Vocal Coaching
Preparing Your Auditions
The most common reason for working with a vocal coach is audition preparation. I am very familiar with the current trends and expectations for auditions within the New York music and theatre industry (Also see Knowledge of Industry). I can help you work through your audition sides and audition songs to help you feel confident and prepared for your professional auditions.
Accompaniment
Obviously, vocal coaching involves accompanying singers on their music. I play the piano very well and can accompany you on your music. Also, should there be a need, I can accompany you on a variety of other instruments as well. Finally, my studio uses the very latest in music and computer technology for singers who need to use recorded tracks for their songs. (Please see the Accompaniment Section for specifics on how I work as an accompanist).
Acting And Vocal Technique
I do incorporate acting and vocal technique into my vocal coaching. However, this is varies depending on the needs of each singer. Some singers want a lot of technical feedback. Some just want a chance to run their music and to make sure that their musicality is at the highest possible level. Whether I give acting and vocal technique notes or not, I do believe in having a positive and creative environment for my singers to develop their material. All feedback that I give as a vocal coach is honest and constructive. My goal is to help you to have the most technically sound and confident audition you can. I believe in helping you to discover your best and most truthful performance. It’s nice to work together to do this, as opposed to only me directing you. This usually leads to most organic, and also most artistic work. (Also See Voice Lessons for more information on vocal technique and performance technique)
Building Your Repertoire And Your Audition Book
I have a large collection of music and can help you find that “perfect” song. My collection includes classic and contemporary musical theatre, a computer library of hundreds of vocal scores, classic and modern pop/rock/R&B, jazz, and classical music. I have often worked with my clients on expanding their repertoire and their audition material. If I do not have a particular piece of music, I can offer them resources on where to find it, show them how to get it online, or tell them where they can purchase it. Having great audition pieces is one of the most important things an actor can do for herself or himself. I can help actors and singers find something that they feel confident will make them look and sound fantastic in their auditions. Also, we can work to refine great pieces that are already in your repertoire.
Recording Studio Preparation
Many of my singers are recording artists preparing to enter the studio. Or, they are actors or singers looking to put together a demo tape. I have been in the studio and recorded with many singers and also helped singers prepare for their recordings. In a vocal coaching, we can work on your material technically and stylistically to prepare you for the studio. We can work to make you feel confident that you will be able to deliver the performance you want by addressing the requirements of the recording that you are working on.
Microphone Technique
Many recording artists ask me for assistance on microphone technique. There is certainly an art to using the microphone. Although microphones vary from venue to venue, I do have microphones in my studio and can show you the basics of how to use them effectively in your recordings or live performances.
Creating Your Best Audition In A Positive Environment
When preparing for an audition or developing new material for one’s book, the last thing that one needs is to feel judged. I believe strongly in creating a positive environment when I coach. I give a lot of constructive criticism and feedback, but only as much each individual artist desires and can benefit from. I believe that the best coaches acknowledge that the most brilliant ideas are within every performer and then help bring them out. I strive to help you find the ideas that are already inside you, while at the same time suggesting things that you may not have thought of.
Performing artists work in a very subjective field. I am interested in working together with you to make you sure you are connecting to your material, making honest acting choices, singing all the notes correctly and with ease, and performing great stylistic and musical ideas. The best auditions result from confidence, preparation, and an ability to bring one’s unique spirit and creative ideas to a performance. This can only be discovered in a positive environment. I want your coaching sessions not only to provide you with a place to make a great deal of refinement and improvement, but also to reinforce the aspects of your abilities that make you a special and gifted performer.
© Content and Design Justin Stoney 2008