East Meadow, NY Opera Voice Lessons

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!

tudio in Manhattan. He has given many workshops on vocal technique and had a large studio in Amsterdam, Holland, where lived for six years. He taught music at the International School of Amsterdam and has taught voice, piano and guitar privately for more than twenty years. He has a master's degree from Manhattan School of Music and presently teaches voice, piano and guitar and also works with learning challenged adults and children in the Music School in New York City.

*** Lesson Details ***
I'm pretty laid back and try to inspire my students to enjoy practicing and get excited about their progress. I tailor the lessons to the individual students interests and desires.

*** Studio Equipment ***
He has a piano, and guitar of course for guitar lessons.

*** Travel Equipment ***
small traveling keyboard available for voice lessons

*** Specialties ***
music, voice, Opera, piano, guitar
All levels, Really enjoy working with Beginners ...guitar, piano, singing
classical, opera, Broadway, pop, jazz, I'm a good voice builder! and motivator.

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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

ng programs such as Paper Mill Playhouse and AMDA Summer Conservatories

Both voice and piano lessons are based on a foundation of healthy technique while incorporating musicianship skills and encouraging the student to develop their own creativity. I am experienced in teaching many genres and styles including Broadway/musical theater, classical/opera, pop, rock, R&B, country, and folk. I encourage my students to explore new styles and apply good technique to any style they may choose to sing or play.

I love helping my students prepare for auditions. As an active performer myself I have auditioned many, MANY times for different organizations, and I have also been on "the other side of the table" and I know what qualities audition panels are looking for. Let me help you show your best qualities at your audition!

As a member of both NATS (National Association for Teachers of Singing) and ACDA (American Choral Directors Association) I am constantly working to improve my teaching skills by keeping up with the latest pedagogical research. I love sharing new tips and techniques with my students!

I strive to create a lesson environment that is open and honest, where my students are never afraid to ask questions or try something new. I am always happy to explain concepts in a different way and I encourage improvisation and creativity in addition to healthy technique and strong musicianship.

If you have any questions for me, please don’t hesitate to send me a message by clicking “Ask Barbee a Question” at the top of the page.

In-studio equipment: Yamaha P-115 digital piano with 3-pedal unit and bench, music stands, large library of scores and anthologies for repertoire exploration

Please note that you MUST have an acoustic or digital piano with weighted keys for in-home piano lessons. You MUST have a piano or keyboard for in-home voice lessons. If you are looking to purchase an instrument I am happy to provide recommendations.

Please note that students are expected to purchase all music, curriculum, and other materials as appropriate.

ang for a jazz big band and auditioned for opera houses around the world.

With proper vocal technique you can finally use the voice you never knew you had! Learn to vocalize, use proper breathing technique, sing with more ease and agility and overcome the fear of singing in public. I teach students of all ages with beginning to advanced knowledge of voice technique in most styles- classical, Broadway, jazz, pop, rock, gospel...etc. Looking forward to hearing you soon!

Audition ER available.

*** Lesson Details ***
Lessons with me are exactly what you need them to be-- Auditioning for something? Want to improve your technique? Weekend Karaoke warrior? Or just singing for fun? I'm here to help!

My style is mostly laid back and fun, always full of positive encouragement and the right amount of strictness (usually close to performance and audition crunch time!)

*** Studio Equipment ***
Upright piano, music, stand

*** Specialties ***
I'm very versatile- happy to work with students in all genres (opera, Broadway, rock, pop, gospel, folk...etc) I specialize in audition ER, work with all students to help with stage presence and performance. All students will work on ear training and some sight reading-- this will always make you a better musician.

Grammys.........

I play and teach all styles; Classical, rock, Broadway, jazz,pop, etc.....

I have performed at the world class, A-list level in all the above mentioned styles as well.

I believe it is critical to be humble, down to earth and easy to work with, no matter how accomplished, student, teacher, or parent. :)..................

, Eugene Friesen (four-time Grammy Award-winner), Sandeep Das (two-time Grammy nominee), Mike Block, and Hozier (2015 Grammy Nominee).

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.