About
I'm an internationally released MCA pop recording artist and special Emmy winner for my original music. I had the honor of studying voice for 8 years with Madame Maria Lazaro from the Metropolitan Opera. I also graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. I started performing professionally at age 15 and have done everything from theater, television, film and national tours with my band singing my original music. All of this informs what I have to offer as a vocal performance educator. Learning solid technique is so valuable for whatever style you like to sing.As a master vocal coach for over 20 years, I have some real tricks up my sleeve to create more vocal transformation in a shorter period of time than many other voice coaches. I combine the classical method of voice education called Bel Canto, creating deep diaphragmatic support and full cranial resonance, with method acting techniques that connect the whole singer, in a personal way to their songs. I also work with musical career planning and audition preparation.
My life's passion is to help people become freer in their full creative self-expression so that they may be seen, heard and celebrated.
There may be some breakdowns before the breakthroughs but in general I have a lot of fun with all of my students.
I also run a small nonprofit where myself and my team of volunteers donate 8 week singing workshops that culminate in a sparkling graduation concert to under-served and at-risk kids in the Inland Empire. This is pure magic and there are always laughter through tears moments in these special programs. I have won several awards for the "healing Out Loud" singing workshops and we have now graduated just over 5000 students. To get the whole story just go to healingoutloud.net.
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Christopher F.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
The first step is to learn about the student and asses where they are and what their goals are for our work together. We will also partner together on choosing a song that will be used as their homework learning tool. I have also created a special way to perfect vowel placement, using a phonetic language based on the Linda Mood Bell system. One of the first steps is to teach the student this language because it will be an important part of their homework, week by week that they can have in their hand as they use their practice song and also check their progress.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
As I mentioned earlier I graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, I studied Bel Canto method for eight years with Madame Lazaro from the Metropolitan Opera but more importantly than all of that I have worked proportionally as singer and vocal coach for over 20 years. There are so many things you can only learn but doing the work, year after year.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My current standard rate is $60 and hour. I like to try my best to keep it affordable and this work also helps me to get to donate singing classes to under-served populations in my area.
How did you get started teaching?
I grew up with so many amazing voice coaches and directors that it helped shape who I am as an artist and a performer. With all those blessings I had to share what I had been given starting in my early 20's.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with so many different types of people. From adults and children struggling with homelessness to many celebrities and nationally touring recording artists who need to gear up for their tours. From 8 to 80 and all walks of life. Imagine graduating over 5000 students that you taught 10 students at a time over so many years. It's staggering and other than getting to be a single parent, the biggest blessing of my life.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I was asked to be the guest vocalist recently for a special service for people who are grieving the loss of a loved one. I sang "To Where You Are" by Josh Groban and "You'll Never Walk Alone" It truly filed my spirit to get to express so much for so many dear ones.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
There are many voice teachers out there that you see week after week and mostly all you do is scales and never get down to the nitty gritty of actual improvement and transformation in how you are using your instrument. If you are working with a coach and you aren't also building your repertoire and achieving real musical goals than your wasting you hard earned money. I would also ask them what their real world experience is outside of a music degree. Anyone can matriculate through school and get a piece of paper. I have bought beautiful homes in my life just from singing and that stands for something of true value in my opinion.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
I have worked with such a diverse group of students with many differing goals and reasons from just wanting to feel safer to singing karaoke, learning to sing to their new baby or launching a career as a professional singer. It's highly personal and these awarenesses lead you to what questions you would want to ask during a teacher interview. If you're clear you'll know what your questions are.