Valley Cottage, NY Speaking Voice Lessons

r of the Actors Studio, the performing unions and have studied since childhood at ACT and then all over the world including The National in London.

For Dance, I have a wide knowledge and can teach several forms as well as history and materials. In Juilliard I specialized in historical dance of the French Court which is also known as pre-ballet. At present I am studying Tango and other ballroom forms and can teach the beginning levels as well as help choreograph for weddings or events. Of course I also teach Ballet and many forms of Modern Dance. I adore teaching dance composition. To help a dance student make their own dances is very fulfilling.
For the Visual Arts I teach Abstract Painting as well as Installation and Performance Art.
*** Studio Equipment ***
I have supplies and space. Visual Art students need to contribute to materials by finding or purchasing whatever they like and adding to the mix. My students are welcome to use what I have here and I am always adding materials. Many people throw away materials that are perfectly good for art making so keep your eyes open and you'll find all kinds of good things. Visual Art students need to book a 2 hour minimum and I will lower the price if you just let me know you need it.

My fees: I start at a higher fee and after you've been a regular student we can lower the fee for you if you need.

*** Travel Equipment ***
just a space to work in - we can create a work space out of any space.

*** Specialties ***
In dance I teach classical ballet principles for beginners or those who are returning and want to work carefully and privately. I teach from the tradition of Alfredo Corvino's principles of relationship to organic forms and structures for sound development. I studied with Mr Corvino for years and continue to study with Ernesta Corvino.
For acting I teach a combination of classical acting technique with American sense memory and relaxation skills. I am well versed in the teachings of Lee Strasberg and then spent time in London to 'fill in the cracks' of my training with analytical skills as well as the various european influences that the Royal National embrace.
I teach creative discovery in combination with classical devices so the student can discover their own artistry while learning actual classical devices for accomplishing specific goals.

asize a strong practice regiment. Your child will understand that while learning music and an instrument can be fun, there will be some work involved if they want to become great. I usually use either the Alfred or Rubank method books to supplement a curriculum that I tailor make for each individual student. Any question or confusion a student has about anything during the lesson will be explained in detail and dealt with until he/she understands the concept. I've had many students pass all levels of the ABRSM and NYSSMA exams as well as receive academic scholarships for musical excellence.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Lessons in the living room, drums set, piano,

*** Travel Equipment ***
I require that students buy the books I suggest, but if it is necessary, I can provide photocopies of pages from the books that I own. I also require my students to provide all writing equipment.

*** Specialties ***
all methods and styles. I've played clarinet and saxophone for orchestras, symphonic bands, and jazz bands. I've played drums for jazz, rock, and acoustic sets.

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.

ays on Broadway, writing your own songs, and developing show-biz career strategy, (headshots, meeting agents/managers, etc) I help TIYA members every day achieve their artistic dreams.

MORE INFO:
I have been singing since I was 3, anything and everything from Michael Jackson to Elvis Presley to Luciano Pavarotti. Originally from Colorado, I studied music/theatre, as well as vocal pedagogy at The University of Colorado at Boulder, where I graduated with highest honors. I made my Broadway debut in "The Phantom of the Opera" at age 24. I also performed in "Chess in concert" as a featured rock tenor soloist at the New Amsterdam Theatre on Broadway with Josh Groban. I have understudied and performed lead roles in the first AEA National Tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s "Whistle Down the Wind." Regionally, I have played many lead roles all over the United States in productions including "Les Miserables," "Miss Saigon," "The Wild Party," and "She Loves Me."

As an ASCAP recording artist, currently I am working in the studio with a full production team on my first pop/rock album. I also often sing on demos for producers and write songs for other artists in many different genres.

As a TV/Film actor, most recently I was on set with Marvel's "Luke Cage" on Netflix, and I played the lead role of (Abraham) Lincoln in the digital series pilot, "These Honored Dead." I also have played lead roles in 4 SAG-AFTRA short films, as well as the comedic lead in a SAG-AFTRA Web-series pilot, "Bodega Nights." I was called back for producers as a Series Regular for "The Knick," an episodic series produced and directed by Steven Soderbergh on Cinemax. Check out: stephenhorst.com.

My audition prep will help you master your sides for any playing space; Broadway plays/musicals and especially on camera.

TIYA clients include (aspiring) Broadway performers, Film and TV actors, singer-songwriters, voice-over artists, news anchors, dancers, comedians, CEO's all over the world, as well as karaoke enthusiasts, and songwriting hobbyists.

My TIYA members have performed on television in Smash, Glee, and venues around NYC ranging from The Underground, Le Poisson Rouge, Drom, Cornelia Street Cafe, Arlene’s Grocery, to the Broadway productions of Ghost, Sister Act, Evita, Wicked, West Side Story, South Pacific, The Phantom of the Opera, and Rent to name a few.

*** Lesson Details ***
We will always work on whatever you want.

For Singing, as a vocal technician/trainer I am like going to the gym for your voice. My exercises are safe, simple, and most importantly, I teach you how to practice correctly.

For ACTing, we can explore both the foundation itself with monologues and scenes, as well as the tricks of the trade mastering the camera frame and how to create memorable auditions for TV/Film.

For Songwriting, we can explore the fundamentals of both lyrics and music, as well as catchy hooks, production, and song structure.

You may use my time however you wish (Voice, Acting, Songwriting, or Artistic/Career guidance).

Most vocal sessions will usually be a combination of strengthening/ conditioning exercises, and then exploring/performing a song.

