Scotch Plains, NJ Opera Voice Lessons

teacher says". Just as each personality is individual, every artist is unique. Let's find out what your voice brings to the table!

I’ve served on the faculty of the Franklin School of Performing Arts and the Miami Conservatory of Music, and I’ve taught both classroom and applied voice for the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music. I have completed all three levels of Shenandoah Universtiy’s CCM Vocal Pedagogy Institute, which enables me to teach contemporary styles as well as classical and musical theatre. My studio is currently open for lessons in both New York, NY and Long Island, NY. Interested? Let’s talk - I can't wait to hear how I can best help you.

merglass Opera and the Aspen Music Festival. I also have undergraduate and master's degrees from Brown University and the Manhattan School of Music.

But don't let the fact that I'm an "opera singer" give you the wrong idea. Yes, strict classical training gives me in-depth understanding of how the human voice works, but I love and teach music of all genres. My students include professional opera singers, yes, but also rock and Broadway-style singers, college and conservatory students, teenagers singing in their school musicals, doing All-State chorus, or preparing for NYSSMA, as well as adults who are taking voice for the love of singing, the fun of the challenge and so they can join their local chorus or sound great on karaoke night.

Above all, the most important qualities I offer as a teacher are the simple human ones: understanding, patience, imagination, kindness, enthusiasm, respectfulness and absolute commitment to helping you meet your vocal goals.

*** Lesson Details ***

I tailor my lessons to each singer's particular interests, goals and challenges. Some students thrive with a highly technical approach; some thrive in a less formal, more supportive environment; most singers do best with an approach that mixes the two. The important thing to know is that you will receive lessons that are specifically tailored to you. There's no single template.

*** Specialties ***

For advanced classical singers I have a great depth of experience and wide knowledge of oratorio, opera, German lied and French, English and American art songs. I also have a specialized background in "performance practice" baroque and classical vocal ornamentation.

For all singers, I am also a superb acting coach!

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My teaching style is based off of my many years of being a student to some of the finest performers in the world. I am direct and focused, but like to keep my students relaxed. My key to teaching success is adapting to each student's specific needs.

*** Studio Equipment ***
At my home studio in Jersey City, NJ and at my studio in midtown Manhattan I have a: Keyboard (piano at studio in Manhattan); Guitar; Pitch Pipe; Laptop with speakers; Mirror

*** Travel Equipment ***
If travelling to your home, I would require you have a keyboard. I can bring my guitar and pitch pipe.

*** Specialties ***
Classical Music (art songs, opera)
Traditional Broadway (Rodgers and Hammerstein...)
Contemporary Broadway (Stephen Schwartz...)
Disney Music
Pop Music
Country Music
Beginner Piano
Beginner Guitar
Music Theory
Public Speaking
Audition Technique

I also offer hour lessons

30 minute voice/speech session - Typically work improving your voice through various exercises and strategies. I also offer hour lessons

*** Studio Equipment ***
I use my Macbook Pro to record lessons and distribute them to students via a free Dropbox account. IN PERSON LESSONS ONLY.

rporates what you already know, with what you will need to learn in order to achieve your goals.

*** Lesson Details ***
Whether you want to play flute, clarinet, sing, act, or learn to play piano, I am here to help you become the best musician you can be. Classically trained, I also work with the styles of musical theatre, pop, rock, and jazz. I can teach you the proper techniques, posture, and breathing necessary to perform to the best of your ability and teach you how to utilize your full lung capacity to extend phrasing length and dynamic range. I will also help you learn to read and write music. Together, we will keep a log to track your progress lesson to lesson. This will also help you keep a record of the steps you are taking to obtain and achieve your goals and dreams.

*** Specialties ***
Young and beginner students.
Senior & Retired students
Students with special needs.
Performance techniques.
Audition preparation
Speech techniques (public speaking/voice-overs, etc.)
Bel Canto technique.
Performance anxiety
Life coaching!

"I would teach children music, physics, and philosophy; but most importantly music, for in the patterns of music and all the arts are the keys of learning" ~Plato

**if you need a particular time slot or one not listed on my availability I will do my best to accommodate your needs**

**All lessons will be scheduled in advance with confirmation of both the student and instructor. If cancellation is necessary, a written notice 48 hour cancellation policy is in effect or you forfeit the lesson credit. For lessons scheduled outside of the areas provided, a surcharge for travel will be added.**

***BB Studio now has a base location! Studio lessons are now also available in addition to in-home and on-line lessons***

musical theater, jazz, pop, and R&B. I am so excited to share my knowledge and passion for singing with you, as well as any other subject we find to explore! As of February 2013, I am also available through TakeLessons' online instruction program! Please find more information below and I hope to hear from you soon!

