Top Singing & Voice Lessons in Brooklyn, NY

er of Music in Vocal Performance where I maintained a full studio of undergraduate voice minors as a Graduate Teaching assistant.

I took my first pedagogy class at UD and began teaching voice lessons at the Community Music School during my junior year. My experience as a teaching assistant shaped me into the teacher that I am today. I love teaching and helping students reach goals! With my thorough pedagogical training and varied performance experience, I have a great deal to offer my students.

*** Lesson Details ***
During my time with you, I strive to assist you in taking risks, discovering the joy of music, and making progress with your singing. No matter what your goals are - All-State Choir, opera, musical theatre, or just having fun, I love helping you reach them. By looking at different genres of vocal music, we will focus on many different aspects of singing, from music theory, to expressive performance, to the foundation of healthy singing.

I believe that every student is unique and learns in his or her own way. Therefore, I tailor the pace and focus of lessons on your interests and abilities. I believe it is integral for all students to have an understanding of music theory and therefore, work on theory and sight-reading. In addition, I think a well-rounded musical education is key, and will work on an array of genres with you including folk songs, art songs, and musical theatre. We will work on 2-5 songs at once, and will consider a song "learned" once you can perform a song from memory.

Words are what separate the voice from any other instrument. Therefore, I will work with you on ways to examine the poetry and lyrics of each song in order to portray the message of the words.

*** Specialties ***
I feel equally at home working on musical theatre and classical styles with students. I have experience working on both with students.

the best way. My rule number one is to be open minded and patient. Every student is different and has specific needs that can be addressed with the right technique.

I love to teach any level, from beginners to professionals.

Together we will work on:

- vocal technique to open your possibilities as a singer in a healthy way
- breathing and posture through yoga and relaxation exercises to free your voice and body
- musicianship: ear training, sight reading
- improvisation
- composition
- recording: record your own song
- repertoire (build your own repertoire, chart writing, arranging, transposing tunes)
- electronic device (loops, samplers)
- music toys
- audition preparation
- performance and stage preparation

I love to teach as much as I love to perform and I am always very inspired to meet new students and to help them develop their creativity with their own voice and sound.

ntanti Project NYC.
She joined DiCapo Opera Theater covering the role of Abigail Williams and performing the role of Sarah Good in Robert Ward’s The Crucible and repeated her performance for the award-winning European Premiere of the work in Szeged, Hungary in November, 2008. Other engagements have included Rosina in Il Barbiere di Siviglia with Metro Lyric Opera New Jersey, and 2nd Lady in The Magic Flute with the Harrisburg Opera Association.

Active on the concert stage as well as in opera, Ms. Schneiderman has been a regular soloist with her home orchestras, the Burbank Philharmonic and the New West Symphony, performing works by Mahler, Stravinsky, Orff and Mozart. She has also performed at Carnegie Hall as soprano soloist in the world premiere of Ed Lojeski’s Missa Americana. Later, she premiered the soprano solos of Mike Garson’s Symphonic Suite for Healing at the new Segerstrom Hall in Costa Mesa, CA.
Ms. Schneiderman made her operatic debut with Festival Opera Walnut Creek as Cherubino in Le Nozze di Figaro to much critical acclaim and went on with the company to perform Rosina in Il Barbiere di Siviglia and Sophie in Werther. Ms. Schneiderman attended the San Francisco Opera Merola Program, and immediately followed this with a year as a Resident Young Artist with Seattle Opera, where she specialized in the music of Mozart and Rossini. She is is also a recipient of many awards and recognitions, including 3rd place in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions - Southwest Region, 5th Place in the Loren L. Zachary Society competition, Gari Foundation Encouragement Award winner, and Violetta DuPont Competition finalist.
In addition to her passion for classical music, Ms. Schneiderman has performed extensively in crossover music, having performed regularly with pop legend, David Foster, at various events. During this time, she shared the stage with Michael Crawford and spent several years as duet partner to Josh Groban.
Her first full-length album, Unlimited; is available for purchase on iTunes and CDBaby.com."

Whether you are just beginning your training, if you want to sing for fun, or if you're an established professional, I can help by giving you the tools that will have you singing well for years to come.

*** Lesson Details ***
A lesson with me will include a warm-up, where we discuss basic concepts of technique, vocal physiology and sound. You will learn the fundamentals of healthy singing and increase your vocal stamina. Next, we will work on the music of your choice and apply those technical concepts to the piece you're working. I will also advise you on elements of style and performance at this point as well.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I use studio space that always includes a piano.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Student must have piano or keyboard in home if I am traveling.

*** Specialties ***
Voice, Musical Theater, Opera, Jazz, Pop Music, Style, Presentation

which encompasses the vocal onset and the closure of the vocal folds. Students realize that proper breath management and producing tone go hand in hand. The ideal that the student and I work towards is a balance between superfluous air flow and and pressed pressure. This concept leads to a clean onset in which the edges of the vocal folds cleanly come together and stay closed during singing.

Students also learn how to negotiate and coordinate the vocal registers. This means that every student who walks into my studio learns where and what the larynx is. It is my job to be a second set of ears to help the student optimize his or her tone quality by maximizing vocal resonance. This concept may be different across genres, however every student learns how to begin coordinating the vocal process.

