Austin L. TakeLessons Instructor Voice, Classical Voice Zulette Avenue, Bronx, NY

I have a Masters degree in Classical Vocal Performance from the Manhattan School of Music, and my Undergraduate studies were completed at the University of Toronto.  Studies in vocal pedagogy have provided me with a detailed knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the voice.  I enjoy performing and teaching, and I am eager to work with students of all ages.  My language skills are excellent, and I am fluent in French, speak Italian and have studied German.  Previous performances have provided me with opportunities to sing in French, English, Italian, German, Czech, Russian and Spanish.  In Canada and the United States I have performed in Opera, Oratorio, Recital, Chamber Music and Musical Theater, and I enjoy sharing my enthusiasm for this repertoire with others.

My studies at the Manhattan School of Music were in the traditional Italian method, using Marchesi and Garcia vocalises and mastering the principles of bel canto.  I believe that these vocal traditions are the basis for healthy singing and can be applied to any style or language.  It is important to understand the singing voice in order to refine it, and this can be accomplished through kinesthetic awareness complimented by a background in voice science.  Learning to sing is a fun and exciting process, and my intensive studies in vocal pedagogy as well as my own experience have provided me with excellent tools for working with students.

Previous performances include appearances with The Victoria Operatic Society, Pacific Opera Victoria, The Victoria Conservatory of Music Opera Studio and Summer Vocal Academy, The University of Toronto Opera Division, The Manhattan School of Music Opera Studio, The Manhattan School of Music Baroque Aria Ensemble, and The Heights Players.  Upcoming engagements include the title role in Tchaikovsky's Eugene Onegin with the New York Opera Studio.  I have also studied the Italian Language and Italian Diction at Centro Studi Lirica in Novafeltria, Italy.  Additionally, I have studied French, Italian and German at the University level.

I am pleased to be a part of the takelessons.com team, and I look forward to working with students of all ages and helping them with the exciting process of learning to sing.

I believe that learning to sing is a gradual process that is progressively refined over time.  The process begins with basic musicianship, developing a sense of pitch and rhythm through exercises and simple repertoire.  Good posture and breathing are fundamental principles in the development of a performer, and that is where I begin with all students.  Starting with simple vocal exercises that gradually increase in difficulty, as well as the application of these principles to repertoire is the time honored Italian tradition of bel canto that I wish to pass on.  Maintaining a sense of joy in singing is the most important aspect as well as expressiveness, and my goal as a teacher is to nurture a sense of pride and excitement in all my students.

I feel that each individual student has unique gifts as well as a unique personality, background and level of experience.  As a teacher, I thrive on getting to know my students and finding the best way to communicate with them and to help them reach their goals.  Each student has different goals and different needs, and it is my job as an educator to help them in whatever way that I can.  All age groups and levels of experience are welcome, and I am open to all varieties of repertoire.

My goal is to improve my students' sense of musicianship, expression and vocal production using the traditional Italian method of progressive exercises.  Nurturing healthy posture, breathing and vowel formation, as well as the incorporation of these principles into performance, encompass my philosophy as a voice and music teacher.  Week by week, I want my students to gradually develop their skills and grow more confident as a result.  Thorough preparation, hard work and a desire to communicate are the most important qualities a performer can possess, and those are the qualities I wish to develop in all my students.

I specialize in Opera, Oratorio, Art Song, Classical Chamber Music and Musical Theater.

Manhattan School of Music - Voice Performance - 09/06-Present
University of Toronto - Music, Voice Performance - 09/02-05/06
Oak Bay Secondary - - 09/97-06/99

Voice, Classical Voice