Overcoming Challenges.Performers face unique challenges that are sometimes difficult to overcome. Even the most successful professionals face constant rejection, and a seemingly endless rollercoaster, which can be stressful even for seasoned singers. Singing requires a level of vulnerability that is not required in computer programming or stock trading. This can be difficult when combined with the mental health challenges that many people face. These range from the clinical depression, anxiety, OCD and ADHD to stage fright, audition jitters, or a simple lack of belief in one's abilities.
In addition to being named one of the top voice teachers in NYC, Michael holds both a BFA in Musical Theater and an PhD in Clinical Psychology, making him uniquely capable of understanding these challenges. As one of NYC's top vocal coaches, he is experienced at coaching singers who are encountering these, and other obstacles to achieving their performance goals. Michael successfully defended his doctoral dissertation at Hofstra University based on a treatment for audition anxiety in musical theater performers, ACT for Actors. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a proven treatment for anxiety disorders. The study, which builds upon his earlier pilot trial, provided encouraging results in the group of anxious professional musical theater performers. The participants, all professional musical theater performers, found the skills they learned to be helpful and effective overall at improving their management of anxiety symptoms at auditions. He presented the results of the pilot study at the American Psychological Association Conference in San Francisco. For more information about audition anxiety or the ACT for Actors project, please visit auditionanxiety.com. If you are seeking psychotherapy, please visit The Performance Institute for Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies. |
What we can do |
Provide a supportive environment and vocal coaching for unique challenges
Help to find ways to cope with nerves during singing, auditioning or performing Offer singing workshops and vocal coaching that improve singing performance Meet each voice student where he or she is at Be empathic, mindful and collaborative as each voice student grows Work in tandem with goals set forth by a licensed mental health professional Provide training by one of NYC's top voice teachers |
What we can't do |
We cannot provide treatment for any specific mental illness
Michael cannot provide psychological treatment as a voice teacher. If you are seeking his services as a psychotherapist, please visit PerformanceCBT.com. |