So. California Singing Coaches
TACEY ADAMS
Adams, who holds an M.A. in voice and a D.M.A. in music, offers private coaching to help singers of all kinds, especially musical theatre performers. She helps actors improve their auditions by helping them select and prepare music that suits both their character type and vocal ability. (818) 769-7098.
STELLA ADLER ACADEMY OF ACTING AND THEATRE COMPLEX
Voice teacher Marion Bodnar offers both group classes and private lessons. Her group classes concentrate on learning how to express and develop the voice with an emphasis on building a solid vocal technique applicable to a variety of musical styles. Individual lessons are provided for advanced study, including exercises geared towards a student's individual needs to strengthen the ability to develop an individual style. "A Musical Theatre Audition Workshop" with Bodnar will be held on Wednesdays the weeks of June 16 and 23, and July 7, 14, 21, 23 from 7-10 p.m. The cost is $300, and the workshop is open to the public. (323) 465-4446. See ad on page 10.
JEFFREY ALLEN STUDIO
Allen is an internationally-known voice teacher, experienced stage performer, lecturer, and author. He has developed a vocal method designed to bring out the unique qualities in any performing artist's voice and is the author of Secrets of Singing. Through his process of technique and performance analysis, Allen has fine-tuned the voices of thousands of artists now working throughout the industry in theatre, TV, and film. His experience as a vocal coach, musical theatre consultant, and producer allows him special insights into the problems of actors and singers of all styles and levels. Allen maintains his own studio (established in 1978) and has lectured at the Musicians Institute, Dick Grove School of Music, and the Extension programs of Cal State University, Northridge and UCLA. Sessions at the studio help artists improve their technique, overcome performance anxiety, define their style, perform successfully for auditions, master their upper range, and feel the power of an open throat. Allen also teaches performers how to gain power, confidence, high notes, and endurance through a 10-step vocal workout, how to break through personal sound barriers, learn to practice effectively, and sing passionately with ease. (818) 782-4332.
AMERICAN MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP
This program offers classes in vocal technique (including application of bel canto exercises), auditioning skills, and dramatic interpretation/scene study (applying Method techniques to singing). Its goal is to prepare students for work in opera or musical theatre. Instructor Edward Sayegh is the former head of the voice department at A.C.T. and has studios in Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco. The school offers group and private instruction. (415) 826-8146, San Francisco or (818) 502-1076, Los Angeles. See ad on page 12.
AMERICAN NATIONAL ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS
Founded in 1957, the Academy offers classes in acting, ballet, tap, jazz, speech, musical comedy, song interpretation, and other various performing arts. A musical production is held once a year. The Academy is a nonprofit educational institution chartered by the state of California; all teachers donate their services without remuneration. Instructors include academy director Francis Lederer, administrative director Dorothy Barrett, Catherine Wilkinson, Bob Sutton, Hana Konupek, Makai, Marylin Scott, Karina Konupek, Brian Gary, Judiana Castle, Kristal Abel. Academy Children's Workshop offers training for adults and for children ages 8-18 for $60/mo. A special Scene Stealers class is offered to children, age 3-7 for $35/mo. An audition is required. (818) 763-4431.
ELIZABETH BARRON
Elizabeth Barron has an M.A. in voice and has been teaching in Los Angeles for 26 years. She teaches all styles of singing, and accepts students at all levels. She specializes in strengthening the voice and increasing the range. Sessions are private, and auditions and contracts are not required. (818) 508-7350. See ad on page 11.
MARA BAYGULOVA
Baygulova offers private teaching for both children and adults, specializing in repairing damaged voices. She works very strongly on technique, opening up a singer's range with proper training. She teaches classical as well as pop and rock and can work in seven different languages. Baygulova is an active opera singer and musical theatre performer and the sole teacher of Grammy-nominated rocker Duncan Sheik. (818) 241-8141
BEATRICE
A graduate of Northwestern University with a B.A in music and speech, Beatrice teaches vocal production, music performance technique, how to increase power and range, diaphragmatic breathing, placement, and self-confidence for auditions in all styles. Private coaching is available. Beatrice plays keyboard and also transposes. (310) 273-5940.
