8 NYC Vocal Coaches Who Can Transform Your Musical Theater Career

When Jeremy Jordan belted his way to Broadway stardom in “Newsies” or Cynthia Erivo had her Tony-winning turn in “The Color Purple,” they didn’t do it alone; behind every powerhouse performance is a skilled vocal coach who helped unlock that artist’s potential. Whether you’re preparing for your first audition or maintaining vocal stamina for an eight-show week, working with the right vocal coach can make all the difference in your musical theater career.  

Brunetti specializes in the “acting songs” technique, a Meisner-based approach that emphasizes authentic emotional connection in sung performance. Students interested in his methodology can explore his book “Acting Songs,” a comprehensive guide that breaks down how to marry acting technique with musical performance, covering everything from rhythmic interpretation to physical presence. The book is used in training programs across the U.S. and internationally, with adoptions at institutions in Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Brazil. 

With nearly three decades of experience, beginning in 1995 as the consulting coach for Broadway’s “Rent,” Farnsworth has built a distinguished career training award-winning performers. His current and former students perform across many stages on the Great White Way—in shows like “Wicked,” “Hadestown,” “The Book of Mormon,” “& Juliet,” and “Dear Evan Hansen”—as well as on national tours and in regional productions. Beyond stage work, he has contributed his expertise to film projects for Netflix, including “Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey” (2020) and “The Prom” (2020). His students’ accomplishments span Oscar, Tony, and Grammy nominations and wins. 

3. Tracey Grimaldi, TG Studio NYC 

Grimaldi’s teaching addresses the specific needs of dancer-singers who want to strengthen their vocal abilities. She emphasizes repertoire selection and preparation, working with students to identify songs that highlight their unique strengths while filling out a versatile audition book. Her tech-integrated studio supports modern audition needs, providing space for students to record self-tape submissions. Students in her studio have achieved notable career milestones, with several booking professional contracts within months of beginning training.

Jacobs offers vocal instruction that integrates multiple disciplines into a comprehensive training approach. His lessons combine traditional vocal technique with complementary practices including yoga, Alexander Technique, Linklater voice work, breathing exercises, and nutritional guidance to support overall vocal health. He works with a diverse student population ranging from Broadway veterans and professional recording artists to newcomers exploring their voices, and has particular expertise in addressing performance anxiety and audition-related stress. 

Magaziner brings dual expertise as both a former opera singer and Broadway performer to her New York teaching studio. Her teaching focuses on what’s known as “speech level singing,” which she studied with its developer, Seth Riggs. The approach centers on minimizing laryngeal tension during vocal production. Magaziner’s students have achieved success across multiple performance venues: the Metropolitan Opera, Broadway shows including “Hamilton,” “Dear Evan Hansen,” “Hadestown,” “Mean Girls,” “Mrs. Doubtfire,” and “Frozen,” as well as television competitions like “The Voice,” “America’s Got Talent” (where her student Bianca Ryan won), “American Idol,” and “The X Factor.” 

As a Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner, Plumridge applies this somatic education approach to vocal development through her course “Freeing Your Voice With the Feldenkrais Method: Integrating Your Voice, Body, and Spirit.” The technique uses gentle movement awareness to help performers identify and release habitual tensions that limit vocal freedom, allowing for more efficient and expressive sound production. Plumridge previously held the position of associate artistic director at MTB Studio, where she developed curriculum and taught multiple levels of acting students. 

7. Lisa Rochelle 

With a background in vocology, the science of voice production and rehabilitation, Rochelle addresses both healthy voice development and vocal injury recovery. She frequently collaborates with medical specialists to design rehabilitation programs for singers experiencing vocal difficulties. Rochelle’s own performance background spans Broadway, Off-Broadway, national tours, regional theater, and television. Since 2010, she has provided ongoing vocal support for student productions at LaGuardia High School of the Performing Arts, where she helps young performers develop healthy technique across classical, musical theater, and contemporary styles. 

Stoney has developed one of the country’s premier vocal training organizations, which now employs more than 20 instructors serving students across skill levels and musical styles. His client roster includes artists who have earned Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards, most notably Tony Shalhoub, whom Stoney coached for his Tony-winning role in “The Band’s Visit.” Beyond private instruction, Stoney shares his expertise through “Voice Lessons to the World,” a popular educational series, and through his book “Sing Like Never Before,” which has received industry recognition for making vocal technique accessible to singers and teachers worldwide.  

Before you choose a vocal coach, make sure you understand what distinguishes a vocal coach from a voice teacher, the right questions to ask during your search, and how to find the right vocal coach for your needs.