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 the blues is different than singing in a church choir. 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.
“I took lessons from Sara for two years and learned so much! For being an older student who didn’t know that much about music to start off with she was patient and was with me every step of the process. She is especially helpful with practicing for musicals and stresses vocal care!” ~ Josie Offerdahl, West Middlesex, PA
“I took lessons from Sara for two years and learned so much! For being an older student who didn’t know that much about music to start off with she was patient and was with me every step of the process. She is especially helpful with practicing for musicals and stresses vocal care!” ~ Josie Offerdahl, West Middlesex, PA
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: objectives, 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. 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 physical and digital music 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
Lessons are student AND teacher led, meaning we coordinate to ensure we work on songs that inspire you and that you feel good about your vocal progress.
- We’ll assess your goals together and decide what needs to be worked on that day.
- We’ll choose vocal warm-ups and exercises to help improve your vocal prowess.
- We’ll work on rep and hone your performance skills.
- We’ll review what you want to work on between lessons so you know exactly how and what to practice.
And it should go without saying… but we have a lot of fun while doing all these things!
“When I first started with Sara, I had a break in my range which incredibly improved during my time at the studio. Her up to date techniques and incredible knowledge has given me the skills I need to succeed and feel confident when I am singing.” ~ Alexis Collins, West Middlesex
“When I first started with Sara, I had a break in my range which incredibly improved during my time at the studio. Her up to date techniques and incredible knowledge has given me the skills I need to succeed and feel confident when I am singing.” ~ Alexis Collins, West Middlesex
More Lesson Details:
- All lesson materials are included in tuition. Binders, music, books, etc. For current tuition rates, reach out and I’ll be happy to share the details
- Need to miss a lesson? No problem. The studio uses online and recorded video lessons in lieu of makeup lessons. It keeps things simple and flexible for everyone.
- Voice lessons at Sara’s Music Studio are 45 minutes long. We follow a semester-based calendar with breaks for holidays and studio rest.
- Not looking for a full-time spot in the studio? We occasionally offer drop-ins or punch-card packages for teens and adults who want just a few quick tune-ups.
What Happens at Your First Lesson
Every new student starts with an Initial Fit Lesson where we get to know one another and see the studio is a good match for your goals! 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.
“I studied voice under Sara for two years, and those experiences were some of the best of my life. Because of Sara’s incredible teaching methods, I was able to improve my singing voice greatly. I am now studying theatre and opera at university, and it’s all because Sara inspired me to do so.” ~ James Williamson
“I studied voice under Sara for two years, and those experiences were some of the best of my life. Because of Sara’s incredible teaching methods, I was able to improve my singing voice greatly. I am now studying theatre and opera at university, and it’s all because Sara inspired me to do so.” ~ James Williamson
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, 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.
Ready to Find Out If We’re a Good Fit?
Fill out the form below and I’ll get back to you within the next 2 business days to set up a quick chat!