Scotch Plains, NJ Voice Acting Lessons

eps me in a giving and learning place.

*** Lesson Details ***
With beginning students I am very laid back and patient and believe strongly that in the play of games and experiments technique will develop and manifest. As the student becomes more advanced I become more demanding as do the materials. As an acting teacher I have an advanced capacity to take students along all the way to professional and beyond. I am a member of the Actors Studio, the performing unions and studied since childhood at ACT and then all over the world including The National in London.
In Singing and Piano I can be valuable to the beginning level and will want to send them to another teacher as they progress beyond my ability.
In dance I have a wide knowledge and can teach several forms as well as history and materials. In Juilliard I specialized in historical dance of the French Court which is also known as pre-ballet. At present I am studying Tango and other ballroom forms and can teach the beginning levels as well as help choreograph for weddings or events. Of course I can also teach Ballet and many forms of Modern Dance.I adore teaching dance composition. To help a dance student make dances is very very fulfilling to me. I work with other media to inspire, using painting and painters, poetry, sound and dream, ideas and desires. All to contribute in making a dance.
In Visual Arts I can teach Abstract Painting, Installation and Performance Art. I have taught children and adults and have a way of bringing the body's expression into the act of making visual art that I and my students find very successful.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have supplies and space. Visual Art students need to contribute to materials by finding or purchasing whatever they like and adding to the mix. My students are welcome to use what I have here and I am always adding materials. Many people throw away materials that are perfectly good for art making so keep your eyes open and you'll find all kinds of good things. Visual Art students need to book a 2 hour minimum and I will lower the price if you just let me know you need it.

*** Travel Equipment ***
just a space to work in - we can create a work space out of any space.

*** Specialties ***
In dance I teach classical ballet principles for beginners or those who are returning and want to work carefully and privately. I teach from the tradition of Alfredo Corvino's principles of relationship to organic forms and structures for sound development. I studied with Mr Corvino for years and continue to study with Ernesta Corvino.
For acting I teach a combination of classical acting technique with American sense memory and relaxation skills. I am well versed in the teachings of Lee Strasberg and then spent time in London to 'fill in the cracks' of my training with analytical skills as well as the various european influences that the Royal National embrace.
I teach creative discovery in combination with classical devices so the student can discover their own artistry while learning actual classical devices for accomplishing specific goals.

your family to achieve your music education goals!

lessons myself in NYC to always get better. I am trained in the classical methods, but happy to experiment with others. I believe a solid technique in any level is the foundation and then, if you need more expertise, I am happy to refer you to others I know who teach in that style.

Each lesson , depending on your age, will have some kind of technical work, such as drills, work on whatever level you are at in music theory, sight reading, musicality and all components that would make you a complete musician, as I have been trained You will also have some FUN because it just would get boring and then practicing would be a pain instead of inspiring you. Games, little fun tests spelling musical words and the like,.

*** Studio Equipment ***
So, yes, great equipment at various studios that I can teach at all over the NYC metro area. If curious, for piano lessons, can use a portable keyboard as well as a "regular " one :)

*** Specialties ***
Mostly classical, but have at times worked with some Broadway singers, got them to sing technically correct, then referred them to a more appropriate teacher.

in the public performance sector, have made me a highly sought-after coach for one-on-one and group training.

My approach is designed to train and condition the entire body as an instrument, not just the oral portion of the voice. My 5-octave vocal range makes allows me to easily instruct my students in developing their whistle register. I have been trained in (and teach) Classical, Appoggio, jazz/improv, Seth Riggs' speech-level singing and other methodologies of singing and speaking.

My method of assessing and meeting the needs of each student enables me to assist them in bringing out the very best in their capabilities. If you desire quality, effectiveness and noticeable improvement in your singing, writing, public speaking or overall performance, I am the coach for you!
Whether you are a beginner or professional, I make sure that you are comfortable and have a great time while learning. I am flexible with your needs so feel free to let me know what you want from your lessons and we can work towards your goal to your satisfaction.