SCOTT BLOIS
"Singing is easy-with a little practice," said coach Blois, whose voice lessons emphasize vocal health in styles ranging from pop to classics. His rates start at $35 per hour, and he teaches in Eagle Rock. (323) 255-2133. See ad on page 11.
MARIAN BODNAR
Bodnar holds an M.M. in voice and has private studios in Fullerton and in Long Beach. She is on the voice faculty of California State University, Long Beach, El Camino College, and the Stella Adler Academy in Hollywood. Bodnar is a member of the Los Angeles Master Chorale and has performed with Los Angeles Opera, in concerts, musical theatre, and in film. She is a member of AGMA and of the National Association of Teachers of Singing. Private voice lessons offer a solid technique that is applicable to all musical styles. In addition to vocal technique, Bodnar specializes in coaching performance techniques for musical theatre, opera, and cabaret through private lessons and classes. All levels and ages of students are accepted. Auditions are by appointment. (714) 879-2125.
FAYE BRENNER
(323) 656-9933. See ad on page 10.
RICH BRUNNER
Brunner, who received his D.M.A. from Northwestern University, offers private lessons in musical theatre, classical and early music techniques. (818) 752-1074
THE CHAPMANS
William and Irene Chapman are performers, teachers, and lecturers. Their credits include New York City Opera, numerous Broadway productions, and concerts throughout the United States and Europe. The structure of singing and its application is what they emphasize in their theatre-atmosphere studio. Many students are currently appearing in theatres nationwide. William is a veteran of the national company of Sunset Boulevard. (818) 787-7192. See ad on page 10.
JAMES CLARK
James Clark, a voice teacher with 12 years of teaching experience, is now accepting students. He has a B.M. from New York University and many years of professional singing experience in New York and throughout Europe. Students are taught breath control, diction, repertoire, audition techniques, and improving vocal range. All lessons are private with hour and half hour sessions available. Taught in West Hollywood, singers of all levels are welcome. (323) 822-1907. See ad on page 11.
JOAN COL E BRENTWOOD VOCAL STUDIO
Broadway show and concert stage performer Joan Col e combines her 30 years of experience with two graduate degrees to offer singing/acting classes (private and group) for beginners and professionals. She specializes in "total" preparation for the musical performance world. (310) 471-0678.
WENDY COOPER, MFA
For the last 20 years, Cooper has been teaching her students with a method called BodyVoice, which entails training pop and music theatre students how to manipulate muscles and bone structure for a bigger-than-life voice. Cooper's BodyVoice method can also be applied to students with damaged voices and those with no previous training. Wendy holds an MFA and is avialable for private sessions at her studio in Beverly Hills. (310) 553-8225. See ad on page 11.
BOB CORFF
Bob Corff has more than 25 years of performing experience, including starring roles in Broadway productions of Hair, Grease, and Jesus Christ Superstar. His private lessons cover such topics as the physiology and psychology of the voice, vocal exercises for power, range and stamina, and breathing techniques. Students at all levels are welcome. www.mnusa .com/corff. (213) 851-9042.
CLAIRE CORFF
Corff is a teacher of the Bob Corff method who specializes in children of all ages. (213) 969-0565
CAROLE D'ANDREA
(310) 447-0025. See ad on page 10.
JOHN DELUISE
DeLuise, who has a degree from Yale in music and theatre, and state certification in music teaching, teaches one-on-one using a combination of speech level vocal technique and coaching and applying it to music. Most of his students do musical theatre, but he ranges from classical to pop. (818) 908-0104. See ad on page 11.
LORI DONATO
Donato considers herself a performance coach who can help a singer with lyric interpretation and phrasing, staging an act, as well as offering access to showcasing and accompaniment services. For the past 15 years, she has been a singer/pianist/performer for venues both locally and internationally. (310) 453-1728. See ad on page 10.
GODEANE EAGLE
Godeane Grace Eagle holds an M.A. combination in music, theatre, and clinical speech. She teaches singers, actors who want to sing, stage voice, and projection, and is very mindful regarding voice and throat protection. She works with students of all ages, including young children, and is trained in speech defect correction. (310) 450-5735. See ad on page 12.
