About
JOY L. MAR 2023
Cris is a really incredible and supportive teacher, coach, and mentor, and I am so, so thankful for him. In working with him over the last 2 years, I have learned and grown so much in my singing and playing piano, and have found such a new joy, peace, and calm while playing and performing. His approach has really helped me to see gaps in my music knowledge and practice approach, not just to see them - but also to know how to move through them in a practical way to become a more confident musician.
He is honest and kind as he pushes me out of my comfort zone which has created growth in me that I didn't know was possible. I am so thankful for how he integrates mind, soul, body together, and helps unravel mindsets that not only impact how I show up as a musician, but how I show up in all parts of my life. Working with him has been truly life changing!
MICHAEL R. JAN 2023 Cris is amazing...from the 1st lesson till the end (over a year) Cris was coaching me & brought me along at my own pace. He got me to a place where I was ready for a professional demo which enabled me to audition & get paid for my talent. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned vet, Cris can take you to another level! I highly & enthusiastically recommend Cris to all serious artists.
CAROL M. MARCH 2023 I had so much to learn and Cris gave valuable lessons. I am a physical therapist that understands muscles, kinesiology, breathing and posture. He has the same understanding and used it to improve my voice. He had fun ways to apply difficult concepts. This improved my self-awareness, and it was fun to learn techniques that made sense because of the way he taught.
MADELINE E. I have worked with Cris since I was about 15 years old in theater and audition prep (6+ years). He's been the accompanist for many of my auditions and has always been the easiest to work with and follows the singer so incredibly well. When he wasn’t in the audition room playing the piano, he made various accompaniment tracks for auditions. He helped with putting together a variety of songs for a Musical Theater medley and it was a hit! The transitions were so smooth and hilarious! When it comes to arranging music, he truly is a genius and incredibly creative. He understands the side of the performer and the artistic team which makes him extremely nice and easy to work with.
I love taking the mystery out of what makes a good performance and elevating the individual unique qualities each of us has.....uncovering, developing and polishing the final result to ever greater results!
Highlights
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Specialties
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Student has instrument
Interested musical styles
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Reviews
Carol M.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
You tell me your specific are of interest and your timeframe. (Some need help with an upcoming scholarship audition for a competitive BFA program in 2 months, others have an upcoming school speech presentation, others have a recital coming up, another may have a callback for a specific role in a show, other professionals want a stronger voice in their professional work, etc)
Then, we make a plan to work together, averaging once per week - or more if the deadline requires it.
We evaluate where you are every quarter, and determine next steps.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Bachelor's in Music Education/Vocal Performance
Master's in Music/Vocal Performance/Pedagogy
Working in the professional world with people of all ages, and skill levels, since 1994.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
The pricing varies depending on the session's length, frequency and the number of prepaid sessions booked. Some are shopping price, so right upfront, I’ll save you the time. I’ve had many people tell me they learned more in 3 months than in 2 years! So, if you’ve already had some training, and want to cut through a lot of the slow parts of lessons, and you’re ready to pay for results you can apply right away, lessons average between $90-130/each. When you’re ready to accelerate and elevate your performance, please reach out. We will go over this when we talk, so we can find the right-sized package for you!
How did you get started teaching?
I was blessed to have a number of excellent teachers early on, some of whom taught privates, some groups, some camps, some through formal classes - all of whom not only gave me a tremendous boost in my own training, but also modeled how important the right teacher at the right time can be. In seeking to emulate their example, I started teaching lessons while still in high school, and have never stopped!
What types of students have you worked with?
My student's have ranged in age from 4 to 78, and counting.
Some have been on Broadway, some making albums, some preparing for contests, auditions, and recitals, some needing coaching on roles for the stage and film, some preparing for live public speaking engagements. Some rank beginners, and some full professionals, and everything in between.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
After they had been trying to sing for years, one 34-year old student just said, after 3 months of working in the Vocal Coach Studio, they finally sounded like the voice they'd always imagined they had!
Another was finally hired by an entertainment company they had admired since childhood. A lifelong dream finally fulfilled, 25 years later!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I treat all of my students as if they are here for the BEST info I can give them, whether they are brand new, nervous, feeling anxious about the process, somewhat confident, or already at the top of their game.
If you want to get the most out of our sessions, come prepared to work, and you will see results you're paying for!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
1) How much time weekly are you currently spending practicing and other related performance acitivites?
2) Can you find a quieter space in your home, where you can be free of distractions, and not have to worry about being judged by housemates or family? This will acclerate your goal timelines!
3) Is it possible that your schedule already too full, and adding this will actually be counter-productive? Because, even though you are spending more money to do so, you will be even more stressed that you're not reaching your goals, if you do not consistently set aside time in your day to practice in between our regular sessions.
4) Are there any important people in your life who are not in support of this acitivity? Conversely, is the reason you are coming in for training because it is someone else's idea? Both of these may work, but your results are MUCH more likely if you have support AND it is YOUR idea!
Can't wait to see you grow!! Cris