About
Hi
I teach and coach Singers and Actors for auditions and future experiences as performers.
I encourage students to relax and enjoy the lesson. I love teaching and the joy the student gets when they have figured out what they want to do. We warm up and chat and act not only as teacher and student but as colleagues who are still learning and understanding our life experiences which helps them to form their voice, choices in music, or acting, and performance skills. What are the ideas and tricks for them to try, or change...to develop their sound, stage technique, working with a mic. As for Actors, it's the same concept without music... Thinking is always involved...Sing Every Day...Perform an Idea...
I have been teaching voice and acting for TV, Film and Commercial for Seattle Talent for over eleven years. I worked with StageStruck Seattle Musical Theatre Camp as a teacher, choreographer, director and costumer for 10 years.
I have been performing for over forty years in Musical Theatre, Jazz Clubs, Cabaret, Film, and Music Venues in the United States and abroad. I have a resume (on demand), website: joannekleindiva.com, on LinkedIn: joanne klein, Facebook: joanne klein. I have appeared on two cds with Marc Smason - "You're My Thrill" and "Smusic".
I am still performing in jams, cabarets, various venues available...
Teaching people, children, anyone who wants to sing or act or both for the performing arts give us freedom; to express ourselves with all emotions, fury, joy, anger, love, hurt, salvation, silly, funny and deep sorrow...for me Art Saves Lives in a way that is safe. Music and acting is framed by unlimited creative ideas . And personally, I love performing like i love breathing.
Photos and videos
Reviews
Ramona G.
Jacquelyn F.
Kamree A.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
First lesson: Let's get acquainted. We Chat. We breathe and then we warm up with some short scale work to find out the students vocal range. Then if the student has some songs to try, we start and talk about them after. At the end of the lesson, we talk about how they feel, do they want to find new songs, is there something they need...and we drink water throughout... if i am lucky to get them back, it's the same and then we keep framing the vocal relationship and progress. All in an hour(sometimes longer)
IMPORTANT - I teach on Zoom for Singing Only. FOR Acting I use my cottage for In Person sessions.What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been singing professionally as a member of Actors Equity Association since 1981. I am a honorary member of AFTRA, SAG and AGVA. I have been at Seattle Talent as an acting teacher and vocal coach for over eight years. i worked with StageStruck Seattle Music Theatre camp for ten years and have coached privately for five years. I have performed in the smallest theatres to the largest theatres on tour in "The Diary of Anne Frank", sung and performed at the Seattle Opera House, the Baseball Stadium in Seattle, in pubs in Scotland, Costa Rica and on the streets of Paris. I worked for Disneyland's Fantasy Land theatre in "Snow White, a New Musical" and toured in a USO show in Alaska.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My price for an hour session is $50.00. Sometimes the lesson can go longer if the student needs extra help. During this pandemic, i am waiving that extra charge.
How did you get started teaching?
I was asked if I could substitute the regular voice coach and it just kept going. I have been asked by other singers for help and realized I love teaching, helping them realize their dreams.
What types of students have you worked with?
All Ages; children as young as five to adults. I have had students who had hearing issues and we discussed this and they continued with acting instead.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Working with the Sirens of Swing, a trio of women who are hilarious and very good singers and a piano and bass. We have known each other for decades and have been doing this form of music since the '90's. Many shows with great audiences who appreciate our goofy and wonderful arrangements of the swing era music.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for encouragement. Don't accept someone who wants you to sound like them or wants to keep talking about themselves, and make sure you sing for them. Don't allow a teacher to be harsh in words or attitudes. And follow your feelings about if you like the teacher. For the parent of younger students sit in on the interview in the beginning and the wrap-up of every lesson...
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Why do you want to sing?
What do you want to sing? Singing is a lot about story telling.
What do you like about Music? Dancing? Acting? Painting? Writing? Reading? Drawing?
How long have you been singing?
Do you have any hearing issues? Can you hear all the notes? Any speaking issues?