Not only am I a coach, I’m a professional singer and public speaker, so I utilize and perfect my own techniques on a regular basis. I have the privilege of being a classically-trained pianist and vocalist, having studied at Sherwood Conservatory of Music, Vandercook College of Music, The Second City, University of Chicago, ETA Performing Arts Center and many other fine institutions.

Children love working with me because I make learning fun and they have a high retention rate of the techniques that I teach them. I am easygoing, funny and offer a minimalist, casual and relaxed environment for everyone. My adult students have a blast because our lessons feel more like a friendly visit with lighthearted humor.

*** Specialties ***
Pitch Correction
Whistle Register Development
Vocal Physiology
Overcoming Performance Anxiety
Accent Reduction
Repertoire Selection
Concert and Competition Preparation
Public Speaking
Physical Maintenance of the Vocal Instrument
Overcoming Speech Impediments
Stage Movement
Studio Recording Techniques
Songwriting
Image Development
Vocal Range Enhancement
Post-surgical re-immersion
Students with autism, down syndrome and speech impediments

Group classes are also available.

*** Lesson Details ***
Each lesson is tailor-made to suit the student's individual needs. Custom action plan will be given to each student on a case-by-case basis. No instruments are used in my lessons, as I train the voice to be a standalone instrument. However, if you would like to accompany yourself with a guitar, piano or percussion instrument, you are very welcome to do so.

I am available 24 hours a day for online coaching and as early as 7:00 am CST for in-person sessions.

*Please note that 15-minute sessions are ONLY available online. In-person sessions must be a minimum of 30 minutes. 31 and 61-minute sessions are ONLY for whistle register training.

Online Disclaimer:
When choosing online lessons, please make sure that your system is functioning properly, that you know how to use the platform, that you have a good internet connection and that you are logged in on time, as no concessions will be made for time used due to technical difficulties.

Timing Disclaimer:
Our time together is very valuable. If you are not on time for your session, the missed portion will not be made up at the end of the session. If I am not on time, I will make up the missed portion at the end of the session or alternate agreed-upon time. No exceptions or make-up sessions will be made for illness, weather, transportation issues (including car trouble), or any other short-notice reason. Rescheduled lessons must be made a minimum of 48 hours in advance and must be made up within the calendar week of the original lesson. If it is not made up within that week, it will still count as a paid session and cannot be made up at a later time.

onal tours, released albums, are in bands, have been accepted into performing arts schools (high schools and colleges), have been cast in regional/Off-Off-Broadway/Off-Broadway Theatre, movies (Noah, The Wolf Of Wall Street, Finally Famous), music videos, and on TV (Royal Pains, Smash, 30 Rock, The Good Wife, Law and Order: SVU, & NBC's The Voice competition).

Owner/Teacher: Rachel M.
SAG-AFTRA, VASTA, NATS (certified), NARAS, NAMTA, BMI, MAC, NJMEA, NAfME. NJ Theatre Alliance, & Certified Artist Developer with Conquer Entertainment,
15+ years of teaching to children - teens - adults (Ages 6+ group classes, 8+ private lessons)

RACHEL M.'S BIO:

Rachel is a member of SAG-AFTRA, The National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS certified), VASTA (Voice And Speech Trainers Association), NARAS (The Grammy Awards), NAMTA, NJMEA (New Jersey Music Educators Association), NAfME (National Association of Music Education), NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association,) MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs), The NJ Theatre Alliance, NSA (Nashville Songwriting Association International), and BMI (Broadcast Music Inc). She has been teaching Bel Canto singing technique for the modern singer and Stella Adler-Stanislavsky-Chekhov-Meisner acting technique for all mediums for 15+ years to children, teens, and adults.