BRUCE ECKSTUT
Eckstut, who has an M.A. from Juilliard, has worked with many of the top stars in musical theatre. He teach all types of music and specializes in "freeing the voice." An interviews is required. (323) 876-1620
KELLY GARRETT
Tony-nominee Kelly Garrett counts 39 Tonight Show appearances, and three Broadway musicals-Eva Peron in Evita, Julie in Showboat, and Sally Bowles in Cabaret-among her credits, as well as experience singing cabaret and with symphony orchestras. Her private sessions are tailored to each student, and she offers instruction in a range of styles, from stage to cabaret, symphony, and recording. (323) 463-2734. See ad on page 10.
THE GOODRICH VOCAL STUDIOS
At the studio, women work to discover their high mix (the correct belt). "This is essential for today's musical theatre, i.e. Rent, Tommy, Miss Saigon, Evita, said Mike Goodrich. "It's also vital for pop, R&B, and gospel. Men will gain the ability to sing strong, effective high notes in head voice. Correctly produced high notes when sung in head voice will retain quality and sound of chest voice." Singers learn to experience the difference between head voice and falsetto. Children learn "a natural, time-proven technique that honors their young voices. They'll learn the difference between chest voice and head voice and they'll be taught how to sing confortably through all their vocal registers." (818) 981-2481. See ad on page 12.
JULIA GREGORY
Gregory teaches half-hour or hour private lessons for all levels and all styles of singers, but specializes in musical theatre. She holds a degree in musical direction, teaches at the Lee Strasberg Institute, and has numerous students on Broadway or in national tours. (818) 386-4958. See ad on page 12.
BENNY GRIFFIN
(818) 908-8811
MARY GROVER, VOICE THERAPY
With an M.A. in voice therapy and more than 25 years experience, singing teacher and a California Medical Board licensed voice therapist, Grover teaches vocal technique, healthy belting, song interpretation, and voice therapy (medical insurance accepted). Individual lessons, on-camera performance for all ages and styles. Clients include platinum record, triple Academy Award winners and Grammy winners. (818) 787-SONG. www.marygrover.com; email: marygrover aol .com. See ad on page 13.
BILL HALLER
Haller, who is a working singer, teaches private lessons on Broadway belt and legit for professional students only. (818) 980-6520
MARYKATE HARRIS
Harris' forte is teaching non-dancers how to naturally integrate physical movement into their singing techniques. She currently offers private, semi-private, and class instruction. She has trained at Northwestern University, Yale University, and the University of Montana, and has taught at the University of Kansas, the University of Montana, and Yale University, among others. As a performer, she has extensive New York, Los Angeles, regional, and touring credits. Her teaching philosophy is "You can sing it, but can you sell it?" (323) 719-4145.
SUSAN NELSON HOWELL
Howell is both a working performer in international concert and an executive in theatre and television. She teaches both private studio and group workshops for legit, musical theatre, and commercial vocal technique in addition to image enhancement and career development. Howell has an M.B.A. and assists singers in developing successful personal business plans and mentors singers in professional careers. Howell has taught at the Academy of Performing arts, Japan, and has studied at the Juilliard School and Santa Cecilia Conservatory of Music in Rome. (818) 219-0669.
CINDY HUMPHREY
Private sessions teach performers to reach for the ultimate in performance artistry: to merge singing and acting. Students develop a solid vocal technique through concentrated exercises and breath work. They are also coached through lyric analysis/interpretation and learn to communicate lyrics as they would a monologue. Lessons are designed for professionals, but Humphrey accepts all levels and ages. (818) 567-0546.
DAVID JENNINGS
David Jennings introduces beginning voice students to basic essentials of the voice by using a very simple and natural approach. He shows how to make the voice work properly for the individual. For the more advanced, he tailors a program specifically for the student utilizing the knowledge they already have, fixing old habits, and helping to keep the voice fined tuned. Jennings says, "The secret to my system is my natural approach to singing, not some difficult, "one-technique-fits-all' set up." His system will allow students to sing most any style of music from Broadway to R&B. (818) 753-0701. See ad on page 11.
MARLA JONES
Jones helps her students achieve good technique and learn how to apply it to their own individual style. She stresses good musicianship and also teaches ear training and sight reading. She has a large knowledge of repertoire and also writes personalized arrangements. (323) 658-6433.
