Philosophy of Technical Voice Training

All styles of singing rely on the same basic principles: proper breath management; relaxation of certain muscle groups and activation of others; and appropriate resonance placement. Within those principles all basic musical styles can (and should be) achieved in a healthy manner.

Michael teaches that, in general, no matter what style of music you perform, there is a certain amount of "mixing" involved. Whether you're singing in a more "legit" style or belting a pop song, at some point or another, mixing will be involved. Therefore, Michael trains all students throughout the chest and head (and for men, falsetto) ranges. When a singer can perform effortlessly in all registers, they then can achieve the quality, strength of tone and technical ability that they will make them a true expert in their chosen style of music.

Michael believes that all these goals are best reached in a studio atmosphere where the voice teacher is consistently encouraging to the student while coaxing them to go beyond their current abilities. Both the coach and the student are equal partners in working toward those goals and, as such, are allowed (and encouraged!) to have fun while working hard toward learning what can sometimes be difficult technical challenges.

Michael on Vacation in Hong Kong