Top Singing & Voice Lessons in Wayne, NJ

build my own voice studio in of post-graduate students and adults looking to further develop their vocal practice or begin a vocal practice. I found that in my vocal lessons, I was using physical exercises as for the actor, to incorporate in my private teaching method. I believe in doing, not only watching and observing. This, in conjunction with movement and full-body execution, opens the student vocally and emotionally. I chose to go to LAMDA because the classical training and approach to theatre training in England is extremely physical. They work from the outside in, and I find that the language of the body is universal to students of any intellectual capacity, and I strive to bring this into my approach in any type of teaching format!

*** Lesson Details ***
I teach voice lessons to adults and young students who are beginning their vocal training practice, as well as those who are accomplished singers and performers and want to take their singing and performance to the next level! I use my skills as an accomplished vocalist and teacher to empower my students to find their own voice and learn to express a story through song. I enable my students to hone their craft and find their own style of expression through the exploration of music in a multitude of genres and cultures.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have a Stuyvesant style piano in my home studio. I also have a vast collection of repertoire.

*** Specialties ***
Singing for Music Theatre / Broadway
Singing Pop/Rock/R&B
Singing Jazz
Singing Original Material (Singer/Songwriter)
Acting: Audition Coaching / Performance
Speech & Dialects

state of the arts Thai City Theater. Other recent credits include working as a lead production singer for the renowned cruise line, Carnival; sailing the Western and Eastern Caribbean islands performing Las Vegas style production shows.

I am currently the CEO of my own entertainment company 2-4-1 Entertainment and mobile music school. I perform regularly for various commercial establishments and private venues.

I studied Music and Theater at Montclair State University earning a BA degree along with a teaching license in performing arts.

With all that said, I describes my greatest accomplishments as sharing my passion to sing to all who are willing to learn. I am as passionate about teaching as I am about performing.

*** Lesson Details ***
If you love singing, then you should love your lessons. Lessons with me are fun, challenging as well as enriching.

Instruction will include:

-Light stretching exercises to reduce tension and relax muscles that can block good vocal production and vocal freedom.

-Carefully listen to, accessing and giving you feedback about your vocal potential and growth

-Identifying vocal range and limitations

-Proper vocal techniques with respect to vocal scales, learning to breathe, pitch, tonality, durability and posture

-Selecting music collaboratively that suits your tastes and ability

-Working with professional backing tracks like many contemporary artists in the industry

-Lyrical interpretation with respect to performance

-Sharing the understanding of vocal anatomy and how it affects singing

-Allowing you to tape record lessons for practice purposes.

-Comfortable environments where asking questions are encouraged and making mistakes are simply part of the learning process.

-Teaching and practicing good vocal health, including the need to drink water and monitor the speaking voice

-Building confidence as a singer and performer

As much as I loves teaching and building relationships with voice students in my studio, I does not believe lessons should be limited to the classroom. The training process may include performing small venues for family and friends to acquaint the student to performing in front of an audience.

My goal is to teach students who have a desire to perform, the necessary rudiments of singing and performing so he/she can go out into the world and shine as a polished singer!

), oboe, and voice. Study music to awaken your aural senses, develop muscle memory, and enhance your intellectual development.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Piano and bench, keyboard, guitar, guitar stand, music stand, foot stool. Ample seating for parents.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I am comfortable teaching from a piano or keyboard. I will transport my own guitar and anticipate students will own or rent the instrument they will be studying.

*** Specialties ***
Beginner to advanced music instruction, guitar notes and chords, piano melodies and accompaniment, vocal instruction, musical theater, classical piano and more.

and HER sound, a challenge which continues to manifest itself even today in a variety of ways. Kathy is now a singer/songwriter and performs often with her own band in which she sings, plays guitar, writes her own songs and arranges them for intricate backup harmonies and multiple instrumentation. A variety of influences are apparent in her music, including the musical genres of folk, pop, jazz, and yes, even hip hop. She has recorded three albums of her music and all have been received to critical acclaim.

