Brian McQueen, Classical Singer, Voice Instructor, Performance Artist
About
I meet each singer where they are in their vocal development without judgement but rather honor of this space and humility in assessing how I can be of service for whatever goal is desired. Through vocal exercises, complementary repertoire, and detailed explanation, my pedagogy centers around the production of a free, healthy, and sustainable singing. Rooted in the bel canto school of singing, my desire is to help each singer achiever greater facility, vocal alignment, organized vowel spectrum, and evenness through each vocal register.
I enjoy witnessing the confidence my students find along their vocal journey as they discover their true, authentic, and free sound. Learning to relinquish "control" in an effort free up the voice and, ultimately, gain greater control through well produced, free, and healthy singing permeates every fiber of the fabric of their being. What a joy to see how this translates in other areas of their lives! Some begin to walk or dress differently. It's truly magical what this journey of finding voice can do.
I pride myself on my earnest desire to connect with each singer, assessing how each person processes information and finding language for explaining technique that best translates for the individual. Teaching is the best instructor, and I find mutual benefit in lessons with my students. My students make me a better singer. In essence, this is collaborative work. I seek to provide a space for my singers to find safety in discovery and respect in this vulnerable process; freedom to crack and fail in service of progress. Nothing is gained in hiding. Our lessons are a place of transparency. This is a place of rediscovery and returning to ourselves.
Specialties
Musical styles
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Photos and videos
Reviews
Sarah A.
Malik G.
CJ
Alexandro S.
Sasha
Mike M.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
My initial lessons with students generally begin with a 20 minute consultation in which I discuss the singer's vocal background & training as well as what they are hoping to accomplish through their lessons. We also work through a series of scales and warm-up exercises. During this time I ask questions to gather a sense of how the singer thinking about they are producing sound. These questions often pertain to their ideas about breath support, direction of sound, and what they might be feeling in their body while singing. Singing is a process requiring intentionality as well as fundamental knowledge of the vocal anatomy. A request to sing the "Happy Birthday" is often more than sufficient to provide a clear assessment of each person's technical strengths as well as an idea of their sound. From here, I am to discover how I believe we might, from this space, find greater facility and freedom in the use of their unique gift. This is a collaborative effort and I am ever learning from my students. I work to provide a space in which each person feels safe to be vulnerable and the freedom to question, discover, and achieve exactly what they desire.