Kate Mills Vocal Academy
About
My services stand out because, in addition to being a vocal coach, I am also a performing and recording artist! My own performing and touring experiences give me a greater understanding of what is necessary to keep the voice in good condition, and what it takes to pursue singing for a career. I also bring a knowledge of the current music industry and the recording process. Aside form being able to provide coaching and information about the voice to my students, I can offer them the first-hand experience of someone who is out working in the music world.
I love seeing people grow and accomplish their goals. I really enjoy helping students tap into the reasons they want to grow as a singer and performer, and bringing that to life. It's wonderful to see people grow in confidence as their skills increase and I love being on that journey with my students.
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
My process is slightly different depending on the goals of each student. With everyone, I like to jump into the singing right away! I want to get a feel for what each student enjoys singing, and where his or her vocal skill level is currently. With every student, I educate them on the anatomy of the voice, ways to keep the vocal muscles in shape, and how to control them to get the sound they are after. That way they can use proper vocal techniques and apply it to whatever they are singing, even if it's not a song we are working on. I aim to help students achieve their goals, whether they want to pursue singing as a career, be able to sing at the Church, Synagogue, perform in school plays, or simply to feel for confident when they want to belt out a tune in the car!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
As a professional singer, I have spent many years educating myself on the best ways to care for the voice, train the muscles, and the techniques to give the best performance possible. I have worked with many coaches myself over the years. Most recently, celebrity vocal coach, Cari Cole. My livelihood depends on my ability to develop proper vocal technique, create a signature sound, and have the vocal endurance to perform every night I'm on tour. My academic education is in Social Work, so I bring my knowledge of psychology and the role that plays in performing. I spent several years in NYC teaching students about emotional awareness and management, so I also bring those skills and experiences to my lessons here.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
For Lessons that take place primarily Skype or FaceTime the cost is $60 per hour.
For in-person lessons at Astoria Sound Works lessons are $75 (to account for the space rental)
In person lessons where I come to you vary depending on location
How did you get started teaching?
Becoming a vocal coach has been a very gradual and natural process for me. Since I was in high school I have been leading choirs and coaching students in local school musicals. In college, I focused on developing my own voice and growing as a singer (a process I continue today!). I earned degrees in Communications and Social Work, both of which have proved to be very useful as a vocal coach. It's amazing how much each person's emotions and past experiences inform their experience of singing and performing!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Probably the most important questions a student should think about ahead of time are:
What are your goals for taking voice lessons? What are you hoping to get out of vocal lessons?
What would be a sign, for you, of success or growth as a singer?