SAM KRIGER
Sam Kriger has extensive industry credits as a composer, conductor, arranger, orchestrator, accompanist, vocal coach, and musical director for television, film, nightclubs, radio, records, video, and theatre. He has worked with Bonnie Raitt, Danny DeVito, Mel Gibson, Minnie Driver, and Florence Henderson, to name a few. He was the vocal coach for the Disney animated feature Tarzan, Dreamworks' The Prince of Egypt and Amistad, Evita starring Madonna, and Disney's television production of Cinderella, in which he was Brandy's vocal coach. Kriger is the accompanist for a number of C.L.O.s, and many Broadway productions, and has played hundreds of auditions. His type of instruction includes contemporary, pop, Broadway, R&B, jazz, audition preparation, and nightclub acts. Arrangements and charts can be professionally copied in your key. Custom background tracks can also be arranged. (818) 767-5686.
JAN LINDER-KODA MUSIC
Record producer and hit songwriter Linder-Koda takes artists from development to the record deal. She's worked with 15 Grammy winners and accepts from recording artists only. (818) 996-7464.
WARREN LYONS
Warren Lyons, "confidence coach," has taught over 5,000 students how to build confidence through singing. Jeff Bridges called Lyons' program "invaluable," Marianne Williamson described it as "unforgettable," and Marvin Hamlisch simply said it was "magical." All levels and ages are welcome. (310) 475-4988.
WENNDY LEIGH MACKENZIE
Mackenzie offers one-hour private coaching and technique sessions to work on breath control, focus, placement and projection, everything connected to the voice and the artist. All levels, from beginning to advanced, are welcome as well as all styles of music. (818) 753-9111.
TOM MANCHE
(323) 655-2399. See ad on page 13.
JAMES MAY
When coaching with James May, the singer can get the benefit of working with a coach who has conducted numerous shows on Broadway and national tours, such as Les Miserables, Sunset Blvd., Beauty and the Beast, La Cage Aux Folles, and many others. The coaching sessions stress audition technique, proper preparation of the music, transposing, if necessary, making tapes of piano parts, and learning new material. Having played for thousands of auditions, and having been the judge for many more, May can help the singer find the "right" choice for any audition, and hopefully land the job. (818) 769-8611. See ad on page 13.
THE STEVEN MEMEL STUDIO
Memel offers private lesson covering techniques and repertoire, and vocal performance workshops focusing on the singer's ability to communicate material to an audience clearly, creatively, and without fear. Students are beginners to professionals, working onstage, in film, and in the recording studio. (818) 789-0474. See ad on page 14.
KAY MONTGOMERY
Kay Montgomery was a professor of music in Indiana for 16 years. Seven years ago she went to Europe to sing Carlotta, the "Prima Donna" in the Hal Prince/Andrew Lloyd Webber production of The Phantom of the Opera, which continued for three years. She also began teaching voice in London with a fine studio of professional singers. Montgomery has recently moved with her husband to Los Angeles and loves teaching young, old, beginners, and professionals all styles of singing. Her technique is "solid and fast." She explains thoroughly as you learn and believes everyone can benefit immensely with her vocal technique. (323) 469-1333. See ad on page 12.
PELAYO VOCAL STUDIO DR. HERNON PELAYO
Dr. Pelayo holds individual classes in a modern studio. He specializes in opera and classical, emphasizing breathing control, placements of the voice, and diction, and can teach in Italian and Spanish. Dr. Pelayo has performed at the Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera House, and La Scala. (818) 988-2387
LISA POPEIL'S VOICEWORKS
Lisa Popeil, who has an M.F.A. in voice, has taught singing for actors for 25 years. She offers everything from belt and legit technique, jazz, and R&B to demos, stage, lights, and sound systems. She specializes in audition preparation. Ask about The Total Singer video. All ages (five and up) and beginners are welcome. (800) BEL-VOCE.
