Old Westbury Performing Arts Classes

As a voice teacher, I want to help my students settle comfortably into their own musicality by showing them the building blocks of a solid technique, drawing particularly from the things that helped me grow as a vocalist. I want my students to feel strong in their body, comfortable and relaxed in their breath, and confident in their performance.

I am a professional vocalist in NYC. I perform liturgical and classical music, as well as musical theater repertoire. I participate in professional operas, choral groups and other concert series. Performing gives me a sense of bliss and completeness that is indescribable.

As a certified yoga instructor, I teach in many locations throughout Westchester. I was trained at Yoga Haven in Scarsdale, New York with Betsy Kase, and earned a 200-hour certificate in Asana, Pranayama, and Meditation. I offer private yoga instruction and meditation at my home studio. My studio comes fully equipped with all yoga props, aromatherapy, and music. Hands-on-assists and personalized classes offered to deepen your experience.

It is a joy to offer Reiki to curious, open clients in need of energy healing. Reiki is a noninvasive energy healing technique totally separate of any religious affiliation and available to anyone. It is a difficult to describe the relaxing, soothing, and deep-healing effects of Reiki to someone who has never experienced.

Please feel free to inquire about any of my services!

*Note: If you don't see a time slot that is suitable to your needs but would like to try a session or lesson with me, feel free to register for the Flex Plan, and we will work out week-to-week times!!**

**Note: If you are interested in music therapy, please email me with a bit about yourself and your personal goals.

and survive a career in the world of performing arts.

With a kind and compassionate, yet stern and strong tone, Gabriel will work with you to develop the focus and dedication necessary to get your voice beyond what you even knew was possible.

*** Lesson Details ***
Regardless of the genre you sing, developing your voice with Gabriel's help will improve your tone, range, power and overall ability. You can expect to become a much better singer without losing any of your personal and unique traits.

His approach isn't a technical or mysterious one. It's all about re-learning the facts about how the voice functions best.

You can expect to clear away a lot of confusions regarding how the voice works and to take away the guesswork from the vocal development process.

If you want to improve your voice quickly, being guided by someone who understands how it all works and by someone who was where you are today and is now closer to where you want to be in the future is the best way to go. And Gabriel is that guy!

Gabriel's approach is quite simple, yet very effective at developing the entire voice.

"There are two basic levels that every singer must address. The first one is addressing the condition of the body and voice and the second one is addressing the functioning of the voice and body."

I - Silent Foundation

The silent foundation refers to the condition of your instrument as it is silent. If we are looking at the body as an instrument that sings, we first have to make sure that our instrument is in good condition. How healthy is your instrument? Is it well rested, well hydrated and loose? Or is it tired, dehydrated and tense? As you could guess, the condition of your instrument will have a significant impact on the quality of the sounds you make. So the first thing to be addressed is how your instrument is before it starts making sound.

II - Conditioning of Singing Behaviors

This is when we get busy. Once we have a well rested, healthy, hydrated and relaxed instrument we can start working it out. The goal is to condition our singing behaviors to be reflexive, reliable and strong. The way to do this is through a series of vocal exercises that will condition your voice to respond to the desires of your heart. Whatever it is that you want to express will be possible once your instrument is conditioned to the point where there is no gap between what you want to express and your ability to do so. Learning to sing is all about learning how to express yourself without barriers. You should be able to develop enough range, power, control and skill so that you can express your heart without feeling like you'™re incapable of achieving what you pursue. To achieve these abilities training is often necessary.

*** Specialties ***
ALL CONTEMPORARY GENRES!
Confidence Building, Warming-Up, Releasing Tension and Strain, Eliminating Stage Fright, Expanding Range, Improving Tone, Developing Vocal Power and Presence, Eliminating Doubt, Simplifying Singing, Strengthening The Voice, Improving Pitch, Building Stamina, Increasing Creativity, Performance Tips, Artist Development, Acting and Songwriting.

