With featured Broadway and television credits by age 15, Lisa brings to her teaching a unique perspective and strong affinity for working with teen performers.
It is my great passion to provide young people with the foundation for solid, life-long vocal technique and the confidence that instills. I’m deeply committed to nurturing each student’s uniqueness– particularly those in that impressionable teen age group. I know how it felt to have teachers who loved teaching and cared about my growth. In this world of immediate gratification and ‘quick fixes’, I believe in developing discipline and a work ethic while also being sensitive to the reality of the over scheduled pre-college teen. Consistent practice at home between lessons is a must and is essential for improvement; confidence building and greater self esteem are usually added benefits.
I frequently work with La Guardia High School students, performers referred by industry professionals, voice therapists and laryngologists. My young students have been recipients of Young Arts Presidential Scholarship and finalist Awards & have been featured on Broadway and National Tours in:
Frequently Asked Questions
Lessons
Phone interview or initial lesson will help us determine if the match and timing are right for lessons. For children 13 and under or those unable commit to regular practice, I recommend searching the “Find a Teacher” listings at www.nyst.org (New York Singing Teachers’ Association).
The primary goal of these lessons is to develop technique for a healthy, long-lasting instrument. We’ll work on vocal and physical exercises to establish coordination of muscles (whether relaxed or activated) needed for healthy singing. You’ll learn to integrate the techniques into songs that are age appropriate and enjoyable to sing. If you have requirements for school or for auditions, we’ll work on that material technically to ensure you are singing healthily.
There are healthy ways to produce a belt sound.
Although many children and teens are natural belters, any young person who frequently sings belt‐style music ‐ whether Musical Theatre, Pop or Rock ‐ should be trained by a teacher who has appropriate training and experience in teaching 'belt'. Vocal injury in singers occurs most frequently in those who do not have proper training; even if the voice 'sounds good', that is not an indication of proper technique. Loud singing and/or belting, is high‐impact singing and should be taught by a well‐trained professional vs. by imitation of recordings and other singers.
I teach belting techniques in conjunction with freeing and developing of all the registers(including head voice). Healthy vocal function is healthy vocal function; I will not teach' belting techniques' independently of developing the entire instrument. The most 'belty' theatre, rock and pop singers work on their entire instrument as a way of maintaining the health and stamina of their voices.
For More On Belting, Click here.
I’ll be happy to answer a quick question by phone or e-mail that may be pertinent to the week's lesson, a last-minute audition, or problem that your son/daughter may be having concerning their voice or their lessons. There is no charge for phone consults lasting 5 min., but charges may apply for longer calls. Phone consultations can be scheduled, if needed. **Please note that texts cannot be received by the studio phone.**
My cancellation policy pertains to ALL cancellations. Please read in entirety to avoid problems. Read Here.
Auditions
Absolutely. I have worked closely with college consultants who specialize in the performing arts. In lessons we will work on vocal and acting aspects of your college auditions, pending your needs. The most important piece of advice for the student applying to a college Musical Theatre program is to BEGIN WORKING ON YOUR VOICE and MATERIAL SELECTION AS EARLY AS THE SPRING & SUMMER of SOPHOMORE year. Your level of preparation is key in this competitive arena, and it is one of the only aspects of the audition that you can control. I suggest using a video camera at home for practicing. Although no one likes to watch themselves while 'in process', this can be an invaluable learning tool -- particularly for making quick progress. Phone, FaceTime or Skype consultations can be scheduled as needed.
Yes, we can work on the performance aspect of your material at any lesson.
Absolutely. I’ll also make referrals to vocal coaches for material when appropriate.
Traditionally, a voice teacher is trained to teach vocal technique (how to sing healthily)and a coach is usually a trained pianist who works on the selection, musical preparation and interpretation of repertoire. There is often overlap, but I am primarily a voice teacher and also work on repertoire in voice lessons, sometimes independently of vocal technique.
There are many wonderful voice coaches who can offer some general singing tips to singers. However, if the coach has not been trained to teach all aspects of vocal technique, remember he/she is not a voice teacher and does not necessarily have the skills to help you build technique, nor the expertise to know what might be best for your voice at any given time. The selections and keys of songs should be agreed upon by both teacher and coach ‐ especially for young singers.
I’ll help prepare your son or daughter for acting and singing auditions, pending illness or pathology. If there are vocal technique issues such as strain, hoarseness, partial voice loss or medical issues (allergies, upper respiratory infections, laryngitis, etc.) at the time of the lesson, vocal health issues are given proper attention first. I may suggest changing a song, a key or rescheduling the audition. See Cancellation Policy, should you need to cancel the lesson.