FAQs and Policies
Due to the current Covid 19 pandemic,
lessons are currently available remotely over the internet only. You will need a stable broadband connection to do this, and a Google Meet or Zoom application interface. I recommend using a laptop.
Internet based lessons are $125 per session.
If you have been vaccinated against Covid-19 (showing more than 2 weeks have passed with the NY State passport certificate), in person lessons are possible in Midtown, by appointment. In person lessons are available after 4 PM Monday, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, or between 1-4 PM Saturdays.
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Single in person lessons by appointment $150. Payment is due when the lesson is scheduled.
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Payment options: Zelle, Venmo, Paypal,me. Credit card via direct invoice using Paypal.
Prepaid 4 lesson subscriptions are offered at a discount:
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Remote prepaid package $400
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In person package $500.
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Payment in full is required for the discount rate . A schedule is set up at the time the subscription is booked. There is a 72 hour cancellation policy for each scheduled session, or the lesson counts as billable. All four lessons must be complete within 5 weeks of the start date.
NOTE to PARENTS:
ALL children (boys and girls)
will experience vocal transition with the onset of puberty.
Children under the age of 13 are accepted if they are represented by professional industry management. An exception for students who show an exceptional natural vocal gift after an initial assessment may be made.
Children under 13 should be given a grounding in musical skills (piano lessons are recommended), and if they are only interested in singing, find a good children's choir whose director trains children using head voice function. When investigating choirs, make sure you inquire about the technical vocal approach. It is very easy to permanently damage a young child's vocal ability with training unsuitable for immature vocal cords.
Beginner level students are accepted only with a 4 lesson subscription commitment, after an initial assessment session to determine if we are a good fit. Lessons are scheduled once weekly to establish a foundation. Beginners should have the ability to match pitch easily.
I recommend using EARMASTER to determine your readiness for vocal study. Click here for the free trial page.
The artist is nothing without the gift, but the gift is nothing without the work.
-------------Emile Zola
Three of the best vocal exercises
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Lip trills, tongue trills, phonation into narrow tubes, humming
What it does:
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Rapidly engages Respiratory muscles
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Minimizes upward force on vocal folds
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Spreads the vocal folds to vibrate only the edges
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Lowers the phonation threshold pressure
2. Two octave pitch glides:
up and down using forward position
vowels [i] and [u]
What it does:
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Gives maximal stretch to the vocal folds
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Maximum dichotomy between TA and CT muscles, then coordinates the function between them
3. Arpeggiated staccato work
What it does:
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Clean and rapid voice onset
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Trains adductor/abductor muscles simultaneously with tensor muscles during pitch change
ALLMUSIC.COM IS EXACTLY THAT!
What do professional singers need?
The list below focuses on the things
you will need to achieve your dreams.
The Prerequisite -- natural vocal talent
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A Clear Understanding of Vocal Technique
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Musicality
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Discipline
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Confidence
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Aggressiveness
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Positive Mental Attitude
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Nerves of Steel
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Individuality
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Honest Self-Appraisal
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Willingness to Risk
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Vision
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A Plan
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Networking Ability
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Energy
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Health
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Stamina
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Intelligence
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Organization
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Even Temperament
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Ability to Appraise a Situation with Calmness
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Tenacity
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Spirituality
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Acting and Language Skills
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Body Awareness
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Financial Support System
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Courage
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Analytical Mind For Problem Solving
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Independence
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Charm -- On and Off Stage
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Conversational Ability When Out of Your Own Culture or Peer Group
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Good Looks
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Well Dressed
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Motivated
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Stage Experience
After you have these, y
ou will need
a great deal of luck!
Remember --- luck is PREPARATION meeting
opportunity!