Laury Tatz Herzlin

Laury Tatz Herzlin

5.0Exceptional(7 reviews)

About

I have been teaching voice and acting for over 30 years. My technique, although based in classical training, can be applied to all kinds of singing. I deal with the student as a complete performer and have specialized in being able to choose the most suitable audition material that fits each individual. My students range in age from 7 to 77. Some students are preparing for professional careers, while others are returning to singing. And some students just want to see what studying voice will do for them. But all of them have one thing in common: they love to sing. I have many years of experience preparing students for NYSSMA auditions (with consistently perfect or near perfect scores), as well as college, community theatre and even Broadway auditions. Because of my own extensive background as a professional performer, producer, and director, I approach singing and acting from both sides. One unique aspect of my training, however, involves vocal therapy. I can immediately diagnose vocal inflammation (or worse) and take precautionary measures. The health of the voice is a primary concern in my teaching. One need only look at how many singers must cancel performances or tour dates, due to damage to their vocal cords. The measure of success in how I teach, however, can often be found after only one lesson. That is, students routinely find they can immediately improve their range, after I give them the first few basics of this technique. It is a clear, sensible and accessible approach.

It is incredibly gratifying to see students of every age grow and progress, using all the tools I've developed through my own experience. Singing allows students of ALL levels, to find expression and meaning outside of themselves.


Highlights

1 employee
37 years in business
Serves Dix Hills , NY

Photos and videos


  • Reviews

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    Erin R.

    There arent enough good things I can say about Laury! Not only is she an incredible voice teacher who understands and respects the voice of the student, she is also an amazing acting coach who helps you personally relate to the characters and the journey that theyre on. She is a teacher who truly cares about not only the success, but the well-being of her students; She has been beyond a teacher to me, she has been a confidant, and a friend. (She is probably the only reason I got into college for Musical Theater, as she picked all my material and coached me on said material). She has changed my voice, and my life, and I will be forever grateful to her. :)
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    September 18, 2018

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    Jackie D.

    Laury continues to be my daughters voice teacher. Laury is a very supportive & knowledgeable teacher. She takes her time to make sure my daughter understands what she is teaching her. She points out when she is doing something wrong but will always end the lesson with a big emphasis on everything that was done right. I would strongly recommend Laury as a voice teacher!
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    September 16, 2018

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    June D.

    Laury Tatz Herzlin is an extremely knowledgeable and dedicated professional. She has been my daughter’s vocal coach for the past two years and my daughter greatly admires her. As a result of Laury’s instruction, my daughter’s voice has developed beautifully. Laury’s first concern is with my daughter’s vocal health. Therefore, she teaches my daughter a technique that is not only designed to strengthen her voice, but keep her vocal chords healthy, as well. I believe Laury’s concern for my daughter’s well being, combined with her excellent instruction, has created a strong rapport with my daughter. One that is based on respect and trust. Consequently, her instruction has been very successful. Laury is also an excellent acting coach. On several occasions she has prepped my daughter for auditions that have been met with great success. For these reasons I highly recommend Laury Tatz Herzlin.
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    September 16, 2018

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    Anthony N.

    I have studied voice and acting under Laury Tatz Herzlin for several years now. Over the years Laury has instilled in me proper and healthy vocal technique and acting technique. Laury creates a safe and open environment in which students are free to explore and express themselves. Laury gives each of her students 100% of her time, her energy, her heart, her art, and her professionalism. The vocal technique Laury teaches is essential for healthy and well produced singing. Laury helps each actor find an emotional truth and depth in each piece they perform. When working on monologues Laury will assist students in breaking down the piece and discussing what each line means. Due to Laurys extremely impressive resume she is able to bring insightful knowledge of theatre into the studio, knowledge that a student cannot get anywhere else. Laury Tatz Herzlin gives her full support to each student that enters her studio. Working with Laury has allowed me to grow as a person and as a performer, I have learned so much for Laury and that is why I continue to take lessons at her studio. Do not pass up the opportunity to learn from this amazing woman.
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    August 25, 2018

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    Jonny Q.

