The Vocal Lab
About
My name is Annie Pichan and I am proprietor and teacher at The Vocal Lab. I am a graduate of Berklee College of Music (class of 2013) where I studied jazz, pop, musical theater, blues and R&B (B.M. in jazz studies - majored in Music Business Management with a minor in Songwriting, 2013). In Spring 2018, I enrolled at The Juilliard School within their classical voice program and, in tandem, received a teaching certification from the Voice Pedagogy Institute at Westminster Choir College (summer 2018) to expand my knowledge and skill set as both a working vocalist and teacher.
Private sessions at The Vocal Lab are personalized and tailored to each student's needs and level of experience. I work with students from a variety of different backgrounds, ranging from beginner (little or no experience) to students who are actively working and auditioning for on and off broadway shows or recording and performing their own original material. I accept students age 10 and up.
Sessions typically include:
- Customized vocal exercises that target areas needing improvement.
- A thorough understanding of breathing for singing and what it means to manage breath for easier and more fluid phrasing (and easier singing!)
- An overview of the body as an instrument and vocal anatomy
- Lessons in music theory, harmonic and rhythmic concepts
- Review repertoire (piano accompaniment provided)
- Assistance with preparing for auditions and performances and/or assembling an audition book
- Lessons and collaboration in songwriting
- Recording and microphone (live or in studio) techniques
I would love the opportunity to help you reach your musical and artistic goals by developing a curriculum to address your needs as a vocalist and artist. For more information, you may visit my website at the link above or give me a call to discuss your needs and how I'd be able to help you reach your goals.
Highlights
Photos and videos
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I typically conduct a brief 10-15 minute phone call to discuss your needs and give you an overview of how I work/what I do as well as answer any questions you might have. From there, if it seems like the right student/teacher match, we can schedule the introductory lesson.
During the introductory lesson, you will be asked to sing a piece you feel comfortable singing while I conduct a brief assessment (I can provide accompaniment with the sheet music, or a back up track is totally fine). I will assign exercises to address specific technique as well as discuss your artistic goals, and put together a curriculum for us to follow over the course of our studies together.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Berklee College of Music (2013)
Bachelor's of Music - Jazz Studies
Majored in Music Business Management/Minor in Songwriting
The Juilliard School (Spring 2018 - Spring 2019)
Opera Voice Studies
Westminster Choir College (2018)
Voice Pedagogy Institution Program
Certification - Classical, Musical Theater concentration
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Due to COVID-19, private lessons are now being offered online.
Half hour lesson: $35
45 minute lesson: $45
One hour lesson: $60
In person sessions:
Half hour lesson: $50
One hour lesson: $95
What types of students have you worked with?
- Children (age 6-13; more of an introduction to voice and music appreciation), adolescents 14-17
- Beginners with little or no musical experience
- Intermediate students with some background in musical study and/or performance
- Advanced singers actively auditioning for musical theater and/or performing regularly
- Middle and high school students currently auditioning for high school or college admissions
- Singer/songwriters (all genres, including pop, rock, jazz, blues, R&B, rap, hip-hop, country, classical)
- Hobbyists looking for a fun approach to music education
I also provide the following:
- College admissions counseling/advising
- Recording studio voice coaching (off site - extra charge)
- Assistance with assembling an audition book
- Audition prep
- Lessons in composition and songwriting
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I most recently arranged "Mystery of Love" by Sufjan Stevens for a small women's choir class I taught for the fall semester 2018. There are seven lovely women in the class of all levels of experience. The class has been 10 weeks total with the goal to record the arrangement in December or January. It's rewarding to hear their progress each week, and I look forward to offering more classes like this each semester.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Know what you are looking for within voice and music instruction. Communicate with your teacher your teaching preferences (i.e.: are you looking for a teacher with strict rules/policies? A bubbly attitude? A collaborator as well as a teacher? Someone to guide you artistically?) Ask your prospective teacher what their teaching style and approach is.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Is there a deadline for your studies and/or project? What are your goals - technically and artistically? Do you have specific goals in mind (i.e.: a concert, audition or album release), or do you need help putting these into place?
What experience does your prospective teacher have in your area of interest? Ask for examples as well as how they approached the situation.