Classical technique is the basis for healthy singing in every genre, whether opera, musical theatre, jazz or pop. Beginning with a classical foundation, our approach to training and repertoire is tailored to the interests of the individual. For the modern musical theatre singer and pop singer, classical training is essential to healthful belt mix and promoting longevity of the voice. For the aspiring classical singer, technique training is ideally supplemented with repertoire coaching. On our recommendation, students can schedule lesson time with a highly qualified coach who will work on interpretation, diction, early music ornamentation, phrasing and the legato line.
NM Productions’ Voice and Drum offers a program for the young student interested primarily in Musical Theatre. For 8th and 9th grade students we often recommend alternating weekly lessons between voice and acting. From sophomore year, a weekly voice lesson is recommended while maintaining a bi-weekly acting lesson. Voice study encompasses technique and repertoire, as well as audition support and sight singing/music theory tutoring as needed. Our acting coaches support the student in developing a solid approach to character development, improvisation skills, monologue selection and development as well as specific audition support as needed.
Information about our staff...
I have been teaching singers for more than 25 years, and in that time, we have enjoyed many successes together. In the last 2 decades, musical theatre has en-tered the arena of pop culture, and while opportunities to work in this wonderful medium have grown enormously, so has the competition.
One fact has risen to the surface. Most directors on the pro circuit hire actors who sing. In a musical theatre audition, the director is seldom a singer...he or she is most likely to be an actor. The mu-sical director is seldom a singer either. He or she is most likely to be a pianist. The ability to sing with solid technique and control is assumed and expected, but not deeply understood, while the abil-ity to act is fully appreciated. The per-former who is the "triple threat" (acting, singing, dancing) will always have work.
To that end, I encourage you to take ad-vantage of our acting program. Lessons can be scheduled weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or as you go. Individual atten-tion at this point in your development is more efficacious than any acting class you could take. Regardless of frequency, receiving educated advice and training as an actor will be invaluable to you.
~Laurie