HOW I TEACH
My aim as a teacher of voice is to be flexible and innovative, and provide students with a clear and honest assessment. I strive to explain to each singer exactly how to complete a task, whether maintaining the position of inhalation or correcting posture. In lessons, I refrain from being demonstrative so that the student can find his or her own unique sound without attempting to copy my sound. I use this method so that the student learns how to be her own teacher. This way, the student will be able to identify and correct her own vocal problems. When I am not present, the student will have confidence in her skills and can make educated corrections in practice, rehearsals, and in performances.

TECHNIQUE
Throughout the course of lessons, it is my job to identify the most effective resonating space for the student and give her the skills to maintain that space. It is through the combination of effective breath management using appoggio and flow-phonation that the student becomes most efficient. Finding the most efficient technique for the student involves discovering the proper laryngeal position for the student’s voice type and by practicing continuity through all of the registers.

As all of the aspects of technique are being built in the studio, it is my job to ensure that I am building a musician. This means that I go over how the student needs to learn a piece and how to perform a piece. Often times with young students, they do not have the musical skills to teach themselves the pieces assigned. Sometimes the voice teacher’s job is to “plunk out the notes.” I highly encourage my students to take piano lessons and to use technology resources to aid them in building musicianship so they feel confident reading music. This process takes time, but it is the first step in building a competent performer.

MY GOALS
I always cater to the students tastes while still meeting requirements, if any. I believe that this fosters joy and excitement in music. My goal as a voice teacher not only involves building a good singer, but creating a performer. I make sure that I not only find performing opportunities for my students, but also I create them. Every semester I hold a studio recital for my students to perform their repertoire in front of an audience. In the Fall of 2015 I founded a local opera company in order to bring classical music to the community. My students made up the chorus of Handel’s Messiah that we performed that December. In addition, I have invited my students to participate in the church choir I direct every week. I believe that learning how to sing must take place in the studio, but the most important thing that I can do as a teacher is to make sure that the student knows how to transfer the skills learned in the classroom to real-world performing experiences.

APPROACH
I believe in a holistic approach to teaching, which involves connection to the text and acting. Though I cover many of these aspects in the studio, it is extremely beneficial for students to go outside of the studio and engage in physical courses such as yoga, Alexander technique, acting and dance. I personally engage in these activities to relate to my students and to be able to explain how we need to engage the body in singing. I also encourage my students to have coachings with other professionals to gain more insight into their repertoire.

Not every student who comes to my studio wants to sing opera. Many students want to sing in choir, in church, or just for fun. Overall, I always come from a place of acceptance and non judgement. Every voice is unique and I strive to help my students not only reach their goals, but surpass them.

San Francisco Bay Area native, Dr. Melissa McCann has been teaching voice and piano since 2010. Not only an avid teacher, Dr. McCann has performed in music festivals all over the world including The American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria, Accademia Europa dell’Opera in Lucca, Italy, Angel Vocal Art in Los Angeles, CA, Russian Opera Workshop in Philadelphia, PA, and Highlands Opera Studio in Haliburton, Ontario. Melissa has also performed with companies including Opera San Jose, The Napa Valley Music Association, The San Francisco Youth Chamber Orchestra, Opera on the Spot, and The Solano Chamber Society.
Melissa earned her Doctorate of Musical Arts in Vocal Performance, Pedagogy, and Literature from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA with Kevin McMillan. During her time in Harrisonburg, Melissa founded Harrisonburg Opera Theatre and was the church choir director at Sunnyside Retirement Community Meredith Chapel.
Dr. McCann completed her Post-Graduate Artist Diploma in Voice at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music under the tutelage of acclaimed opera singer, Deborah Voigt. While in San Francisco, Melissa interned in the Education Department of San Francisco Opera and taught Kindergarten and First grade music with the San Francisco Conservatory in the Schools mentor-ship program. She also received a full scholarship to attend the Rubin Institute for Music Criticism.

Melissa earned her Masters of Fine Arts in Vocal Performance from the University of California, Irvine at the Claire Trevor School of the Arts where she sang the National Anthem for President Barack Obama at the school’s 50thAnniversary Celebration. At UC Irvine, Dr. McCann received critical acclaim for her portrayal of Euridice in Gluck's Orfeo ed Euridice, and as the Soprano in Pergolesi's Stabat Mater.

Melissa specializes in the Alfred Series for piano and My First Piano Adventure for young students. This approach focuses on ear training and reading music. Custom exercises and choice of material is based on the student's level and field of study. Lessons are scheduled at the student's convenience as per availability. Frequency and length of lessons is based on the students needs.

Young voice students are taught general concepts, music theory, and ear training. After the voice is more mature, advanced and serious vocal study can be pursued. Melissa's students receive a well-rounded training in the style of their choice: Classical, Popular, Musical Theatre, and Jazz.

Melissa emphasizes on solid technique, posture, breathing, and control, in addition to music fundamentals.

ool and working Opera singer, I have had the great fortune of training and performing with some of the best in the business.

With performances at Carnegie Hall and with major orchestras such as the Toronto, Vancouver and Seattle Symphonies and around the world, I feel this gives me a unique perspective on the challenges and successes that are possible with a fun, yet focused and healthy technique based approach. Whether a beginners, intermediate or advanced singers looking to hone your skills in musical theatre classical, jazz and even pop voice.

My goal is a well rounded, relaxed yet supported vocal tone with a focus on breath, and feeling rather than by ear. This ensures that no matter what the repertoire, the situation, or the acoustics of the room, you are always focused on healthy, articulate and projected singing.

pline, we achieve our greatest dreams.

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.

onment that fosters growth and discovery. I can’t wait to work with you!