ELIZABETH PRESCOTT
Offering musical theatre audition workshops, private vocal training, and private coaching, Elizabeth Prescott has been teaching for nearly 20 years in New York and L.A., and has successfully combined the best operatic and musical theatre vocal techniques. Eight-week audition workshops fuse the art of acting with singing through clear techniques and exercises based on the methodology of legendary teacher and author David Craig. Professional accompanist provided. The quality of one's singing voice is irrelevant for the workshop, and all levels are accommodated in both workshops and private training. (818) 789-8660. See ad on page 14.
PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL
FOR THE ARTS
PSA offers a "dynamic and supportive environment." Students are currently performing in shows ranging from Miss Saigon to Phantom of the Opera. The school offers work in all styles from belt to legit specializing in musical theatre and pop. The school also has an extensive music library. Private and group lessons are available. Lisa Matsko Hamilton is the instructor. (310) 328-7664.
HOWARD RICHMAN
Primarily a piano teacher, Richman often works with singers who need help with pitch control, sight-singing, self-accompanying, and songwriting. Voice lessons are not offered. (818) 344-3306.
FLORENCE RIGGS
Riggs teaches Vocal Technique, Vocal Therapy, and Vocal Soundings. Connection to speaking level takes the mystery out of middle voice, belt, or legit, etc. Riggs teaches singers how to balance/align their voice from the inside out, through "preventative maintenance, a safe environment, and knowledgeable teaching expertise." Experienced singers or beginners are welcome. (818) 990-1221.
ROCK THEATRE
Rock Theatre offers beginning and advanced groups that teach choral singing, part singing, and harmony. It also offers a summer teenage vocal ensemble. All classes are by audition only and there is no auditing. Teacher Greg Holford has an M.A. from USC and teacher Julie Bond is a professional singer/choreographer. A Rock Theatre group represented the USA at the Universal World Expo in Seville, Spain in 1992. (818) 768-2037.
SABINE VOICE STRENGTHENING INSTITUTE
Sabine teaches voice strengthening classes, both private sessions and group lessons, for actors and singers at the Lee Strasberg Center. Her former students include Axl Rose, Dave Mustain, Julie Brown, Paula Abdul, and Elizabeth Shue. Call for rates. (818) 761-6747
JODI SELLARDS
Jodi Sellards, an associate of Seth Riggs, has several years of experience both as a singer and vocal coach. She describes her studio and performing workshops as "technically sound and geared toward bringing out your own unique quality in your voice." All ages and skill levels are welcome, and Sellards offers instruction for several different styles of music. Call for rates. Private instruction is also available. (818) 786-4234.
P. CATHERINE SHANKS
Shanks has taught voice privately and in group settings for more than 20 years. She emphasizes healthy, safe voice production and the progressive development of a solid technical foundation. Classical and musical theatre is taught with a "straightforward, honest, and unpretenious approach and reasonable rates." With a private studio in Ventura, Shanks also has ongoing classes for teens and adults at the Jewel Box Theater in Hollywood, and the Gold Coast Theatre Conservatory in Thousand Oaks. She has taught for the Conservatory program at California State University, Dominguez Hills, and for Crestmont Conservatory of Music in San Mateo. She has performed at the Los Angeles Music Center (Deutsche Oper Berlin) and with Opera Pacific, the Redlands Opera, and the Los Angeles Master Chorale. Shanks is also an active member of AGMA. (805) 648-2049.
DEBORAH SHULMAN
Shulman has performed and taught successfully in all styles, but she specializes in singing instruction for dancers and actors. She was Ann Jillian's singing partner and was in the L.A. company of Cats. She offers technique and performance coaching geared toward professional singers, but she accepts students at all levels. Group or private instruction is available; students have included Linda Ronstadt, David Lee Roth, and Bette Midler. (213) 876-8886. See ad on page 13.
SUSAN STREITWIESER
Streitwieser's method develops strong, healthy, expressive voices in all popular styles, from R&B to Broadway, country, rock, jazz, and alternative. In addition to teaching the essentials of good voice technique, Streitwieser can also work on style and improvisation, sight-reading, harmonizing, stage presence, and performance/recording/audition preparation. She's been teaching for 19 years as well as writing songs and performing, most recently with her band Susan's Room ("A soulful, commanding voice"-The New Yorker). Her students range from complete beginners to major label artists. (323) 655-6669. See ad on page 13.