Thanks!

Zachary B.

A native of Charlotte, NC, Zachary began his musical career as a tuba player and jazz bass guitarist. While attending The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Zachary began singing in various vocal groups on campus and developed his love for the singing voice. With encouragement from the music faculty, Zachary began training as an operatic baritone while at UNC. While attending UNC, Zachary was awarded both the Fischer Scholarship in Voice and the Tony McDowell Voice Scholarship. His singing brought him to Boston in the summer of 2010 to begin study at The Boston Conservatory. While performing various opera roles and attending summer programs, Zachary also opened his private studio and taught at a local music academy.

Baritone Zachary B. is quickly establishing himself as an active operatic performer. Equally at home on the recital stage, his versatile lyric baritone voice fits a wide range of repertoire and styles. A graduate of The Boston Conservatory, Zachary has performed roles like the titular role in Don Giovanni, Ramiro in L'Heure Espagnole, L'horloge comtoise in L'Enfant et les sortileges, Pooh-Bah in The Mikado, and Bob in The Old Maid and the Thief.

Starting in February 2013, Zachary will also be available through TakeLessons for online instruction. Lessons will still focus on energy, breath, and solid technique, so please contact him if you think this venue of instruction will be a good fit!

*** Lesson Details ***
Regardless of your background, I believe in making lessons fun, encouraging, and accessible. This means that my work with you will, by nature, be incredibly personal and always formulated for your specific musical goals. I will constantly strive to make sure you are comfortable in our work together as we explore singing, speaking, and music theory.

I believe every singing or speaking voice can benefit from a foundation in classical vocal technique. Whether you prefer to learn through singing songs or through various exercises, I can customize our lesson plan to fit your needs. Therefore, I provide a fun and engaging lesson atmosphere, but you need to bring your best as well! We will both be happier with the process if we are equally invested in your growth. We will start with something you already know (an aria, vocal exercise, or excerpt from a song) and work toward singing in your preferred vocal style. For example, classical singers will build their knowledge of English, German, Italian, and French diction and song styles. Additionally, I will always respect and include my student's musical interests.

Along the way, I am happy to address basic music theory ideas. If you prefer, we can also spend additional time reviewing and learning those principles to enrich your musical experience. I will always provide different exercises and ideas to keep your brain active in the singing process.

I believe in whole body, whole spirit singing. As a performer, I employ a variety of holistic exercises and theories to develop my own voice, such as basic Alexander Technique principles, voice therapy techniques, a variety of pedagogical palates, and energy work. If these sorts of things interest you, I am more than happy to incorporate them into our lessons. My personal results with those practices have been incredible, so I am always eager to share.

My personality is outgoing and energetic, so I bring that sort of atmosphere to a lesson. I expect preparedness and readiness on your part to maximize our work together. My greatest desire in teaching is to see you grow! So, if a challenging, yet comforting, work environment sounds like something you would like to try, consider scheduling a trial lesson with me. I am always happy to hear from new students!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Open area between the living room and the dining room, seating available, piano to accompany the voice lesson, garage/driveway/street parking.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I prefer for my students to have a keyboard or piano, and if possible, a music stand. We can always make a situation work if the student does not have access to these tools. I provide music, pencils, etc.

*** Specialties ***
I am an opera singer, and specialize in classical singing. However, I apply similar vocal technique to all genres of music, and focus on breathing technique, body and energy awareness, and discuss a holistic approach to singing with all students.

ons, Luciano Pavarotti Competition, The Sullivan Foundation, The Olga Forrai Foundation.

Valentin's work extends beyond performing. He was Chair of the Arts and Culture Festival of Sophia 2010 and part of the International Headquarters Council. He is in the Advisory Committee of the Olga Forrai Foundation. As an educator and supporter of vocal talents Maestro Valentin established “The Valentin Vocal Studio” in New York City and contributed with his vocal expertise to “pierStudios” in Manhattan. Valentin is also the Founder and the Artistic Director of Vocal Productions NYC Corp, Vocal Pursuits LLC and Vocal Productions Bulgaria. He continuously keeps helping young talents by regularly giving Masterclasses and Master Courses for all vocal genres around the world.

He makes his home in New York City.