Most ACTing sessions will be theatre monologues, TV/Film sides and/or On camera auditioning craft.

Career consultations usually include how to get an agent, headshots, branding, and marketing to align your artistic dreams with a strategy for success.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Yamaha PSR 950 61-key arranger keyboard
Sony Handycam DCR-SR 100
Fovitec Studio PRO - 5' x 6.5' Gray/Blue screen
MacBook Pro 13-inch: 2.4GHz
with Retina display
Yamaha FG700S Acoustic Guitar
Bose Wave Music System
iPhone 6S plus

*** Specialties ***
SINGING, ACTING, SONGWRITING, CONSULTING

The TIYA vocal training method is uniquely my own as it combines both Bel Canto and Speech Level Singing. Emphasis is on developing a relaxed, released, authentic vocal timbre to sing in any style. Concepts explored include: Coordination, Registration, and Intonation. Chest, Head, Edge, and Pharyngel registration, 2 instruments in 1, posture, breath management, vocal cord adduction, trigger phrases, ring, consistency, and more. 

red on Channel 5 Good Day New York morning news program.

~~Teaching Philosophy~~

IF YOU CAN TALK YOU CAN SING and I guarantee it!!!!!

I teach beginners and advanced of all ages as well as all styles of music:

Opera - Classical - Musical Theatre - Pop - Jazz - Folk - Rock - R&B - Gospel

*I teach the freedom of the jaw, neck and shoulders to allow the breath to connect without tension allowing the production of a free vocal tone.

*Singing on the vowels with clean articulated consonants before and after the vowel is sung.

*Correct understanding and pronunciation of French, Italian, German and English languages

*Musicianship, theory, piano, all musical styles and song writing

*Performance and acting skills

*Audition techniques

*Career guidance

*Annual Student Recitals in professional New York City Venues

*** Lesson Details ***
Lessons take place at my home studio. Lessons may be recorded on my professional recording equipment or you may bring your own recording devices. This is an excellent learning tool. I teach my students how to extend their range, increase breath control and the freedom of their body in order to enable a free and easy produced vocal tone. I teach song repertoire to the student's particular musical style choices. I also work with students that wish to write their own songs so that their musical ideas can be heard clearly and precisely. A guitar is available for students if they wish to use it to accompany themselves. I teach my students how to deal with performance anxiety . Students are presented in recitals twice a year and performance classes are held once a month in addition to the private lessons.

IF you can talk you can sing and I guarantee it!!!! I teach beginners to advanced of all ages.

*** Specialties ***
Voice, Piano
I teach the freedom of the jaw, neck and shoulders to allow the breath to come without tension allowing the production of a free vocal tone.

Beginners and advanced of all ages. "If you can Talk you can Sing and I guarantee it!!!! Opera - Classical - Musical Theater - Jazz - Folk - R&B - Gospel - Country - Rock -

tion of "Figaro90210!", and Musetta in Wichita Grand Opera's "La Boheme". Previous seasons have seen Julia as Berenice in Little Opera Theatre of NY's "L'occasione fa il ladro", Lydia Larkspur in the NY Premiere of "The Rivals" with Bronx Opera, Violetta in "La Traviata" with the Northern Dutchess Symphony Orchestra and Helena in "A Midsummer Night's Dream" with Opera Naples. Other recent performances include Lauretta (Gianni Schicch) with Opera Experience Southeast, Tormentilla (The Poisoned Kiss) with Bronx Opera, Magnolia Hawks (Showboat) with Opera Naples, Donna Anna (Don Giovanni) with Cape Cod Opera, Fiordiligi (Cosi­ fan tutte), Antonia (Les Contes d'Hoffmann), Adina (L'elisir d'amore), and Gilda (Rigoletto) with Tri-Cities Opera in Binghamton, NY.

Julia is the Grand Prize Winner of the Jenny Lind Competition, Connecticut Concert Opera Competition, The Marcella Kochanska Sembrich Competition, and 5 Towns Music and Art Foundation Competition, 2nd prize winner of the Kosciuszko Foundation Competition and the National Federation of Music Clubs Biennial Young Artist Awards, as well as a grant recipient from CareerBridges Foundation.

*** Lesson Details ***
What happens in a Lesson? In order to train your physical voice, it is necessary to do vocal exercises, in the same way that one needs to train at a gym. There is no "magic key" to unlock one's voice; it is a matter of daily practice and muscle strengthening/stretching. So, the first part of the lesson will be focused on vocal exercises specifically tailored to YOUR VOICE and its needs. The second half of the lesson is the fun part- SINGING! We will work on any songs and styles that YOU choose. Whether you want to sing Rock, Country, Pop, Musical Theater, or Classical, there is a healthy and communicative way to sing!

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide a keyboard. The student should provide a recording device, iPhone, etc.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in Classical and Broadway style singing, but have extensive experience in Contemporary Commercial Music as well. I teach a healthy approach to all styles, and modify technical approaches towards the genre that the student is most interested in.

n 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)

*** 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!)

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 me) are handled on a case by case basis. If the student needs to miss a lesson due to an other activity or vacation, they or their parents/guardian if under 18, must contact Rachel Menconi at least a week from their next scheduled lesson in advance to prevent from forfeiting the lesson.

MAKE UPS: Make up lessons will be scheduled when time allows. No make up lesson or class will be given to ‘no shows’ or late cancellation, and no extra time 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 can 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 can 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 during their normallly 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.

"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

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.

some of the most competitive college programs in the nation are just a few of her clients’ many accomplishments.