Once we have a good foundation any contemporary genre or style can be improved.

e an indoor season during the winter months as well.

"Mr. Martin-Smith has been my director, coach and
mentor in productions and the classroom. His patience,
insight and his passion excites students, and makes
them feel safe and supported enough to take risks."

*Joseph H.
Shakespeare Theater of New Jersey
Pearl Theater Company
York Theater Company
Hudson Warehouse

*** Teaching Methods ***
I foster a safe, relaxed and engaging environment to explore truthful human behavior on stage.

The objective is 'the truth' to which end there is no one technique. Actors are encouraged to find their own tools and to draw from elements of different practices to discover a technique that works best for them as individuals.

I studied the methods of Constantin Stanislavski for acting with Sergei Pomerov of the Moscow Circus Theater. I am classically trained as well.

I work primarily as a guide to help navigate the way and to interpret ‘the signs.' I teach the lesson in the moment and address the challenges of both the beginner and the experienced actor.

***Classical Work***
My basic approach to classical work focuses primarily on the connection of the breath with the feeling on the word.

This is the foundation on which you can then build. From the ‘words’ to the ‘thoughts’ to entire ‘passages’ of text, as you work and explore, the richness of the playwright’s words comes to life. Your own unique emotional life is allowed to come through the text and you are able to fully embody the role.

*** Teaching Levels and Focuses ***
*Beginning Actors
-Work With Classical Text.
-Vocal Work.
-"Moment to Moment" Work.
-"Sense Memory" Work.

*Experienced Actors
-In depth Classical Text Analysis.
-Connecting to the Text.
-Audition Technique
-Monologue Coaching

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

Wedding Singer and previously as The Production Tenor in Singin’ in the Rain and Garvin in Footloose. Other theatre credits include multiple shows at Music Theatre of Wichita, West Virginia Public Theatre and The Connecticut Repertory Theatre, all of which have taught me what it takes to become a successful musical theatre performer in this competitive era.

I love teaching all students, but in particular high school students who are aspiring to attend college as a musical theatre major, non-theatre majors who are new to singing and want a stronger technical background, or actors who are new to the musical theatre scene and are looking to take their talent to the next level. I have a strong knowledge of repertoire ranging from contemporary musical theatre to golden age to opera/operetta. I have performed in musicals, operettas, plays, and have started my own collegiate a cappella group, The Statesmen. At Penn State, I was trained to not only teach musical theatre repertoire, but to include art songs and arias as well which have their own tool in a student's growth and versatility.

Most importantly, I like to have fun in the studio. I have a very open and goofy personality and want you to feel free to be goofy as well. Dare to fail. You may learn more from your voice cracking then you might from singing a beautiful note.

Prior to this contract, Iman was performing in Third Rail Projects’ "The Grand Paradise, an immersive theater show."

As an instructor, I would love to know what you are looking to accomplish and I will tailor my lessons/ workouts to fit you. Be as specific as possible! I want you to get the results you are looking for in a fun and educational environment.

I will travel to your home/ home gym/ or I will find a gym in your area!

lude your area and availability in your messages!

I would prefer to teach students with professional or aerobic goals. Social dancing is not one of my subjects.

nd the founder of Joyful Singing Studios.

Mary holds a BA in Music (vocal performance) from Duke University, an MFA in Classical Acting from George Washington University's Academy for Classical Acting, and a fancy certificate from NY Vocal Coaching Teacher Training. 😋

She has worked with an array of exceptional teachers and coaches including Chrissellene Petropolous (DC), Katja Kullander (NYC), Justin Stoney (NYC), Elizabeth Linnartz (NC), Marion Johnson Healy (DE).

Mary has performed across the country in roles such as Maria in West Side Story, Amalia in She Loves Me, Rapunzel in Into the Woods, Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors, Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, Anne in The Diary of Anne Frank, and Emily in Our Town.

Mary is a proud member of Actors Equity Association, The New York Singing Teachers Association, and League of Professional Theatre Women.