    Such a blessing to have a teacher so passionate for her students, amazing in what she does. Super talented, and has so much empathy and patience. Whenever I work with her, I find that I learn more every time - and more that helps me create my craft.
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    August 23, 2018

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    Ikuko

    Ms. Laury is an amazing voice teacher with knowledge, skills, experience, and great personality with a beautiful home studio.
    I had no music background, but I always wanted to learn to sing.
    When I decide to study voice, I wasn’t sure that would I continue more than a year, but I changed my mind at the first lesson.
    Ms. Laury has been so patient with me and always encouraged me.
    She knows a lot of techniques and exercises that always fascinate and help me to learn. Its been almost two years now and Ms. Laurys voice lesson has become the best part of my week.
    Ms. Laurys lesson is not just informative but also entertaining. Ms. Laury is a former Broadway actress and an opera singer. As a big fan of Broadway shows, I enjoy listening to her stories about backstage, production and my favorite actors. And another big benefit of her lesson is that I get a chance to listen to her singing. If you love concerts, operas, and Broadway shows, her amazing singing voice would make you feel like youre in a theater.
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    August 22, 2018

    Frequently asked questions

    When I take on a new student, the first lesson is what I consider a "consultation." I always tell the student to set aside at least 90 minutes for this lesson. Although it goes much longer than a regular lesson, the cost is the same. There is a tremendous amount that we will accomplish in this consult, though. I will tell the student to bring music and/or monologues that they have performed, or are very comfortable with. No matter how experienced the students are, they are always nervous. So, my first job is to get past those nerves. I ask questions. I'm trying to get a sense of who this person is - what their experience and training has been, and what are they looking to achieve. As they start talking about themselves, they begin to relax. I'm also listening to their speaking voice, which will give me the first indication of any possible damage to their voice (inflammation, soft nodules.. hopefully nothing worse!) Then I'll explain some of the basics of my technique (voice and/or acting). Finally, I'll ask the student to sing, (or perform a monologue or scene, if it's an acting student.) It's best if we can run through several pieces. I'm diagnosing as I'm listening, trying to hone in on the primary issues - what works and what NEEDS work. For example, some students cannot sustain phrases, or lack a vibrato (support problem). Although most students ultimately need to fully understand and master all aspects of technique, my first task is to focus on the major problem area(s). Then, depending on what that issue is, I may try some preliminary work. I will demonstrate what correct singing sounds like - or give a reading of a monologue, with strong choices. Lastly, I will give some suggestions of repertoire to start with (or roles/plays to look at.) This is a very individualized recommendation, based on what I believe will bring out the most positive elements of this student performer, while also providing some challenges for their problem areas. The most important thing to be accomplished from this consult, is that a relationship begins to form. It is very important that trust can develop, as that is crucial for the student/teacher dynamic. As the teacher, I want to feel invested in the student. Likewise, the student needs to feel motivated, confident, and comfortable enough to make mistakes! And then the work begins.

    When I was a young performer, my voice teacher (who I studied with for over 30 years, until she passed away) used to tell me I should be a teacher as well as a performer. So she would let me watch other lessons, and essentially trained me how to teach. Sometimes she would bring me in to work with the Broadway people, since her specialty was opera. Having the opportunity, at such a young age, to work with established professionals, was incredible training for me. When I stopped performing full time, I finally opened my own studio - confident in my ability to now pass on everything I had learned. It is supremely gratifying to watch students grow and progress, as the technique works its way into the muscle memory. I am constantly reminded of how powerful finding one's voice is.

    I would advise a potential customer to make sure they feel their lessons and music are being tailored specifically to them. Many teachers have the same approach with everyone - the same exercises, the same music, etc. It's important for students to be treated as individuals, with exercises tailored for their needs and abilities.

    One of the things that distinguishes me from other teachers, is that I can (and do) still sing. I can demonstrate everything I expect from my students. This can be very helpful for students who are auditory learners, and have to "imitate" to understand the process. There are some teachers who don't - or can't - sing well enough to be able to demonstrate. They will say it doesn't matter. It does. It's an important tool to have as a teacher. Likewise, just because someone can sing, doesn't mean they can teach and convey technique.

    There are some basic issues, such as what one's goals are (keeping in mind that this could change), how flexible does your schedule need to be, what kind of budget can you handle, how important is having a teacher that plays piano, and what kinds of cancellation and payment policies will you be comfortable with. Also, some teachers do not have recitals with their students, since that can often become the focus of too many lessons rather than concentrating on technical work. So, decide how important a recital is to you. I will do recitals, but not every year. I have found that giving Master Classes with my students is much more valuable an experience, however.


    Services offered

    Singing
    Acting
    Music Theory