MARJORY TAYLOR
Marjory Taylor studied at Juilliard, USC, UCLA, the Kansas City Conservatory, and in Europe. She has operated a voice studio for several years. Many of the students in her voice-development classes are actors who work on diction, power, projection, and "building great voices." She offers training in a variety of musical styles, from reggae and rock to musicals and opera, and specializes in remedying vocal problems. She takes students at all levels. (310) 246-1743.
CAROL TINGLE VOCAL STUDIO
A performer and voice teacher for over 30 years with graduate degrees in voice and music. Tingle has worked with singers of all ages, levels, and styles, integrating the concepts and depth of excellent vocal technique into the performance of song material. Private instruction if offered as well as performance workshops at her studio in Santa Monica. Emphasis is placed on the development of the voice and safe, healthy vocal production. Tingle works with Performance Anxiety and has completed her cassette tape series "Centering For Performance" designed to assist performers of all artistic disciplines. (310) 828-3100. See ad on page 14.
ALEX VARDEN VOICE POWER
Alex Varden has more than 20 years experience as a vocal coach in the U.S. and Europe. He offers "complete vocal training that's simple, effective, and reasonable." Songs, demos, and more. $40/hr. (323) 876-ALEX.
STEPHANIE VLAHOS
With an international singing career and voice degrees from Juilliard and Yale, Vlahos runs a fast-growing studio with many students who move on to professional careers performing in several styles, including pop, cabaret, alternative, and musical theatre. One of her students recently won the all-city Spotlight Award for pop music and several of her students matriculate to renowned conservatories. She is currently the principal voice teacher at the L.A. County High School for the Performing Arts. She also directs and performs in opera and cabaret productions. Vlahos offers both private lessons and performance classes. (323) 656-6399
VOCAL ARTS STUDIO WILLIAM BOHN
Bohn teaches private lessons to singers and actors on how to use voice onstage. His technique is classically-based, with some Broadway background, and he teaches a variety of vocal literature as well. As a teacher, he is primarily concerned that students not have a style to hide behind. He has an A.B. in music and M.A. in composition from Berkeley and has been teaching voice since 1966. Bohn also offers classes through Santa Monica College in their Winter and Spring sessions. (310) 452-1032
VOCAL POWER INSTITUTE
Director Howard Austin is an author of vocal training courses, Born To Sing CDs, videos, audiotapes, and books sold world-wide. Serving the greater area, the Vocal Power Institute, established in 1980, offers singing and performance training for the beginner to the experienced professional. The Vocal Power Method produces dramatic results in power, control, and range. Training is offered in all music styles including rock, blues, country, gospel, jazz, musical theatre, and classical. Clients include 18 leads on Broadway, three Miss Saigons, Priscilla Presley, Tony Danza, Demi Moore, Stephen Dorff, Paige O'Hara (the voice of Belle in the film Beauty and the Beast), and 10 Star Search winners. Free introductory sessions and scholarships are available. (818) 895-SING or (800) 929-SING. See ad on page 12.
CATHY GABRIELLE-WALLACE, M.A.
Gabrielle-Wallace has 30 years experience in teaching and live performance and offers private study with an emphasis on vocal performance, presentation, and interpretation of classical music, musical theatre, and cabaret. Adults at all levels are accepted. West Los Angeles location. (310) 836-2433. See ad on page 13.
CAROL WEISS MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP
A conductor, music director, and audition pianist for major musicals such as Ragtime, Fosse, and Beauty and the Beast. Weiss teaches a 10-week professional class on how to audition for Musical Theatre "specifically geared to Los Angeles in the '90s." She accepts only 12 students by interview, has industry guest critiques, and videotapes all work. "The class is mainly about defining the actor as a marketable quantity-what roles he's right for-and defining a repertoire that shows him in his best light." She charges $450 for the class, though three partial scholarships are available; auditing is OK. She also offers private coaching, teen classes and a children's workshop. (323) 460-6006. See ad on page 13.
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No. California Singing Coaches
A.C.T. ADVANCED TRAINING PROGRAM
American Conservatory Theater's Advanced Training Program offers a variety of classes in all aspects of theatre, including voice and musical theatre and performance. Students must audition. (415) 439-2350.
