Singing with Zo T.

I am a professional actor/singer (TV, independent film, NY theater, off Broadway, regional, straight theater and musical theater, opera, singer-songwriter) with a special interest in movement/somatics/motor learning, and a long background in teaching students with a wide range of experience. I especially love working with new and avocational singers, and "actors who sing" on finding comfort and ease for free expression through music. Singing is not just in the throat: My training and pedagogical focus are on using the whole body (even if you have restrictions) with ease, efficiency and joy, to create impactful sound that comes from your whole self. Learning occurs most effectively in an environment that makes you feel safe to play and make mistakes. Creating those conditions for learning is my priority. We can work on accuracy/"tone deafness," musicianship/reading music/ear training, releasing tension, tone quality, diction, getting more free sound that carries through a room, character, and performance techniques. I truly believe every voice is beautiful if you know how to listen. We'll take your strengths and comfort zones with speaking, make them even more comfortable, and expand them into effortless singing. We'll investigate what your musical preferences and interests say about your values and personal style as a vocal artist. We can also work on connecting acting technique and musicianship, to personalize a song, break it down, and make it feel like a monologue. I've worked a long time on figuring out how to train and practice "smarter, not harder," and this is central to my approach. You don't need to torture yourself with overtraining: An intelligent, simple, consistent, fun practice routine probably takes less time than you think, and will allow you to make measurable, satisfying progress, while fitting into your busy life. Singing shouldn't be a burden - it should be something that helps you relieve stress, and take a break. I would love to help you find that balance, and am also happy to help you work through issues of motivation/scheduling around voice work ("practice-block" happens to everyone!). I used to struggle with extreme stage fright in singing, and have had some huge challenges with chronic illness impeding my vocal technique. These issues had a two way relationship, and I've learned a lot about the "mind-body" connection while working through them. I have had access to amazing training and resources to help me get to a high consistent professional level in my work - and my experiences have given me a lot of insight and compassion. My studio is a safe place to discuss performance anxiety and illness. I have a lot of ideas/techniques for approaching these - but am also open to learning more for each student, and experimenting with you to find your personal best practices. Having a good medical team is essential for everyone, and singers have special needs there too. I can help point you in the right direction to find the additional support you may need to stay healthy and in great shape vocally. If you like vigorous and big movement, and have that capability, we can definitely use that. But if you have movement restrictions, we'll find huge possibilities within your safe comfort zone. Some things I don't do: - I do not do "hands-on" work or adjustments. I'm only teaching online at the moment anyway. Even so, I always think it's most important that you learn to feel things for yourself, and the body work I'll introduce you to just involves straightforward practices of movement and awareness building. - If you don't want to, I don't require you to perform for me or sing through whole songs before you feel ready - we can do however much or little is useful for you in the lesson. I can give you information on vocal anatomy, lead you through exercises, work on text. I'm working for you, and I have no expectations or pressure for you. You're coming to lessons with your own goals and motivation, and that's what will drive our work. But if you love singing through songs, let's go!! - I generally don't assign songs/repertory. I have a broad based knowledge of several styles of singing, but I don't have encyclopedic memory for any particular genre. If I think of something that might be great for you, I'll suggest it. But I'd prefer that you bring in songs you want to work on - even if they were written for a different kind of voice, I'll help you find the best way for your voice to perform them. If you need, we can work on finding the right key for you, and adapting the style to create your own "cover" of the song - but the selection is up to you. EDUCATION: - Bachelor of Music (Vocal Performance) Highest Honors, SUNY Binghamton - Masters level courses in music/voice/vocal pedagogy from SUNY Binghamton, Hunter College, and Westminster Choir College - Professional actor training - Meisner, Larry Singer Studios, Michael Howard Studios, Feldenkrais for actors, Fay Simpson's Lucid Body technique, Linklater actor voice training, Beijing Opera Techniques, UCB improv, Kinetic Awareness... - Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner (The Feldenkrais Method is a body work modality that emphasizes reducing effort, and changing habits through understanding the ideal conditions under which the nervous system feels safe to play and change - it is based on anatomy, physics, human development, and principles of neuroplasticity) - 100+ hours of YA approved yoga teacher training - Various movement training and practices: Foundational work in several dance styles, Viewpoints, Pilates, Tai Chi PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCE: - Professional singing in NYC, around the US, and a few performances in Europe - Professional acting in NYC (off-Broadway credits), and throughout the US, in television, theater, and independent film (member of SAG-AFTRA and AEA) TEACHING EXPERIENCE: - Working with private voice students of various ages for 15 years - Teaching artist (opera, chorus, musical theater, acting/improv, Linklater, Shakespeare) for professional and pre-professional actors, and students at NYC schools - Former Music Together teacher - early childhood music education - Former fitness instructor. I am also studying personal training and how principles of fitness apply to musical and vocal training. GENDER FYI: I am non-binary and my pronouns are they, them, and theirs. I am comfortable working with students of all genders, and helping those for whom voice work is a part of gender affirmation. I do not have first hand experience with medical transition, am not personally on HRT, and do not plan to be, but I am currently taking a course in vocal work for students on HRT, and have learned a lot from my colleagues/community of TGNC singer/actors. My name used to be Briana, and my pronouns were she, her, and hers - these are used in my old reviews, but I'm the same person =)