Other Info, Skills, Policies, and FAQ’s

What Levels Do I Teach?

We teach all levels. We feel fortunate to be able to work with singers at all stages of their vocal journey. Many advanced technique students are recording artists or have Broadway careers. Many of our beginning and intermediate students are actors or dancers who are looking to add singing to their abilities in order to increase their audition potential. And, we have quite a few non-professionals as well who study singing simply for the love of it.

What Ages Do You Teach?

We teach all ages. We have enjoyed working with students as young as 7 and as old as 70. And, we are very open to working with you, no matter what your age or background.

Do I have to Audition?

No. We don’t expect you to audition to work with us. Anyone who is passionate about singing can study with our staff. Although our schedules are quite busy with the many singers that study at our studio, anyone who desires to sing and work hard at it can book appointments with our staff. The first lesson for any student is an Intro Lesson/Consultation. Please check out the RATES section for more info.

Cancellation Policy

New York Vocal Coaching and Associates do practice a 24-hour Cancellation Policy. All sessions cancelled within 24-hours of the appointment must be fully compensated. Due to high demand for sessions, appointments cancelled with less than 48-hours notice will also be charged a $50 fee. New York Vocal Coaching and Associates respectfully request 72-hours notice when canceling appointments, but there is no fee unless cancellations are made with under 48-hours notice.

Clients are encouraged to understand this policy on a variety of levels:

It Makes Teachers Better

Cancellation policies protect the time, energy, and devotion of hard-working teachers. This benefits students because teachers are better able to maintain a high level of passion, devotion, and energy to teaching and helping students achieve their goals. It is courteous to value teachers’ energies by giving them ample notice for cancellations and compensating their time when you cannot.
It Makes Students Better

By placing importance and responsibility on high-level training and lessons, students maintain a deep commitment, strong work ethic, and understanding of professionalism. All New York Vocal Coaching Associates are professionals that have also been students for many years. We understand that cancellation policies sometimes are difficult and can even seem unfair or frustrating. Nonetheless, rest assured that every New York Vocal Coaching Associate has learned the value of treating lessons with deepest commitment and has respected their own teachers’ throughout the years by observing their cancellation policies. This is a very important part of showing teachers that their time is valuable. Respecting the hard work and time of fellow artists is paramount to being successful as an artist.
It Makes Other Artists Better

Lesson times fill up very quickly. New York Vocal Coaching teachers can sometimes find their schedules fully booked 2 weeks or more in advance. There is also often a waiting list for times. Since this is true, a cancellation policy is even more important. Students often need sessions at the last minute for major auditions, recordings, performances, or opportunities. It is impossible to help students achieve success when cancellations are given with little notice. By striving to give 72+ hours notice for cancellations, students can help fellow artists succeed by allowing them access to unused lesson times that may be very important to them.

Your understanding of the Cancellation Policy is greatly appreciated. New York Vocal Coaching and Associates make great strides in providing a fair situation to all students. Please know that we care, love, and respect each and every student very deeply. Enforced cancellations are not meant personally, but are simply a part of high-level studies in any leading New York voice or music studio. We encourage you to view it as such and also to read the thoughts above with our utmost respect to you, your goals, and your individual situation. Thank you again for respecting your teachers by following the Cancellation Policy.

Union Affiliations

New York Vocal Coaching and it’s staff are members of a member of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), and Actor’s Equity Association (AEA), National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), Voice and Speech Trainers’ Association (VASTA), and The Voice Foundation.

Other Instruments

Aside from piano, I also play acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar, drums, and Irish Whistle. Accompaniment is available on these instruments as well. This is particularly handy if you are doing a cabaret concert or a recording session. Member of our staff give lessons on the guitar and piano too if you are interested in adding one of these skills to your singing.

Alexander Technique/Yoga

I am a passionate practitioner of Yoga and have studied the Alexander Technique. I am also a certified yoga instructor. The longer I teach, the more I see just how vital flexibility and alignment are to producing great singing and also relaxed acting. I incorporate concepts from both Alexander Technique and Yoga into my coaching and teaching.

Knowledge Of Industry

For newcomers to the entertainment industry, it can often be challenging and daunting to feel connected and to establish a game plan. I can help you to get your career started by advising you on steps to take to start presenting yourself well to the right people. I know a good deal of agents and casting directors personally, but more importantly, I have a working knowledge of what to expect from most all casting and talent offices. This is critical, since there are often many intangibles and industry expectations that can affect your chances in auditions. Having some sense of who’s who and what the expectations are can help you to present yourself successfully.

I'm also familiar with breakdowns, what is currently being cast, what is currently running both in New York and regionally, trade papers, industry trends, headshot photographers and trends, and audition song trends.

Location and Space

New York Vocal Coaching Inc. is located on the Upper West Side at 87th Street. It is a quick ride on the B, C, and 1 trains to 86th Street. Our studios are located conveniently near Central Park and Riverside Park.

Recording Devices

Singers are welcome to bring digital recorders to lessons and sessions. I also have a tape and a digital recorder available. Most people prefer to bring their own recorder or a tape. I highly recommend recording your sessions so that you have a record of what we worked on.

Recording Studio Work

I have accompanied numerous recording sessions for demo tapes and audition tapes and I have quite a bit of recording studio experience. Rates for this are discussed on a case-by-case basis since there are so many varying needs and situations with regard to recording sessions. I can accompany you on piano in your recording sessions and I am happy to add tracks on other instruments if that is desirable for your project.

Music Direction

Many of our staff members have experience as music directors in New York City and regionally. This isn’t our primary focus because it takes time away from singers that we are working with one-on-one. However, we are open to possibilities and offers when they arise, particularly for projects in New York City. If you are looking for a music director, please contact us and we can discuss options.

Accompanying Auditions For Shows

Our staff has played auditions for casting offices and for shows and theatres holding auditions. Again, this isn’t our primary focus because it takes time away from singers that we are working with one-on-one. However, it is something that we have experience with and are open to. If you are an agent, director, or casting director, please feel free to contact us if you need an accompanist for auditions you are holding.