FAQ

• Think of Whole Arts Voice Studio as immersion in the art of singing.
• WAVS aims to guide each individual singer in all aspects of becoming a Complete Singing Artist.
• Consistent, intentional focus on skills, mindset, tools and resources is how WAVS approaches this goal.
• WAVS is a safe place for singers to be authentic!
• Our value-based pricing structure of the same recurring monthly fee allows for maximum learning and flexibility.
• Professional and pre-professional singers are welcome to schedule Drop-In Lessons at their convenience where there is space in the schedule. 
• Lessons are available on Zoom or in person with proof of up to date Covid vaccines.. 

Let’s chat on the phone to continue the conversation!

Anyone who approaches learning with joy and diligence! A WAVS Singer is at least middle or high school age. There is no upper age limit; one is never too old to find joy and satisfaction in one’s singing! WAVS singers tend to be:

Mature middle schoolers who want to learn what their voices can do, and who want to start singing solo songs.

• High School students who wish to go to college for a music-related major. At WAVS, singers not only polish college audition repertoire, but also enjoy guidance in the areas of recording pre-screens, resumes, headshots, audition practice, and more. Think of it as customized preparation for your college journey.
• High School and College-aged avocational students who are passionate about keeping up with their music and singing study.
• Adults of any age who love to sing and wish to improve specific skills like stamina, breath management and general freedom and ease in singing. Many of these students sing in choirs and community theatre and are committed to upping their game.
• Professionals and pre-professionals who are in maintenance mode or wish to fine tune existing skills or address specific issues.

Please see ABOUT BARBARA for my bio and links to my CV and selected reviews.  You may also listen to several of my performances there.

STEP ONE: Fill out THIS FORM so we can schedule a FREE Exploratory Call. I’ll ask a lot about you and your dreams, tell you all about WAVS, and answer all your questions. STEP TWO: We schedule a 75 minute Discovery Assessment Lesson. STEP THREE: You receive a follow-up email with my recommendations. LAST STEP: If we agree to work together, we will get started as soon as you like. FAST TRACK: Ready to commit after our initial talk? We can skip the discovery lesson and jump into weekly lessons.

At WAVS singers learn the fundamentals of vocal technique of the International/Italian School of Singing, as well as current understanding of vocal function and anatomy. My specialties are Golden Age and contemporary Musical Theatre. classical styles such as Art Song and Opera, and choral singing. We will address skills such as breath management, alignment, resonance-balancing and lyric diction, to name just a few.  The intelligent and studious singer can adapt to whatever style of music is called for, and I can help! The highest goal at WAVS is healthy vocal production so that a singer is free to tell the story exactly as imagined. 

Let's talk on the phone, and I will answer all your questions. IN SHORT:

• Membership to WAVS is $325 per month, with the expectation that students study weekly throughout the school year.
• WAVS is open year-round (closed for certain holidays).
• Discovery Assessment Lessons are $95 (75 minutes).
• Drop-In Lessons are $100 per lesson (packages available).
• These fees reflect no increases since 2020.

Singers eligible for Drop-In Lessons already have a significant level of vocal AND musical study, with some performance experience. WAVS was created in part to curb the expectation that an occasional singer could work for a few days (preparing an audition, for example) and expect to have success. I’m not saying that never happens, I’m just saying that is generally an inefficient way to approach study and performance.  At WAVS we are always preparing! Consistent and deliberate work ensures readiness when opportunities arise.  

Currently (Fall 2024), lessons are available Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays. WAVS Members can self-schedule and reschedule via the Student Portal. Don't see a time that works for you? Reach out!

There is NO extra cost for WGP and WSC: both are perks of WAVS Membership, and occur when WAVS students are interested. WGP is a weekly meeting on Zoom that was very popular during Covid isolation. It is a designated practice session, where we share techniques, insight and tips to make practicing efficient, effective and fun! WSC occur monthly, as interest dictates. Singers practice performing in a small, safe and familiar environment. Discussion topics such as Organizing Your Music Binder, Vocal Health and Hygiene, and Acting/Character work are often incorporated. 

Yes! WAVS produces a showcase/recital each year. In addition, we hold occasional studio classes. Performance opportunities are a critical factor in becoming a Complete Singing Artist. 

Parents who are paying for your WAVS studies are of course allowed to observe the first lesson. (Remember: I, too, am a parent!) The parent(s) will observe only and not participate in any way, for instance with comments, suggestions, facial expressions, etc. The one-to-one learning environment is necessarily private and can feel vulnerable. Having friends, etc. attend a lesson transforms that dynamic into one more akin to performance, and interrupts progress. If someone you know is interested in the study of singing, invite them to our performances, and encourage them to give me a call!

Feeling nervous means you care; a great sign that you are ready to take your singing to the next level. Remember, everything about you is valid! Whole Arts Voice Studio strives for an inspiring, safe and comfortable working environment, with open communication. The main quality I look for in a student is an open mind, an open heart and the willingness to keep trying. If you will concentrate, keep a curious mind and spend time exploring your craft, our work together will feed you. Schedule a Free Exploratory Call and ask me ALL your questions. Let’s start with who you are right this moment and build from there!