate them into your singing during practice sessions and be ready to build on them when you return. We'll work out a schedule and strategy based on your needs. You're coming to me to learn a comprehensive technique, so please plan on meeting up regularly for at least the first couple of months. The goal is for you to build a rock solid technique that will empower you to confidently troubleshoot and resolve whatever issues come up; getting you there will require an initial period of consistent study.
If you are working through a particular technical or coordination issue and have your regular teacher's blessing to seek my assistance, I am happy to consider seeing you for a single lesson or brief series of lessons.
I do all of my scheduling online via Appointment Quest. If you wish to arrange for a recurring weekly or bi-weekly lesson time, let me know, as I will have to set that up on my end (you will remain able to reschedule or cancel individual sessions). When you reserve a time, please specify whether your would like a pianist to attend the second half of your lesson. When requesting a pianist, be sure to schedule your lesson at least 48 hours in advance. You are of course welcome to arrange for a pianist yourself if you prefer.
One-Hour Voice Lesson: $145
One-Hour Voice Lesson, Pianist Included: $170
Package of 5 Voice Lessons: $685
Package of 5 Voice Lessons, Pianist Included: $805
Package of 10 Voice Lessons: $1305
Package of 10 Voice Lessons, Pianist included: $1530
Package of 20 Voice Lessons: $2465
Package of 20 Voice Lessons, Pianist Included: $2890
Payment is due at the time of each meeting. I accept cash, checks, and credit cards. When paying cash, please pay in exact change. No lessons are given on credit and no postdated checks are accepted. Any returned checks must be reimbursed with an added NSF fee of $30. Lessons purchased as part of a package must be used within one calendar year of purchase. Unused lessons from a package are non-refundable.
Studio Etiquette
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that permit free movement, stable alignment, and full breathing.
Bring a device to record your lesson.
When preparing repertoire, arrange to have a pianist at your lesson, either by requesting one at the time you make a lesson appointment or inviting a pianist of your choice to attend.
Bring two copies of your repertoire to your lesson.
Hours & Location
My regular teaching hours are Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 12:00 to 2:00 and 2:45 to 6:45. Voice lessons will take place at 75 West End Avenue, Apt. R4B in Manhattan.
Online Lessons
I offer voice lessons online. Online lessons are also reserved through my Appointment Quest page and must be paid for using PayPal no later than 24 hours prior to your lesson time.
Cancellation Policy
You must provide 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule; otherwise you must pay for the missed session.
Fitness
Good alignment, stamina, and overall stability are crucial for your singing and can only be trained directly and effectively through exercise. I offer a package of four personal training sessions that includes a robust initial assessment, individualized program design based on your vocal needs and æsthetic goals, and three additional sessions to teach and reinforce the skills you need to learn to perform your program with excellent form.
Four Session Fitness Package: $525
Fitness assessments and training sessions are available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9:00 am to 11:00 am. All sessions should be ideally be completed within two weeks of the initial assessment.
Vibrant Voice Technique
I am an Official Instructor of Vibrant Voice Technique. I incorporate elements of VVT into my teaching in a variety of ways, but I also offer a four-session introductory package for singers wishing to learn the technique in a comprehensive way. Singers who work with other teachers or technical approaches are welcome – I'll show you how to adapt these methods to your preferred way of working on your voice.
Four Session Vibrant Voice Technique Package: $525
Vibrant Voice Technique package sessions should be scheduled during my normal voice teaching hours. All sessions must be completed within a two-week period.