She sings as a professional cantor at St. John the Baptist Church in Manhattan, and teaches private voice, guitar and piano lessons throughout the city of New York. She served for a time as the general music teacher for St. Dominic's School in the Bronx, where she was responsible for Pre-K through 8th grade music classes, and, true to form, she is often called upon in a multitude of situations to perform in a variety of musical genres. She is always pleased with the ever-changing musical scenery around her.

*** Lesson Details ***
A lesson with Kathy equals half of the allotted time being used to learn good technique (i.e., learning healthy vocal habits, singing vocalizes, learning to read music, playing scales, etc.) and the other half of the time singing and playing repertoire. The repertoire includes both pieces chosen by Kathy (always approved by the student) which excite and inspire the student's particular musical tastes while providing a new challenge in technique to be conquered, and also pieces brought in by the student; for example, if a student is working on music for a specific performance, etc., or if they just really like a piece and want to learn how to play or sing it, Kathy is always ready and willing to lend a hand and an ear!

Vocally, Kathy believes good basic technique is the same for every genre of music. Therefore, great emphasis is placed on learning to breathe and support your sound correctly as well as maintain good posture, rid your body of unwanted tensions, etc.; musical styles beyond that basic technique change only in small stylistic ways, and Kathy is knowledgeable in quiet a variety of most musical styles.

With guitar, Kathy focuses on learning to read and play musical notation and chords without using guitar tablature. Again, a variety of musical styles are used for instruction, including everything from classical to punk!

And with piano, Kathy focuses on learning to read and play musical notation as well as mastering scales and chord progressions, inversions, etc. She loves opportunities to combine voice lessons with guitar lessons, or voice lessons with piano lessons, as one instrument feeds into the other in interesting and helpful ways.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I travel with my travel guitar and music for lessons. I expect guitar students to have their own guitar, and piano or voice students to have some sort of keyboard, even a small one.

*** Specialties ***
all-levels voice, beginning guitar, beginning piano
I specialize in a classical voice method, which I believe is a good foundation for all styles of singing. I have experience with classical singing, music theatre (I have a minor from my undergraduate education in Theatre) and folk. I'm an experienced songwriter and am able to guide students in that area.

I teach notes and chords for my guitar students. I don't teach guitar tablature; instead, I teach basic guitar music on the staff.

Also, I teach beginning piano, including basic music theory, note spelling, etc.

ic Hall and recently the Academy Awards. She also enjoys working with beginners and those who want to explore their vocal potential for their own enjoyment.

As a performer herself, Rebecca’s career as an Operatic Soprano as well as a performer of Musical Theatre, New Works and Spiritual Music has taken her all over the United States, Europe and the Middle East. Favorite credits include Rosalinda (Die Fledermaus), Nedda (I Pagliacci), Micaëla (La Tragedie de Carmen) and a world premiere reading of Billy Blythe, a folk opera about the early years of Bill Clinton.

Rebecca’s knowledge of the music business, experience as a performer, and technical, supportive teaching method make her a sought-after voice teacher for students of all levels, backgrounds and vocal styles.

"My TEACHING PHILOSOPHY leads me to work with each student individually to help them find a tailored technique that works for them. No two voices are exactly alike, therefore I believe that there is not one rigid method that works for everyone. My ultimate goal is to help my students find their own unique sound, free of tension and full of confidence. Every student who comes to me started singing for a reason — because it felt good. And it should always feel good, restorative, and empowering!

