Private Lessons

Private Instruction in Voice

David has been training as a vocalist since 1986. Styles and techniques include Pop, Folk, Jazz, Vocal Percussion, Opera, Choral, North Indian Raga, Musical Theatre and Rock. He has performance experience and training in all of these styles. He received a B.A. in Voice and Music Composition from UCLA in 1992 and since then has continued his education in music. In 1995 he trained with Jane Boothroyd in straight tone singing for Baroque Music. In 1995 and 1996 he trained with Jane Sharpe in advanced vocal techniques for Pop and Jazz. During the same years he was mentored by Michael Smolens in North Indian Raga singing and Vocal Percussion. He was also a member of Mr. Smolens’ experimental vocal jazz improvisation group, Mirabai. Further study has included jazz theory and improvisation (clarinet, guitar and voice), speech level singing technique and “belting” techniques. He has an extensive background in Voice and Speech, having studied for 2 years at the Bennett Theatre Lab in both contemporary and classical genres. Between 1995 and 1998 he performed as a singer-songwriter in several venues in San Francisco including The Owl and Monkey and The Artists’ Café. In 1997 he began working as an actor and music director for Bay Area theatre companies. His music direction work has included group warm-ups, singer-coaching, choral conducting, and arrangement. In 1999 he began accepting private voice students and since then has taught over 2000 hours of private lessons.

The Teaching: David accepts singer of all levels and backgrounds. Areas of expertise include: Technique for Pop, Jazz, Rock , Country, Folk and Musical Theatre. When appropriate, classical techniques will be used to supplement the approaches to the above styles, but generally the teaching would be considered non-operatic.
Technical areas of focus include: Breath Support, Larynx Control, Register Blending, (“Chest” and “Head” MIX), Vowel Shapes, Resonation, Power, Phrasing and Musicality. In addition to western techniques, I sometimes utilize North Indian Raga singing to train singers in straight tone singing, pitch control and deeper hearing.

Format: Lessons are 1 hour, and include breathing and relaxation exercises, support exercises, vocalizations with the piano, song singing, and sometimes North Indian Raga. Lessons are recorded on cassette tape.

Payment methods include cash, check, credit card, or paypal.

Please contact David for information on rates and location.