Voice Lessons and Voice Studio Information

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Whether you are a complete beginner to singing or an accomplished professional looking to continue their development, I would be happy to speak with you about helping your reach your personal goals and ultimately your greatest potential as a singer and artist.  The teaching of voice is a great responsibility and it is work that I approach with the utmost respect, compassion and diligence.  While I am still actively performing, teaching for me is a true passion and one that I suspect will ultimately be my life's work.  I'm very proud of the success my students have achieved over the years and I'm excited about the students I've yet to meet.  I presently teach the majority of my voice lessons through George Mason University's Mason Community Arts Academy.  This is a performing arts outreach branch of the university which is open to students of all ages and abilities.  I work with high school age students, college age students, professional singing adult students, pre-professional adult students and amateur singing adult students.

I have primarily trained as a classical singer in the tradition of the Italian bel canto style.  I'm open to training students from many different vocal styles and genres but I have a particular affinity for working with students who are interested in classical and/or musical theatre styles of singing.  Regarding musical theatre, I am experienced teaching the classic "legit" repertoire as well as more contemporary "belted" repertoire.

I try to meet each student where they are and develop a plan of action that is customized to their particular strengths and needs.  With that in mind, I work to make sure that every student develops a free flowing connection to their breath support which allows the singer to release a full healthy sound that rides the air like a wave out towards the audience.  In addition to developing a well supported breath for singing, I believe I am particularly gifted at helping singers learn to bridge register transitions in their voice and helping students eliminate counterproductive tensions in their body alignment.    

We will work repertoire to find pieces that fit you like a glove and which will show you off to best advantage in both audition and performance situations.  If you are a classical singer, we will work languages so that you are prepared to sing pieces in a variety of languages including, but not necessairly limited to:  Italian, French, German and Latin.  I have helped high school age students audition for school musicals, advanced choral ensembles, voice competitions, recitals and admission to college conservatory and university music and theater programs across the country.  I have helped college level and professional singers audition for graduate programs in voice and theatre, as well as for professional operatic and musical productions.

My experience as a professional singer and actor informs my knowledge of performance practices and a wide range of repertoire.  I have an extensive knowledge of vocal literature for all voice types but am particularly knowledgeable with male vocal repertoire.  Part of the reason for this is my unique situation of having studied first as a tenor early in my career and then later as a baritone.  As a result, I know all the standard repertoire for tenor, baritone and bass (including a number of pieces off the beaten track).  Thanks to many years of teaching, I also am very familiar teaching and coaching female repertoire.  I have helped many sopranos, mezzo sopranos and altos gain admission to university and professional singing programs.  In the world of female singers who sing in a more contemporary "belted" style, I recently helped a student secure a callback audition to the broadway touring production of the musical Dear Evan Hansen and helped prepare a professional dancer and college dance professor take on a challenging singing role in Signature Theater's production of West Side Story.   

In addition to developing the voice I believe it also important to develop a healthy spirit and mind-body connection.  Many singers experience various forms of mental tension, stress and anxiety which prevent them from reaching their full potential as singers and artists.  To help with this, I purposefully strive to create a positive and uplifting environment for our work in lessons.  I encourage singers to share concerns they may have regarding their performing as they feel comfortable.  

What if you're a complete beginner who's just trying to get better singing around the house or want to sing more confidently in your local choir group?  I would be honored to work with you.  For some singing is a career choice but for all of us I believe singing should be filled with joy.  I find it particularly rewarding to help beginning singers build their technique and confidence.

I have been the beneficiary of a number of kind, supportive and technically gifted teachers.  I take pride in continuing the tradition they helped to instill in me.  Some of my former teachers include:  Dr. John Little, Tenor; Patricia Miller, Mezzo Soprano; John Aler, Tenor; Kevin McMillan, Baritone; Kerry Wilkerson, Baritone; Dr. Byron Jones, Tenor; Gran Wilson, Tenor; Dr. Steven Rainbolt, Baritone; Dominic Cossa, Baritone; and Russell Penney, Tenor.

Please contact me with any questions you may have regarding my schedule or teaching.  I look forward to hearing from you.  Let's get to work!

James Myers is a full member of N.A.T.S., the National Association of Teachers of Singing.