A.C.T. YOUNG CONSERVATORY
American Conservatory Theater's Young Conservatory offers classes for young actors ages 8-18 in musical theatre. The classes provide an exposure to vocal production, rhythm, and movement, focusing on the interpretation and phrasing of the song, and using the whole body as an instrument to perform. The class work culminates in a presentation of solo and ensemble numbers from the musical theatre repertoire. Five-week summer sessions begin June 15. Cost: $295-$525, with financial aid available to qualifying students. (415) 439-2444.
AMERICAN MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP
This program offers classes in vocal technique (including application of bel canto exercises), auditioning skills, and dramatic interpretation/scene study (applying Method techniques to singing). Its goal is to prepare students for work in opera or musical theatre. Instructor Edward Sayegh is the former head of the voice department at A.C.T. and has studios in Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco. Offers group and private instruction. (415) 826-8146 San Francisco or (818) 502-1076 Los Angeles.
AMERICAN MUSICAL THEATRE OF SAN JOS
In addition to classes in all styles of dance, the AMTSJ offers classes in physical theatre/improv, voice, brush-up acting skills, and workshops in film and TV and on-camera auditions for commercials and industrials, as well as a theatre arts program for pre-schoolers and acting classes for teens. Most classes meet weekly for one to two hours for a 10-week session. (408) 453-7100, x223. www.amtsj.org.
CRAIG KNUDSEN
Knudsen is a graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music who has acted with various companies, including touring with George Coates Performance Works and serving as music director of the San Francisco Mime Troupe. He has been teaching in the Bay Area since 1982. He has also performed lead roles in numerous operas with several opera companies, and is a member of the internationally acclaimed a cappella group the Edlos. Knudsen teaches singing fundamentals: relaxation, support, placement, and singing on the vowels. East Bay location. Cost: $40/hour. (510) 548-0320.
KATE ROWLAND
Rowland teaches private and group voice classes that cover singing, voice production, speech, scansion, and audition prep. The emphasis is on acting songs, resonance, breath control, projection, range, phrasing, and musicianship, and she also includes work with Shakespeare text and dialects. She has over 20 years teaching experience, is an AEA member, a graduate of A.C.T., was trained in speech pathology, and has a B.A. in music. Cost: $50-60/hour. (650) 747-0790.
SPEECH LEVEL SINGING-SANDY CRESSMAN
Cressman teaches this approach to healthy singing, developed by Los Angeles-based master instructor Seth Riggs. The technique covers breathing, tone production, vowels, flexibility, and range, with an emphasis on connecting your voice through the various bridges. She also covers style and interpretation. Although designed for singers, the technique is helpful for stage actors as well. Cressman has studied with Riggs, Bobby McFerrin, at UC Berkeley, and elsewhere. Cost: Private lessons are $37.50/ half-hour. Small group sessions can be arranged as well. (415) 337-7467.
STUDIO A.C.T.
Studio A.C.T. of the American Conservatory Theater provides training for adults from beginning to advanced levels of experience. Courses include Singing I and II and Musical Theatre/Cabaret Performance. Class size is limited to 14 students, and many of the instructors also teach in A.C.T.'s Advanced Training Program. Cost: Singing $160-$250, Musical Theatre $350. (415) 439-2332.
JULIE VALENTINE STUDIO
Specializing in musical theatre, Valentine is a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing. She welcomes actors, dancers, and other non-singers. She has 20 years of teaching experience. Cost: $65/45 minute session. (650) 493-7337; e-mail: info valentinestudio.com.
VERNA WINTERS STUDIO FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Winters teaches singing and healthy voice technique for both singers and actors. She specializes in musical theatre, and also teaches music reading and theory. She has taught at A.C.T. and UC Berkeley. Both classes and private lessons are available. She teaches people at all levels and also provides audition preparation and videotaping. In additions to her ongoing programs, Winters also offers a special summer session in July and August. She has done musical direction and has an extensive background in acting and movement. Cost: $50/hour for private lessons. Classes vary, but average $280 for the first eight-weeks and $120 for each four-week session thereafter. Discounts are available for union and Theatre Bay Area members, and some sliding scale and work-exchange arrangements are available. (510) 524-1601.