Welcome to my vocal studio. I work both as a technical voice teacher and a vocal coach to provide you with the tools you need to improve as a vocalist. This is just an overview of how I work, what you can expect from me and what I expect from you. Please take the time to read this over so that we can discuss it further.
My Philosophy: I believe that the ultimate (yet impossible) goal for the voice is to be able to sing any pitch at any intensity with any timbre on any vowel with no excess body tension. This is what one constantly strives for and while one will never be done perfecting the voice, I try to help you work toward this goal through a combination of visualizations, bodywork (massage or stretching), direct technical words and vocal exercises. We will use whatever combination works best with you.
I like to think of this less as a student/teacher relationship and more like a partnership. What I really am is a tool for you to utilize as part of your learning process. The work that we do during a voice lesson is only a small portion of the work that must be done. I cannot do the work for you. Learning new technique takes time, effort and patience. You may be changing habits that date back to birth. These changes will not happen overnight and take diligence on your part. You will only get out of these voice lessons what you are willing to put in.
Referral Policy: Nothing beats referrals from current students. As a way to thank you for your referrals, I provide free singing lessons when your friends (or that random person you met at an audition) sign up for vocal lessons. You can refer as many students and accrue as many free voice lessons as you want to. Pretty cool, huh? Let me explain how this works:
You receive one free voice lesson after the fourth voice lesson of the person you referred. You receive another free voice lesson after they complete another 8 voice lessons (their 12th voice lesson). You may use your free voice lessons one out of every 4 voice lessons that you take (one vocal lesson a month for a full time student).
Cancellation, Payment and Lateness policy: As far as lateness is concerned, please make sure you are on time for your voice lesson. I know that sometimes the subway or other events can delay your arrival, however I must stick to my schedule in order to be fair to all of my students.
In order to provide everyone with the best possible training, I require 48 hours notice when canceling a voice lesson for any reason. If you must cancel within 48 hours of your scheduled voice lesson, you will be responsible for the cost of the entire voice lesson. Due to unexpected changes in studio rental policy, we require 72 hours notice for cancellations or time changes in Manhattan. If you cancel between 72 and 48 hours, you will be responsible for a $25 fee. After 48 hours prior to your voice lesson, you must pay for the entire voice lesson. All scheduling and cancellations must be made by emailing my assistant directly.
Payment is due at the time of service, so please ensure you pay for your voice lesson before leaving the room. Cash, check and Venmo are the preferred payment methods. PayPal and major credit cards are accepted with a 3% fee.
Voice Lesson Requirements and Additional Services: Sheet music is an essential part of teaching and learning material during a voice lesson. If a song is assigned, I expect you to obtain printed sheet music for that song before your next voice lesson (or to have it available on a tablet). I can provide sheet music that I do not currently have for a fee, or you can secure your own, however, lyric sheets, etc. are not acceptable. Cuts for your sheet music can either be provided by me DURING a voice lesson, or I can make the cut outside of the voice lesson for a fee.
In order to ensure that you have my full and undivided attention, I ask that you record any questions and concerns you have throughout the week to discuss at your voice lessons. I am available via email throughout the week via email to answer any basic questions, and if anything pressing comes up, you can schedule a Skype singing lesson for a fee.
I would be happy to discuss any questions, comments or concerns you might have. I want you to feel in control of your learning experience as we step forward.