Voice Lessons for Teens and Adults in the Shenango Valley
You have a show coming up. An audition. A solo you’ve been working up the nerve to go for. Or maybe you’ve been performing for years and you’ve hit a wall… something isn’t working and you can’t figure out why.
Whatever brought you here, you’re in the right place.
Where singers learn to shine
Belting a musical theatre song is different than singing indie folk. Singing an aria is different than singing the blues. A trained voice is one that can find the right sound for the right moment.
That’s what we’re building here. Not a “classical” voice. Not a “pop” voice. YOUR voice… with all the colors and sounds that you want it to have. In lessons, we use whatever technique serves you best. Because one size does not fit all voices.
Technique That Serves the Music
Most voice teachers were trained in one style and teach from that one style whether it fits the student or not. Classical technique is beautiful and I’m grateful for my training in it. But it’s not appropriate for every genre, every voice, or every goal. Here, we use technique as a tool, not a rulebook.
Performance That Actually Connects
Technical skill will only take you so far. What separates a good performance from a memorable one is understanding what you’re actually singing about.
During lessons, we spend real time on character development : your objectives, your tactics, the subtext underneath the words. Because without that work, even a technically perfect performance can fall flat. This is especially true in musical theatre, where every song is a scene.
A Real Pianist in the Room
One of the things that makes lessons here genuinely different: I’m an accomplished pianist, which means I can accompany you live during your lesson. No backing tracks, no awkward pauses. We can adjust tempos, try different keys, and work through a song in real time together.
Speaking of keys — we change them when we need to. Always! Your voice is not going to contort itself to fit a published key that doesn’t work for you.
And when it comes to repertoire? I have a giant library of musical theatre right here in the studio. GIANT. So if you want to explore options, try something new, or find the song that’s going to land your audition, I’ve got you covered.
What to Expect From Voice Lessons
Voice lessons at Sara’s Music Studio are 45 minutes long, once a week, every week. We follow a semester-based calendar with breaks for holidays and studio rest. All lesson materials are included in tuition. For current tuition rates, reach out and I’ll be happy to share the details.
What to bring to each lesson:
- A 3-ring binder with your current repertoire. And you don’t have to provide the binder! That’s something I’ll give you during our first lesson.
- A bottle of water. Yes, this is a requirement. ‘Cause you’re gonna get thirsty with all that singing! (Of course, if you forget, I’ve got you covered.)
- A way to record — your phone works great! We’ll often use this to record tricky melodic sections or create custom warm-ups that you can use at home.
What Happens at Your First Lesson
Every new student starts with an Initial Fit Lesson.
The initial fit lesson is a little different from a regular lesson. Here’s what to expect:
We’ll start by talking about your goals — what you’re working toward, what’s been frustrating you, and what you’re hoping to get out of lessons. Then we’ll do a vocal assessment: I’ll listen to you sing something you love, and we’ll play around with some exercises to get a sense of where your voice is athletically. By the end, we’ll both have a pretty good idea of whether we’re a good fit for each other.
How to Get Started with Voice Lessons
at Sara’s Music Studio
- Fill out the inquiry form — tell me about yourself, your experience, and what you’re working toward
- We’ll have a quick chat on the phone — just enough time to make sure we’re pointed in the right direction
- Schedule your initial fit lesson — come in, sing some stuff, and let’s see what we’ve got
- If it feels right, we’ll get you all set up — scheduled, settled in, and ready to go
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages do you teach?
Voice lessons are available for teens (ages 12 and up) and adults. If you have a younger child interested in voice lessons, feel free to reach out and we can talk about whether the timing is right.
Do you have to be performing to take voice lessons?
Nope! While a lot of my students are actively performing or working toward auditions, I also work with hobbyists who just love to sing. You don’t need a goal beyond “I want to get better at this thing I love.” That’s a perfectly good reason to show up.
What styles do you teach?
Musical theatre, pop, contemporary, classical, jazz, opera, blues — and everything in between. I don’t specialize in one style and force everyone into it. We work in whatever genre fits your goals and your voice.
Do I need to be able to read music?
It helps, but it’s not a dealbreaker. Experience with another instrument — especially piano — is a bonus. If you can’t read music at all, we’ll work with what you have and build from there.
Do I need any special equipment at home?
You’ll need access to a piano, small keyboard, or an accompaniment app for practice. I can recommend some great (and affordable) options if you’re not sure where to start.
How long are lessons and how often do we meet?
Lessons are 45 minutes long, once a week, every week the studio is open. The studio is closed for holidays and breaks, and has 3 trimesters: fall, spring, and summer. (We like to pretend that winter doesn’t happen here. But it does — it’s half in the fall and half in the spring.)
What if I have to miss a lesson?
Rather than trying to schedule make-up lessons, the studio uses online and recorded video lessons as the make-up option. It keeps things simple and flexible for everyone.
Where are you located?
Sara’s Music Studio is located in West Middlesex, PA on Carbaugh Street, right across from the West Middlesex School District. We have a dedicated parking lot and a small lobby where guests are welcome to wait. Online voice lessons are also available.