Charles C.

I'm a 74 year old retired man. I have always loved acting but have had some minor challenges due to bad eye sight and I'm not that computer savvy. Jim helped me learn how to use an I-pad my grand daughter gave me to help me expand fonts to read scripts. Though I'm only doing this so far for a hobby, I can see huge improvement in my ability to memorize scripts and act convincingly. Jim encouraged me to audition for the community senior center's drama club. I couldn't believe it I got right in and enjoying meeting new people (I'm widowed). Jim has been a Godsend. I'm finding new joy and I'm enjoying seeing local theatre productions. I appreciate his kind, patient, and professional matter. Acting lessons with Jim is what got me through the horrible isolation during Covid quarantine. He is also incredibly knowledgable on health such as veganism, breathing/meditation and is encouraging me to get into a healthier lifestyle. My voice/sinuses improved after giving up dairy. I used to get chronic sinusitis. So I feel acting has been beneficial to my overall health. Though Jim is pricier than other teachers in the area... I believe you pay for what you get. The extra money I pay is well worth it. The two other acting coaches I used before Jim...were mediocre and treated me like an invalid. Jim continues to inspire me to be the best I can be in all areas of my life. I consider him a good friend and he is one of the best educators out there.

Gail M.

Lou Savage isn’t a “one size fits all” type of teacher. Rather he adjusts his lessons for the best outcome for each individual student. I highly recommend him for anyone who is serious about taking lessons.

Steve G.

Cathy is a pleasure to work with. I came to Cathy with no singing experience. She always takes the time to answer my questions and to develop a lesson plan specific to my needs. During my time with her she has helped me to expand my vocal range and boost my confidence to perform in public. She even provided me with some CDs with vocal exercises and warmups. I’d definitely recommend Cathy!

Lydia J.

Patricia is a brilliant Renaissance woman. She is what you get when you mix technical excellence and style with humility, compassion, and a lifelong commitment to the craft. She is simply the best! I feel incredibly lucky to have met Patricia and begun my singing journey with her. I've been a student at Studio Shanks since 2018, when I was fresh out of college and looking for a voice teacher who could earnestly teach me how to sing. At the time, there were flashy online ads for folks that could "make you a superstar" and all of it felt so loud and nothing seemed to fit. At one point Patricia returned my call. Immediately I knew that she was the right teacher for me. It was obvious that she is not just naturally fun and easygoing, but also a true technician when it comes to the craft of singing. It's been a few years since we began working together. I've discovered that singing is something that can be learned at any age. It requires hard work, but it can be done. Luckily, Patricia is entirely dedicated to the growth and success of her students. Knowing this makes it much easier to bring my own effort during and between classes. I am honestly amazed at how, despite having worked with many respected luminaries in the field, Patricia remains humble and always with a sense of humor that puts me at ease. She is everything that comprises a professional artist and educator. What I love most is that she cuts through the noise and focuses on pure foundations. That means that she is able to work with vocalists ranging from the most contemporary pop styles to opera to musical theatre and beyond. All kinds of singing require the same basic knowledge of healthy and safe vocal techniques. At Studio Shanks, everything counts and everything matters. Thank you so much, Patricia!

Ed T.

I could never sing my favorite songs because of the high notes. I had a hard time reaching them. So I searched for singing lessons near Irvine and found Catherine's Music Studio. I used to be so embsarrassed singing in front of people. Catherine helped me develop and drastically increased my vocal range. I had been singing the wrong way all this time! Catherine taught me the proper way to sing a high note. She helped me build confidence and overcome my fear of my singing in front of people. She made me reslize that I could do much more than I thought I could. I am also learning how to play chords on the piano to accompany the songs that I am learning to sing now. Thank you so much, Catherine!

Lauri D.

As an artist myself (with a musical background and YEARS of childhood music lessons from a variety of teachers), I can confirm that not every music teacher is an artist, and not every artist is a good teacher. Diane is that rare and precious combination of a stellar musician AND incredible teacher. Our Zoom fatigued 10 year old daughter can't wait to log on to her lesson each week; and she always gets a balance of solid technique, encouragement, and carefully chosen and suggested songs that she is excited to practice. Her own technique has improved more than I thought possible in a short period of time at a young age. 'Miss Diane' deserves more than five stars.

Nicole B.

Linda Rose is a phenomenal teacher! She is very knowledgeable about the anatomy of the voice and body, and how breathing can function with maximum efficiency and minimum effort. After my sessions with her, I feel like my voice can soar freely! She truly cares for her students and I highly recommend her!