Voice Lesson Q&A
Q:How much is this going to cost?
A: That’s partially up to you. I generally work out of my home studio, but you also have the choice of working in a public studio space. The former is $60, the latter $75. For kids under 12, half hour lessons are available. They run $40 for my home studio, $50 for a public one.
Q:How do I schedule?
A: Just e-mail me. We’ll find a time that will work in both our schedules. And because my life is probably as crazy as yours, we both can reschedule up to 24 hours in advance.
Q:What’s a voice lesson like?
If you’ve never had a lesson (or if it’s been awhile), it can be an intimidating thing. That’s the first misconception we have to get over!
This isn’t brain surgery. We’re not saving the world or curing cancer. We’re becoming better singers. Learning the skills we need to be better artists. And, if I have anything to say about it, having a helluva lot of fun in the process.
The first lesson, we’ll spend a lot of time getting to know each other. We’ll chat. We’ll vocalize. We’ll sing. It sometimes takes a little longer than an hour. That’s okay. No extra charge.
Every subsequent lesson will involve 30 minutes of vocalizing (I get to choose what we sing). Then second half is all yours. Bring in your favorite music—pop, Broadway, opera—it’s your time to do with as you please.
Q:What should I prepare?
Just bring sheet music for any song you love to sing!
Q:Where do we have lessons?
All lessons are held in my home studio. However, if you’d prefer a public studio space, one can be rented for an additional charge.
Q:What makes you think you’re qualified to teach me?
Wow. You’re tough. Way not to pull any punches.
Choosing a teacher is a very personal thing. It’s like finding a therapist you like. (“Therapist” is not one of the tabs below, you’ll notice. Sorry!)
I will tell you this. As a singer, I have studied with some of New York’s best: Joan Pattenaude-Yarnell for opera and Marianne Challis, who is a protegée of the famous Joan Lader, creator of the Lader technique and voice teacher to about every major musical theater star of the last few decades.
Before moving to New York, I studied for about 15 years. My last teacher prior to moving here was Elizabeth Nohe Colson of Atlanta whose students have performed in every major opera house in the world.
All of that studying is swell, but that’s never a reflection of how well someone can teach. I think I am a good teacher because I listen intently and am generally able to assess singers’ issues and how to overcome them.
That said, not every teacher is right for every person. (See the therapist thing, above.) The only way to find out is to have two or three lessons and see how we work together! Drop me a note to schedule the lesson.
Q:Do you teach kids?
I sure do. I think anyone can benefit from vocal training. Kids 12 and over are welcome. If they’re under 18, then I do request that a parent or other adult also be present.
You’ll find that I don’t really treat young singers any differently. We all work on the same issues in the same ways … only maybe a little bit goofier.
Q:Do you play piano?
Honestly? It’s not what I’m best at. While I will help you prepare auditions, I am not a pianist.
I often encourage people to take a week off and get with a pianist/coach to get accompaniments on tape or, better yet, hire a pianist for the second half of their lesson.
Don’t be confused: I am not a vocal coach. I am technique teacher. While a coach will often work on “tricks” to prepare you for an audition or a specific performance, a teacher will give you the tools you need for a lifetime of healthy singing.
If you have any more questions, please don’t hesitate to e-mail!
