Merrick, NY Singing Lessons

, I left college with a shrunken range: A3 to Ab5, I had lost more than an octave as a result of poor training by a doctorate of music.

In 1995 I won Miss Louisiana (Miss America). I was blessed to received scholarship for the rest of school. One of the colleges that provided money was the University of Louisiana Monroe. I decided to take summer sessions with Dr. Weidman. He realized quite quickly that I had been given the wrong Fach and technique for my voice type and encouraged me to stop with my former teacher and give my voice a break. And I did.

In fact, I decided to focus on acting. The closest acting community was Dallas, Texas. There I was picked up by the Ivett Stone Agency and began booking national commercials, TV spots and films. Along the way I worked with Don Shook of the (then) Actors Company in Dallas, TX. Don listened to my vocal story and told me about his teacher, Bill Bauer.

Bill became my vocal mentor and saving grace. He taught me how to release the tension of poor training and build the technique that lasts a lifetime! I am forever in his debit as my Angel of Voice!

Along with his guidance and genius he helped developed a safe, powerful technique for all vocal genres. I’m so confident that this method will work that I can I guarantee your singing and/or speaking voice will be the best EVER!

In addition to Bill's technique, in 2005, I began incorporating the Gary Catona Method for both my speaking and singing students. It is a powerful Bel Canto vowel method that strengthens and heals all voice types!

Whether you are a beginner and want a solid technique, or you have experienced bad training and need to retrain, I guarantee this method will work for you!

*** How I Can Help You***

I have taught both singing and acting for over 17 years and have the honor of working with some amazing students including, American Idol finalist Rachel Hale, Singer/Song writer Sara Skinner, Bluegrass singer Joseph Hott, Actress Molly Quinn, Actor John R Colley, Ark-La-Tex’s country star, Klancy Johnson, singer/actress Tara Clem and many, many more.

Here are some examples of how I can help: vocal node/polyp elimination therapy, increasing vocal range, eliminating “breaks” in your range, supported sound, natural breathing techniques, body alignment, conquering performance anxiety, stage presence, song interpretation, and positive internal programming.

I began teaching private vocal lessons in 1998. I have taught for two schools of music, First United Methodist Music School in Texarkana, Arkansas and Burbank Music Academy in Burbank, California. In 2007, I began offering vocal lessons online through Skype. My current studio is located in Manhattan.

I've been a member of the National Association of Teacher's of singing for 6 years and am also a member of Actors Equity, SAG-AFTRA, NARAS (the Grammy's) and a lifetime member for the music fraternity Sigma Alpha Iota. I hold 2 Fine Arts degrees in Music and Drama as well as a Bachelor of Applied Arts; Sciences in Administrative Leadership with an emphasis in Psychology.

*** Lesson Details ***

In your lesson, I start where you're at. I identify immediate problems and then put you on a regimen to move you toward your vocal best. I am a stern but encouraging teacher. I expect a vocalist to practice.

Whether a beginner or seasoned performer. My goal is to get your voice to a place of ease in production and to articulate your performance in a way to connect with your audience.

Each lesson is recorded and emailed so you can listen and practice. Practicing is imperative to building your vocal muscles and performance skills.

Here is a list of other benefits that I provide: ear training, finding your true voice - not just an imitation of your favorite vocalist, smart career goal setting, overcoming stage fright, audition/interview techniques, positive self-programming, finding your acting "type"career marketing strategies, how to work "where you're at", scene study, monologue preparation, and a building basic musical theatre audition book.

*** Studio Details**

-an Mp3 of your lesson either on CD (you provide), flash drive (you supply) or a download via website,

-music track editing (includes cutting, tempo changes, key adjustments, etc. (I usually do music editing outside of a lesson for a nominal fee.),

-stage choreography/blocking,

-microphone training,

-and studio recording training.

*** Studio Equipment ***

Yeti microphone, H4n Zoom recorder, Audio Technica AT 3035 microphone. 

-Music Editing Software: Pro-Tools, Cubase LX, Audacity, Garageband, Sony Sound Forge

-Video Editing Software: Final Cut, Sony Vegas, iMovie

-I also utilize Sing & See in my studio for vocal analysis when needed.

*** Specialties ***

Along with the guidance and genius of Dallas-based vocal teacher and composer, Bill Bauer, I have developed a safe, powerful technique in the art of vocal production for all vocal genres. Some of which include supported belt singing and Bel Canto-style singing.

I am also a trained Opera singer and jazz vocalist and have trained in Vocal Pedagogy both in college as well as with the National Association of Teachers of Singing of which I am a full member.

I am a former Miss Louisiana and talent winner at Miss America. I have judged numerous local, state, and national pageants and talent shows across the country.

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.

h me, each lesson starts with an assessment. Then, we start with where you are at that moment and push your technique to the next level. Afterwards, I will send you an email with notes from the lesson and your homework.

My goal is cultivate your technique and discipline to take you to the next level of your performance.

*** Studio Equipment ***
-Digital piano
-Large mirror (to see your technique)
-Sound-proof practice room
-Parking

*** Travel Equipment ***
Digital piano for in-home voice lessons.

*** Specialties ***
Beginner voice for non-singers, new singers, or singers that have been out of the game for a while.

Audition prep for both film/stage acting and singing auditions. (Great results!)

how to teach technique they learned habits that are extremely difficult to get rid of. I teach many children presently from the ages of five through 12, some who have had lessons at most you have not, and when you teach very young children it is important to teach in a way that is fun and yet they learn what feels right and what doesn't The real local and physical exercises that I learned from my teacher at Juilliard so that while you are not going into extreme detail and boring then they are having fun and their bodies are learning the correct way to sing. I try my best to make my lessons fun but I also take teaching very seriously and I will give my all no matter what age the person is or if they want to do this in life. At the first lesson I always take half of it to listening to my student saying just to get an idea of where they are at, and then I like to sit down with them or if they are young I like to have their parent there so we can discuss what their wishes are And what and how they want to learn. I look forward to hopefully being a part of your lives as music has been a tremendous part of me since I was three years old and my love for it has only grown throughout the years I am being that I have studied and perform since I live five until now :-) I understand the changes in the voice throughout different periods of one's life so technically I feel very confident in being able to handle that, and being a performer at the places that I only dreamed of performing . I am happy to come to you to teach but if you come to me he will have the honor of meeting the sweetest dogs And they are hypoallergenic!

f all ages and experience level and always intend to make each lesson an enjoyable experience .
As a professional artist I travel around US and sometimes make trips to Asia as well.I am currently working with one of the assistant conductors of the Metropolitan Opera.
I look forward to meeting you and working together to make some great musical development.

music, I also enjoy teaching musical theater as well. Good vocal technique can and should be applied to any kind of singing.

I teach lessons in my private studio or in clients' homes provided there is access to a piano. Please message me if you're interested in starting or advancing your singing education. I look forward to hearing your voice!

r’s success.