Singing Lessons
Voice Lesson Details
Singing is Life!
Voice students of all abilities and experience, beginners through professionals, are accepted as voice majors at McIntire Studios. Lessons are tailored to the individual singer, and may include elements of any of the following:
Posture
Breath Control
Support
Vocal Technique
Vowels
Placement
Registration
Diction
Interpretation
Stage Craft
Mic techniques
International Phonetic Alphabet
Aural Skills
Competitive and day-to-day sight-singing
Musicianship/Music Theory
Who Takes Voice Lessons?
Over the last 25+ years, Michelle has taught a wide variety of people, with a wide range of interests and abilities. Some of these include:
Professionals preparing for graduate auditions and recitals
Adult men and women who wish to improve their vocals and/or harmonies in their band (genres have included 80's and 90's rock covers, country, contemporary Christian, alternative, ska, reggae, punk, and heavy metal)
Men and women preparing musical theatre roles and auditions
High school students preparing for a music career
Collegiate students enhancing their studies
Teens wishing to improve their ratings at contest
Recording artists wanting feedback on diction and effect
People (of all ages!) who have been told they couldn't sing
People who struggle to sing in tune or match pitch
Children with potentially vocally damaging roles wishing to preserve their instrument
Singers with vocal damage wanting to heal and learn how to avoid damage in future
People of all ages wishing to explore something new
Stay-at-home parents and retirees who are "finally doing something for me"
Dancers and actors working on their "triple-threat" status
Choir members to better hold their part in tight harmonies
Church musicians, worship leaders, and choir directors wanting direction in vocal health and techniques to help their choirs grow and improve
Singers wanting to take it to "the next level" in interpretation and performance
People who feel drawn to singing and music but have no idea what to do with it
and many more!
Voice Lessons for Professionals and Adults
Voice Lessons for adults are typically 60 minutes per week. Adults may focus on proper vocal production, performance skills, aural skills, or musicianship training. Adult students range from professionals wishing to prepare for upcoming auditions or recording sessions, or hobbyists who just love to sing and want more opportunities to grow and singers and use their voice. Studio classes and Aural skills/Ear Training classes are included. A la carte coaching sessions are also available.
Voice Lessons for High School students
The high school singer has a competitve curriculum: solo and ensemble, state festival, auditions for District and All-State Choir, and auditions for their school's annual musical theatre production. During the weekly one-on-one hour-long lessons, we work intensively on vocal technique, song interpretation, performance skills, aural skills, sight-reading, and healthy vocal production.
High School singers are facing adulthood, and have important collegiate and career choices to make. Not everyone is a candidate for a music major, but everyone can have a lifetime of enjoyment singing! Included in lessons are frank and honest discussions about the possibility (and feasability) of a career in music. It is possible to make a living as a musician, but it is NOT easy and there is no clear pathway to success. I have a great deal of experience in helping teens realistically evaluate their interests and potential in this area if they show interest. I also understand the application/audition process and the rigors of musical academia, and will share my knowledge as needed.
Voice lessons for Tweens
Voice lesson for tweens are typically 30 or 45 minutes once per week. Studio classes and Aural skills/Ear Training classes are included. Special attention is given to the needs of the developing voice. Musicianship and aural skills are included as part of this curriculum. We learn how to produce a free, beautiful, healthy and sustainable tone through the introduction of age appropriate exercises and repertoire, with special attention to the development of good vocal habits. Boys with changing voices can (and should!) take voice lessons through the change.
Depending on the musical background of the tween singer, combining voice and piano lessons may be a good idea. In this case, weekly lessons would be 60 minutes per week, with 30 minutes for piano and 30 minutes for voice. This option is not available for 45 minute lessons.
Voice lessons for Children
A word about voice lessons for children: all students are interviewed and reviewed on a case-by-case basis. However, in my experience, the majority of children wishing to be singers are better served with piano, violin or guitar lessons until they reach middle school. I occasionally will accept elementary age students on a case-by-case basis. In teaching children, I use a great deal of movement (Dalcroze) and active listening techniques in addition to vocal technique. Another option is to take piano lessons with vocal training included around the edges. There is a great deal of singing in my beginning piano lessons, which sets up a child with excellent aural skills when they are developmentally ready for the demands of voice training. When in doubt, set up an interview and we will discuss your situation in depth.