Rachel has trained at The Hages Music Studio under a master teacher for 22+ years in the Bel Canto singing technique for all genres, studied at The Stella Adler Studio of Acting in NYC as well as recorded and released her first album called "Just Meant To Be". Other credits include commercials, films, TV shows (One Tree Hill, AMC, Food Network), music videos (including Rachel's singles "Don't Even Try", "You Will Love On"), & numerous stage credits (Off-Broadway/NYC Theatre). Rachel most recently was seen in the reading of a new play "Vanishing Son" by Peter Gil-Sheridan performed in NYC. She is also a songwriter (16+ years), scriptwriter (10+ years), director (14+ years), and an international recording artist (10+ years).

Rachel has been performing for 20+ years, has performed in front of sold out crowds, and has been honored with many standing ovations. Other honors include magazine covers, featured articles, singing to thousands of people, studio recordings/albums, originated the role of "Antigone" in "Oedipus: The Musical", 2002 Helen Hayes Nomination for" Outstanding Vocal Performance in a Musical" ("Miss Adelaide" in "Guys And Dolls"), & 2008 finalist for NYC Singing Idol Competition. Rachel has also been fortunate to have worked & performed with many people in the business including Grammy-Tony-Emmy Award Winners/Nominees.

LESSON DETAILS

Whether you are a parent looking for instruction for your child, or for yourself, Rachel can customize the right program that best suits your needs. Her students come from all walks of life and have different goals, but they all have one thing in common. They love performing and have the desire to be the best at their chosen craft (singing/acting).

Some students want to sing/act for themselves, others want to sing/act for a hobby, and others want to be professional performers. That's where Rachel comes in. No matter what your goals are, she can help. Rachel teaches her students how to become true artists without tearing them down and without taking away the part of them that makes them unique. She teaches healthy technique that is based off of the human anatomy; the science of how the body/mind works and how the body/mind can work as efficiently as possible while singing or acting.

Learning how to sing/act is a process and doesn't happen overnight. Rachel's ultimate goal as a teacher is to not only make her students the best performers and singers they can be, but also give them all of the proper tools they need to have a more productive mind frame and become self-sufficient. Of course this can take years to master. It takes time and dedication.

OTHER LESSON INFORMATION

SINGING: Bel Canto singing technique for the modern singer is taught in private and group classes. No one sounds like old opera singers, even if the student wants to sing opera. Students are allowed to choose most of the material they learn in the lesson. There will be times when Rachel will suggest a song to a student but if the student doesn't enjoy the song, they will work as a team to find a song that does work for the student. Gain a better tone quality, complete control of your voice, bigger range, more flexibility, and confidence. Learn healthy voice technique, how to fully take care of your own voice so you can sing for the rest of your life (even after lessons), and become a self sufficient performer for life.

ACTING: Stella Adler, Stanislavsky, Chekhov, and Meisner Acting Technique for Theatre/Camera is taught in private and group classes. All students are exposed to each technique and Rachel sees which technique each student responds to the most. Once the student and Rachel are able to identify the technique, Rachel continues to use the terminology of that technique for the remainder of the time the student is in lessons. Students eventually are able to play roles truthfully and realistically, even if the roles are opposite of the student's own personality.

BY THE TIME STUDENTS GRADUATE FROM LESSONS:

1. Gain a lifelong, solid, consistent, and healthy technique that they can always count on in practice and performance.

2. Gain specific technical and personal notes in a notebook and/or computer file that is organized and always accessible for review.

3. Gain artistry, performance skills, and a strong voice that will look/sound authentic; Singers will sound appropriate to whatever style of music they are singing. (No fake sound or look.) Actors will just be in the moment and truthful whether they are on stage or in front of the camera.

