Portland, Oregon

Voice Lessons for Confident, Healthy Singing

Supportive vocal training in Portland that builds coordination, confidence, and ease.

Why Portland Singing Studio

Functional, Evidence-Informed Training

Your lessons focus on how the voice actually works — coordination, muscle patterns, and sustainable technique.

Supportive, Judgment-Free Environment

Clients learn through clarity, guidance, and steady improvement — not pressure or performance expectations.

Two Master's Degrees + 10+ Years Teaching

Your instructor brings expertise from New York University and the University of Massachusetts, plus advanced training in Somatic Voicework™ and Speech Level Singing®.

Joe

About Joe

I'm a voice instructor with over a decade of teaching experience in New York City. My background includes two master's degrees in voice performance and music education, along with advanced training in Somatic Voicework™ and Speech Level Singing®.

My approach is functional and supportive. I focus on helping clients build coordination, ease, and confidence through clear, manageable steps. There's no pressure to "perform" or sound a certain way — just steady development based on how the voice works.

I've taught complete beginners, anxious singers returning after years away, and experienced performers refining their technique. Wherever you're starting from, we work from a place of understanding, clarity, and doable progress.

Education & Training

  • Master of Arts – Vocal Performance
    New York University
  • Master of Music – Music Education
    University of Massachusetts, Amherst
  • Advanced Training – Level III
    Somatic Voicework™ The LoVetri Method
  • Advanced Training – Level III
    Speech Level Singing® Technique

Convenient Location

NW Portland Studio
On Burnside, 2 blocks from Powell's Books
Easy access via MAX, streetcar, and multiple bus lines

Online Lessons also available via Zoom

Teaching Approach

I combine two complementary vocal methodologies to provide comprehensive, personalized instruction tailored to your goals and voice type.

Somatic Voicework™

The LoVetri Method

Somatic Voicework™ is a body-based method of vocal training founded by renowned voice pedagogue Jeanie LoVetri. This approach integrates voice science, vocal medicine, and physical awareness to develop healthy vocal function across all styles.

Key Principles:

  • Function-based exercises focused on what the voice is doing, not just how it sounds
  • Body awareness and kinesthetic development
  • Grounded in voice science and vocal health
  • Particularly effective for contemporary commercial music (CCM): pop, rock, jazz, blues, folk, soul, country, and musical theater

Speech Level Singing®

The Seth Riggs Method

Speech Level Singing® is a technique developed by renowned vocal coach Seth Riggs, whose students include Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and countless Broadway performers. This method emphasizes natural, speech-like vocal production.

Key Principles:

  • Stable larynx position throughout your range
  • Smooth transitions between chest and head voice
  • Elimination of strain and vocal breaks
  • Popular with pop singers, actors, and musical theater performers

My Teaching Philosophy

Vocal training is a process that works best when you understand what you're working on and why. My focus is helping you develop functional, reliable vocal skills in a way that feels achievable and personal.

I work with each student to build:

  • Reliable vocal technique – Consistent coordination across your range
  • Practical understanding – Clear direction on what to practice and why
  • Sustainable habits – Efficient training that protects your voice long-term

The 7 Areas of Vocal Coordination

My teaching addresses seven functional areas that singers cycle through as they develop:

  1. Chest Voice Access – Lower register clarity and comfort
  2. Head Voice Access – Higher register coordination without strain
  3. Tongue & Throat Freedom – Reducing unhelpful tension
  4. Bridge Coordination – Smooth transitions between registers
  5. Breath Management – Consistent, efficient airflow
  6. Integrated Strength – Building reliable mix and stamina
  7. Stylistic Control – Intentional vocal qualities and expression

This isn't a linear checklist—students revisit these areas at different levels as their voice develops. The spiral model keeps training practical and focused on what actually works.

Lessons & Pricing

Whether you're a complete beginner, an anxious singer returning after years away, or an experienced performer refining your technique — we'll work together to build your voice through clear, steady progress.

25 Minutes

$50

Focused technique sessions

  • Concentrated technique work
  • Quick check-ins
  • Vocal warm-ups & exercises

55 Minutes

$90

Comprehensive vocal development

  • In-depth technique work
  • Song application & repertoire
  • Performance coaching

Lesson Packages (55-Minute Lessons Only)

Save with multi-lesson packages:

4-Lesson Package

$340 ($85/lesson) — Save 5%

4-Lesson Package (Cash)

$320 ($80/lesson) — Save 11%

8-Lesson Package

$640 ($80/lesson) — Save 11%

8-Lesson Package (Cash)

$608 ($76/lesson) — Save 15%

Most clients see the best progress with weekly lessons. The voice develops through consistent work, and regular sessions help coordination develop predictably and comfortably.

Lesson Formats

In-Person

NW Portland studio on Burnside, 2 blocks from Powell's Books. Easily accessible via MAX, streetcar, and bus.

Online

High-quality video lessons via Zoom. Study from anywhere in Portland, Oregon, or beyond.

Ready to Get Started?

Schedule your first lesson or try a half-price trial lesson to see if it's the right fit.

Be In Touch

Ready to take the next step? Reach out to schedule a free consultation or book your first lesson.

Phone

646-867-0967

Location

NW Portland, OR
Burnside (2 blocks from Powell's Books)
In-person & online lessons available