In lessons I aim to keep this positive energy at the forefront and focus on making singing easier. My students and I work together to eliminate unnecessary effort and complications — those things that take away from the enjoyment that comes from singing. I take a healthy, classical vocal approach to encourage freedom, ease and power in the voice. As a student of such methods as Bel Canto, Alexander Technique and Yoga, I incorporate a full body approach to singing. I also encourage my students to find ways of improving their voices and the use of their bodies in all aspects of their lives, both in and outside the studio. In today’s busy world (and especially here in New York City) maximizing time, while learning to take a beat and focus, is a huge part of vocal technique. The voice reflects what is going on in the mind and body. In addition to their vocal work, I encourage all my students to spend time doing things that keep them happy and feeling good. Yoga, running, dancing, attending that concert or play — these activities help keep us in balance.

In my work with children and teenagers, I take special care to nurture their developing voices, encourage strong practice habits and sing with joy every day. Depending on their level of skill and their individual goals, we incorporate musicianship and music theory into technical work so that each student has the practical skills to pursue music in their life however they choose.

Whether it is nailing that next key audition or speaking with more confidence at your next big board meeting, I look forward to working with you to give you the tools, training and support to succeed!

See you in the studio! —Rebecca"

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,
16+ 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 16+ 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: 48 hour lesson cancellation policy and emergencies (determined by Rachel Menconi) are handled on a case by case basis. All students (or their parents/guardian if under 18) who have scheduled vacations and other activities (meetings, parties, school shows, concerts, rehearsals...etc) that interfere with the student’s regularly scheduled lesson time, need to contact Rachel Menconi as soon as the vacation/other activity is scheduled but no later than two weeks in advanced before their missed regularly scheduled lesson to prevent from forfeiting the lesson.

MAKE-UPS: Make-Up lessons will be scheduled if time allows. No Make-Up lesson or class will be given to ‘no shows’ or “late cancellation”, and no extra time to extend their lesson will be given to students who are late to their lesson or class. If there is ever a time Rachel Menconi is running late, extra time will be given to make the lesson a full 60 minutes. If Rachel Menconi needs to reschedule, a Make-Up lesson will be scheduled as close to the same week as possible. Make-Up lessons are scheduled at Rachel Menconi’s discretion.

ONLINE LESSONS FOR IN-PERSON LESSON CLIENTS: In the event that the student is sick but still would like their lesson, an online lesson will be scheduled instead. Students can NOT come to their in person lesson sick, coughing, sneezing, with a runny nose, cold, flu, allergies, fever, etc. (This is to make sure no germs will be spread).

An online lesson will also be scheduled if there is bad weather, if a student is having car trouble, or any other reason for the student not being able to physically get to Rachel Menconi’s private studio during their normally scheduled lesson time. Online lessons are conducted through FaceTime, Google, Hangouts, or Skype.

SCHEDULE:
Lessons are weekly, on the same time/day of the week unless we have rescheduled or we have discussed in writing another lesson plan. If the student’s lesson falls on a holiday, we will either reschedule or if no other day is available, resume the following week.

LATENESS:
If a student is going to be late they need to contact Rachel Menconi 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 Menconi would be extending a courtesy and would not be obligated to do so. If on the rare occasion Rachel Menconi 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.
Of course there will be times when the parent will be invited back in at the end of some of the lesson to showcase progress.

COMMUNICATION: Due to Rachel Menconi normally scheduling students one right after another without breaks, being in the recording studio, performing, or being on set, the best way to contact her is through text AND email. Please ALWAYS leave messages when calling Rachel Menconi with your name, contact info, AND the reason you are calling. Please be specific. Thank you!

"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 Menconi

es, I am eager to aid you or your child on that journey. I believe in music as literacy and as a musician the balance between the technical and expressive should work in harmony.

Please let me know what your specific goals are in your education, and we will develop together a plan for success!

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.

for the intricacies of Vocal Technique. I have built a private studio on the foundations of traditional bel canto technique with a strong emphasis on the Italian School. I believe in consistent practice with scales, arpeggios and other exercises that help students build and strengthen their voices and navigate their registers. Correct breath support is too often a mystery for students, something we will demystify in our sessions. With correct breath engagement (appoggia) students will learn how to move effortlessly through their passaggio (transition to their high notes).