"Biz-Savvy" Vocal Instructors?

[DTC]

Posted: 2/16/05 at 3:18pm

Hi all! New member here; this looks like a good place to ask the question--

Short Version: Can anyone recommend a voice teacher that not only trains the singing voice, but can help me with what to DO with that voice out there in the real world?

Long Version: I'm a 30s male character/comic actor (either baritone or tenor, depending on which of my previous teachers you ask...) who "carries a tune" -- though I suppose I could actually *sing* if someone pointed a gun at me and said "sing or die" -- anyway, I've studied with a total of three voice teachers over a span of years. None of them has been very helpful when it comes to actual auditioning; things like, what to expect at various types of calls, do I need one of those big 3-ring binders full of sheet music that I see other auditioners carrying, what should I do different vocally if the audition notice asks for Pop/Rock, or even what songs I should be auditioning with in the first place (I'm sure "Oh What A Beautiful Mornin'" is great for training the voice, but would I really want to sing that when going for anything other than "Oklahoma"?). I've been able to figure out some of these things on my own over the years, but it would be great if I could train with someone who actually knows what's going on out there right now in the NYC theater world. A vocal instructor with some real-world experience in The Biz, who can pass along some of the practical nuts & bolts of WORKING as a singing actor.

And of course, inexpensive rates are always preferable But if quality is gonna cost me, I want to know that I'm getting my money's worth. This time.

Thanks!

[Jamie Hat]

Posted: 2/16/05 at 3:46pm

sounds to me like you should talk to a vocal "coach".
there are lots in new york, and not only can they recommend great music, but a lot of them play AT auditions constantly, so they can tell you what people are doing, what's over done, what to expect, yadda yadda yadda.

[DTC]

Posted: 2/16/05 at 4:57pm

Right, Vocal Instructor = Technique, Vocal Coach = Auditioning. But isn't there anyone who does BOTH? I could certainly use the coaching, but my technique needs a lot more work too.

[Love4Cheno]

Posted: 2/16/05 at 5:03pm

I think David Sabella does both. I recommend taking Karen Kohlhaas' "Monologue Audition" workshop. You can complete up to 4 audition-ready monologues, depending how much time you put in. She covers a LOT of audition issues- entering a room, focal gaze, exiting, prep time to take before launching into the monologue. I primarily do musical theatre, and the technique is really applicable to song. Oh- and she shows you a simple, effective ways to stage your piece, so you don't have to stand still while singing- you can be free to make organic movement choices.

She's a founding member of Atlantic Theatre Company and she teaches out of their studios.

[Bobby457]

Posted: 2/16/05 at 5:03pm

I teach both....

[DTC]

Posted: 2/16/05 at 5:16pm

Thanks and Thanks! I did actually check out David Sabella before (a fellow cast member from a previous show recommended him highly), but he was booked solid. Maybe I should check with him again?

And thanks Bobby; you should have a PM from me by now...

[ShuQ]

Posted: 2/16/05 at 5:36pm

Oooh. I would kill to take from David.

[Love4Cheno]

Posted: 2/16/05 at 5:39pm

Honestly, I think you should have 2 seperate people if you are looking to do an hourly session and not pay through the nose. You need a good hour for vocal technique work. And you need that and then some to work on the dramatic/coaching aspects.

[Craig]

Posted: 2/16/05 at 5:47pm

http://www.lizcaplan.com

[DTC]

Posted: 2/17/05 at 10:32am

Liz Caplan certainly has a lot of recognizable names in her list of students... wonder if she could help *me* get to *their* level? Thanks for the recommendation, Craig!

[jim coleman]

Posted: 2/17/05 at 10:54am

Phil Hall is a wonderful coach. He is a singer himself and also understand vocal technique. He is very supportive and very well connected in the business. His appoointment line is 212 678-0783.

[Jamie Hat]

Posted: 2/17/05 at 11:00am

You really should have one (or more) of each, it's more helpful when focusing on one at a time.

At least that's what I've found.
All of the people listed so far are great...
Phil, David, and Liz are all wonderful.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 2/17/05 at 12:06pm

I used to coach in Chicago, but stopped a couple of years ago. I might start again next year.

[jasonvanemburgh]

Posted: 2/19/05 at 12:50am

There's a gentleman in NY by the name of Paul Harman. He teaches a 6 week audition course for Musical Theatre. He was in the original casts of Les Miz, Chess, Merrily revival at the York, and a few others. He has numerous students on Broadway. His rate is $350 for the 6 weeks I think/one night a week. His class size is small 6 or 8 I think. He usually has a large ad in Backstage. Good luck. He seems to know the business very well, as I have spoken with him a few times.

[Jwei123]

Posted: 2/19/05 at 12:53am

I took a lesson w/ David Sabella @ the Broadway Theatre Project, and found him to be quite helpful. I would recommend him!

[DTC]

Posted: 3/21/05 at 5:26pm

No more calls, we have a winner...

Thanks for all your input; after shopping around, I've finally decided on David Sabella. He had a spot in his schedule that matched mine, so I signed up. Only two sessions with him so far, but I feel confident in recommending him:

He really knows his stuff regarding the physiology of the voice, and how to translate that into actual singing.

He is intimately familiar with auditioning for today's musical theater; Broadway is not Opera or Pop -- each type of singing has its own specific vocal demands. And we're not going to waste my time and his on having a comic character-type learning ballads meant for teenage romantic leads

And he individualizes his lessons to the student; a lot of my early exercises are focused on overcoming some specific physical limitations of mine that he was able to notice right off and work with.

So, to return the favor to the Broadway World message board, if anyone else is looking for vocal instruction, I recommend David Sabella. Thanks again to everyone who responded!

[ShbrtAlley44]

Posted: 3/21/05 at 6:44pm

I've been taking lessons with David for awhile now, and he's helped me immensely, not only with my voice, but with my confidence. He's given me great advice. I'd recommend him highly.