Nancy Rathbun Vocal Studio

Serves New Rochelle, NY

35244

Hired 25 times

1 employee

20 years in business

$60

5.0

This pro accepts payments via Check, PayPal, and Venmo.

Next Service

Hours

Sun 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Mon 10:00 am - 9:00 pm

Tues 10:00 am - 9:00 pm

Wed 10:00 am - 9:00 pm

Thurs 10:00 am - 9:00 pm

Fri 10:00 am - 9:00 pm

Sat 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Credentials

Background Check

Nancy Rathbun
Completed on 11/29/2024

Introduction

I believe in the extraordinary power of music to communicate, inspire, and often heal. That belief inspires all my work. It is an incredible joy to help others find and strengthen their own voices. Whether you want to learn the basics of music, prepare to audition for your school musical, college or conservatory, or you just want to have fun finding your voice so you can hit those high notes in the shower, I would love to help you. I'm a classically trained soprano with degrees from Brown University and the Manhattan School of Music. I've been teaching for 13 years. I've sung leading roles with the Caramoor Music Festival, Glimmerglass Opera and the Aspen Music Festival. I currently am a soloist with the Irvington Presbyterian Church and teach on the faculty of RiverArts.

Q&A

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

My fees aren't too complicated. I charge $40 for a 30 minute lesson; $60 for a 45-minute lesson; and $80 for an hour. How long a lesson a student should have depends on the individual. It can often take some trial and error to figure out what length of lesson works best for them.

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

Typically a new/prospective student and I will meet for a half-hour getting-to-know-you lesson. We'll talk A LOT, so I can begin to get to know you, learn about your goals, dreams, concerns, etc. You'll sing something you're comfortable doing (Happy Birthday is fine!), and I'll lead you through some vocalizing to get a sense of your voice. Finally, we'll talk about repertoire, what songs you'd like to work on, and what I think would be a good piece to start with.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

I have BM and MM degrees from the Manhattan School of Music, one of the finest music conservatories in the world.

How did you get started doing this type of work?

I've been a professional opera/classical singer my entire adult life, having started out singing in musicals in high school, then moving on to opera in my twenties. During my time as an active opera singer I began to coach colleagues and found that I had a natural talent for teaching. But I didn't begin to teach in a concerted way until I faced some life difficulties and was kind of "forced" into it. I had always considered myself just a performer, but those life difficulties led me to find that teaching, and teaching singers of all different ages, interests and talent levels, is the thing I love doing most of all. It's incredibly fun and rewarding, and it never would have happened but for some very painful setbacks.

What types of customers have you worked with?

My students cover an incredible range of ages (6-82), interests (rock, pop, musical theater, classical, gospel, country, hip hop, you name it), and levels (beginner, intermediate, aspiring professional and professional). I have students who have learned to match pitch and sing in tune for the first time in their lives (both incredible accomplishments!); students who are professional opera, rock and musical theater performers; high school students who've gotten great roles in school musicals, excelled in NYSSMA auditions, and been accepted to leading colleges and conservatories; and adult beginners who are performing in public for the first time, finding it's not for them or that they totally love it.

Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?

About six months ago, a ten year old girl began studying with me. She was obviously very talented and hard-working, and had received some attention from Broadway talent agents. We've worked steadily on her confidence, her vocal technique and her performance quality, and soon enough she had landed an agent and now is performing in "On Your Feet," the Gloria Estefan musical.

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

It's of course important to check education, performing background and overall qualifications, but the most important thing to look for in a teacher is someone you feel comfortable with and who communicates well. Learning to sing can be a confusing and emotional process; you want to be sure you understand what your teacher is asking of you and that your teacher is respectful of your feelings and is truly supportive of you.

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

The most important question a singer should consider is whether you feel comfortable with a prospective teacher. Go with your gut. Trust your instincts.