As a professional teaching artist and vocal coach, I have been helping students of all ages and abilities find their voice for over 20 years. My goal is simple: to give you singing lessons that will change your life forever. You can build unshakable confidence and have fun while learning techniques professional singers take onto the stage and into the studio. And, you can have a great time doing it!
About my vocal lessons/coaching:
Most students come into lessons with the same question: "Am I any good? Is there hope for me?" Well, here's the thing... The vast majority of professional vocalists never went to school for singing! Most professional vocalists had family and friends that told them they were talented and that they should pursue singing. Most professional vocalists started out copying the sound of other recording artists, struggling for years to find their own unique voice.
The KEY difference between professional vocalists and average singers is (9 times out of 10) the presence of an influential teacher/mentor!
The right teacher/mentor pushes you to grow continuously; beyond what you think is possible. The right teacher/mentor has wisdom and information to share from inside the music industry. The right teacher/mentor genuinely cares about you as a person.
I teach so that I can be that life-changing mentor for my students, giving them that missing link for success.
About me:
I grew up in NYC and "cut my teeth" across a variety of genres: rock, jazz, R&B, gospel and choral/classical. You name it; I've sung it. In addition to being a vocal coach, I travel the nation as a musician/performing artist, professional speaker and author. Please take a moment to watch the video clip below.
Unlike most teachers that take on any/all students, I limit my roster to 15 students at any given time. During our first few lessons, I commit to offering you honest and professional feedback about your strengths and weaknesses. I want to help YOU find YOUR own voice. I want to take a look at YOUR goals, YOUR dreams, and figure out what makes you tick.
During lessons, I draw on my dual B.A. degree in vocal performance & music business as well as industry experience. I offer insights on what works and what doesn't as a vocalist, whether you are looking to pursue singing vocationally or just as a hobby.
I can help you:
- Stop feeling nervous
- Develop impeccable technique
- Learn the “ins and outs” of being in the music business
- Assemble a press kit, record a demo and start to get gigs
- Much more!
I would love the opportunity to meet you and hear where you want your singing to take you. Please, get in touch!
Other Notes:
Studio Equipment:
I teach out of my residence-based studio in downtown Minneapolis. It's centrally located with free parking and easy access to skyways and public transportation. Do you work downtown? Consider taking lessons over your lunch break!
I have everything we need for lessons in my studio: instruments, laptop, mics, etc... I will provide you with all audio files and any written materials for our lessons.
A professional singer in NY for many years, Michele made her Twin Cities singing debut at the Guthrie theater.
A double-degreed graduate in contemporary vocal performance and music business, Michele is a vocal geek who loves everything about the voice. Likely, because of this, she loves singers and has never met a voice she didn't like.
As the owner of her own vocal studio, Michele is a gifted instructor who helps students perform with confidence and excellence.
A native New Yorker, Michele Denise M. grew up singing with her brother and sister in one of the first Catholic gospel choirs in the nation. Michele also sang in the performing arts program of her high school.
It was never Michele’s goal to be a solo artist. Her parents always encouraged their children to stay together and that was Michele’s plan. So in the 90s, she invited her sister and brother and four other friends to join her in the McDonald’s Gospel Fest competition.
To her astonishment, the newly formed septet reached the semi-finals and a star was launched. Based in Brooklyn, the group performed locally, including singing the national anthem for the New York Knicks. "Simply Mystique" toured the talk show circuit and ranked third out of 10,000 contestants in the Arsenio Hall Flavor of the Future talent competition.
A few years later as the members of Simply Mystique went their separate ways, Michele built on the group’s success and began working as a background and studio session singer in London.
Having lost most of her sight at age 9, Michele grew up relying on her residual vision (about 2%), the familiarity of her surroundings and the support of her family and community. Moving overseas and attempting to live and work on her own stripped Michele of her illusions of independence. She also found that performing without the group’s support was nearly impossible. Clearly, something had to change.
After returning from London, Michele moved to Minneapolis for blindness training at Blind Incorporated. With her training complete and her newly earned long white cane in hand, Michele pursued dual degrees in performance and music business. A busy student, Michele still performed regularly, debuting as a featured vocalist at the acclaimed Guthrie Theater.
