Vibe Artist Studio
About
The inner-workings of what is 'Vibe Artist Studio' began in Akili's college years. In her research, she found that it could be a challenge to find affordable coaching for vocal and theater performers. If you were not in school, it seemed highly unlikely that you would be able to afford quality coaching and guidance. This disturbed Akili and made her wonder how she could contribute to solving this issue. As an artist herself, she found that she had a knack for picking up on concepts and retained a lot of valuable insight and training through her years in college. However, the museum of experience she has been able to acquire over the last few years has broadened her horizons and made her more knowledgeable and confident in her abilities to guide others.
Akili began curating her own shows, became a band leader, started a music duo (HoCo and Mars), taking stage management and directing positions, and performed across state lines with companies such as Theatre Delta, who work to inspire social change using originally scripted improvisational theater. These experiences readied her to finally launch Vibe Artist Studio as an official business. She works with clients to help them become more confident, manage their vocal health, steady their technical foundations for performance and character development and more!
MORE ABOUT AKILI:
Akili has been active in the local live theater community since 2016. Her journey began as a music student at North Carolina Central University, where she fell in love with the stage. Since then, she has ventured out and worked with some key players in the theater community. These include: Theater Raleigh, Raleigh Little Theater, The Justice Theater Project, Theater Delta and more! She has played some big roles in local theater such as: Deloris Van Cartier in Sister Act: The Divine Musical Comedy and as Emmie Thibodeux in Caroline, or Change. Akili has travelled and performed doing improvisational theater for social change in Illinois and Detroit. She has aspirations for Broadway - but until then, she is ecstatic to share her expertise and gifts with her community!
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
My typical process for working with student involves first finding out what the student is looking to accomplish. We set short and long-terms goals and then build an Artist Plan. Where do we start? What needs work? If the student has some experience, we set up an audition so I can analyze their chops. If the student is no experience, we talk about what the audition process looks like and then start training them for an evaluation.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I do not have any formal education, but I have a MUSEUM of experience working in the theater field. I have worked with many local theater companies (including, but not limited to): Theater Delta, Theatre Raleigh and Justice Theater Project. I find that a lot of times, experience is the best teacher. Some of the best lessons I have learned have been from people who may not have a fancy degree -- not that there's anything wrong with getting a formal education. I just don't discount anyone that may not have one.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I do have standard pricing for my lessons. If you are looking for Audition Prep, that is $32/hr. General Actor's Coaching (including Audition Prep) is $40/hr. If you are looking for Musical Theater Training (which is essentially Actor's Coaching + Audition Prep + Vocal Coaching) that is $65/hr.
How did you get started teaching?
I have always had a passion for teaching others. When I am not doing private coaching work, I teach for Seed Art Share (a company that sponsors theater arts education for Homeschool programs) and The HomeSchool Experience. Starting next semester, I will be teaching Voice & Diction, a Shakespeare course, Public Speaking, Scene Roulette -- a theater production course and Spanish I for highschoolers.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students of all ages and skill levels, between the ages of 7 and 60. I have hosted workshops for churches and done camps with theater programs. I have been in classroom settings and private studio settings. In short, there's very little I HAVEN'T seen in terms of students.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I recently discountined the private vocal coaching sector of my business to make room for my new workshop plan coming in January 2022. The feedback I received from my clientele was OVERWHELMING. Each of them, in their own ways, spoke of how I'd helped them and how they will miss working with me. It really made me feel like I've made a difference in some people's lives. I look forward to continuing to follow them on their journey, even if I am not an active part of it anymore.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I would definitely say just go with your gut. Don't be afraid to talk to an instructor about compability. It is important that the both of you can understand each other and that they are sensitive to your learning style. That also means, though, as the student it is important for you to trust your instructor when they challenge you with something new. All in all, your intuition will never lead you astray. So trust it.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Students should be sure to consider what their goals are. Maybe this is just a hobby for you and you want to have enough skills for your community theater holiday program. Or maybe you have aspirations for big stages such as Broadway. Knowing what you would like to accomplish with your training will help your instructor know what direction is best to take.