4. Gain the confidence to always put on a great performance.

5. Gain focus and a more productive mind frame.

6. Become self-sufficient by knowing how to assess a problem and then fix it without creating a new issue.

*** Studio Equipment ***
PRIVATE HOME STUDIO: Keyboard, speakers (smartphone, iPod, iPad), CD player, tape recorder/player, digital recorder, music stand, mirror, laptop, sheet music selections, HD video camera, tripod, video editing software, audio editing software, USB microphone, and high speed WiFi internet. Full PA, two mixers (one mixer with 8 inputs and the other with 4), 8 Lavaliere microphones ("body mics"), multiple hand held microphones, laptop stand, and music stands.

**ASK ABOUT ON LOCATION TRAINING (ON SET, THEATER, PERFORMANCE EVENT, OR RECORDING STUDIO)!

**ONLINE LESSONS ALSO AVAILABLE!

*** Specialties ***
We specialize in Bel Canto voice technique for the modern singer. Each student can sing all genres without sounding too classical, "fake", and without losing their voice while singing for long periods of time.

Other Specialties: Teaching acting technique for theatre-TV-Film (Stella Adler, Stanislavsky, Chekhov, & Meisner), performance skills, songwriting, and creating self-sufficient singers-actors-performers (Artist Development).

STUDIO POLICIES-

CANCELLATION:
24 hour lesson cancellation

MISSED LESSONS/MAKE UPS:
If the student needs to miss a lesson for sickness, they or their parent/ guardian, if the student is under 18, must let Rachel know at least 24 hours before their missed lesson. If they need to miss due to an other activity or vacation, they must contact Rachel at least a week from their next scheduled lesson in advance to prevent from forfeiting the lesson. All make ups will be scheduled within 4 weeks from the missed lesson. If rescheduled lesson or make up lesson is missed, no new make up will be given unless Rachel is not able to teach for some rare reason.

LATENESS:
If a student is going to be late they need to contact Rachel as soon as possible, to let her know they will be late. Lessons will end on time unless she is able to extend the lesson due to a late student or her schedule allows for it though please understand, Rachel would be extending a courtesy and would not be obligated to do so. If on the rare occasion Rachel is running late, she will always make up the time.

SITTING IN: Parents/Guardians are ONLY permitted to stay for the first lesson and are NOT permitted to sit in for any other lesson/class unless invited. This is to promote good/strong teacher-student relationship quickly and easily. Also, many times students feel more comfortable when their parents/guardians leave.

"I try to be as fair as possible to both parties when it comes to cancellations, rescheduling, lateness, and make ups. Have a concern or question? Just talk with me. I'm all about communication!" - Rachel

some of the most competitive college programs in the nation are just a few of her clients’ many accomplishments.

e, having spent years developing skills teaching and performing to the highest standards, all my students are pushed to be the best possible!
Am comfortable teaching anyone, from beginners to coaching professionals!

se in the acting pursuit and life.

I have extensive experience and teaching exp. in: Shakespeare, Monologues, EPA's, Self-taping, Improvisation, Auditioning, Winning the room, Meisner, College auditions, Stanislavsky, and more.

Notable Students

Gus Halper: Truth and Lies: Menedez Brothers, The Goat, Ricki and the Flash
Sarah Viccellio: Master of None, The Carrie Diaries, Law & Order: SVU
Michael Labbadia: The Attic Theater Co.
Alex Gagne: Keen Company, Bridge Production Group, MugBug Prod.
Reagan Elizabeth: Stephanie Klapper Casting
Joshua Morgan
Michael Calciano
Owen Laheen
Ellie Barone
Gabe Arant

I hope to meet you soon!

*Online sessions are also available*

l teach you how to use the different acting methods to approach roles.

As an actor I do shows around the area and teach classes. I have mentored some students in the area who are preparing for college and professional auditions. I spent three years working with the North Carolina Theatre Conference. That knowledge allows me to better mentor the students when picking the right material for their auditions, wether they be the professional or college auditions.

There's nothing like watching one of your students succeed in an audition or a role you spent time watching them work so hard on. I can't wait to create a unique program that works for you, and all of your theatre needs!