The Vocal Studio of Soprano, Valerie Girard

Serves Rutherford, NJ

35244

Hired 18 times

1 employee

19 years in business

$90

5.0

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

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Credentials

Background Check

Valerie Girard
Completed on 6/24/2024

Introduction

I am able to bring out the specific vocal timbre of each voice. I don't impose a fixed idea of a "my" sound on anyone. Rather will bring out the uniqueness and beauty of your instrument. I think my students should sing music they love and start to apply the technique right away to get the joy of singing! I am thrilled when a student is able to sing freely and express themselves with ease! My students have gone on to having successful careers in everything from pop, jazz, musical theater to opera.

Q&A

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

I prefer to teach a one hour lesson. Lessons must be canceled with 24 hr notice.

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

First I ask every student to bring a song or aria to sing at your first lesson so that I get a sense of where you are vocally and musically. We then work on vocal exercises and technique. The rest of the lesson is spent on singing your music and immediately start applying the new technique.

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

The Juilliard School, Oberlin Conservatory, New England Conservatory of Music, HB Acting Studio, The Goldovsky Institute. Private study with Felix Knight, Jennie Tourel, Frederick Jagel, Viviane Mordo.

How did you get started doing this type of work?

My vocal mentor, tenor Felix Knight, insisted that I sit in and listen to him teaching a variety of students from pop to opera, basses to sopranos. He wanted me to be equipped to teach later in my career. During my solo career in Germany, singers often approached me to ask about my technique and if I offered lessons. So I began to teach privately in Germany while still singing an active performance schedule. In Koblenz I worked with a soprano in their opera ensemble to prepare her for an audition for Christine in “Phantom of the Opera” for a production in Vienna. She got the role. Then I was invited to teach as a docent at the Koblenz University. I continued to teach privately in Weimar and Munich. When I returned to New York in 2006, I opened my vocal studio in Ardsley.

What types of customers have you worked with?

Those who sing Classical, Jazz, Musical Theater, Cabaret, songwriters, and Pop

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

I have a yearly summer program for classical singers in Tuscany, Italy every year. It's called Casentino Voice I've enjoyed working with with wonderful singers from the USA, Belgium, Germany, Mexico and Poland. We always end the program with public concerts for all participants. Videos are available to view on YouTube if you look for my Casentino Voice playlist. I am also so proud to report the amazing progress of soprano Emma Posman who won the young artists prize with the Renata Tebaldi Competition in San Remo in 2017 just after last year’s course, but jumped in at the Salzburg Festival (with live broadcast) as Queen of the Night in The Magic Flute! Since then she is performing all over!

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

In order to train your voice, you need to practice every day with specific vocal exercises. Then you’ll be able to sing with more confidence! Read the text of each song, respect the composer’s musical intent (rhythm and line) and make it personal to your own life. Sing with joy and freedom and love!

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

It takes many years of dedication and patience for the voice to grow and develop properly. The sound grows richer with the passage of years and you'll find new colors as you mature. It's an exciting adventure living with an instrument that's within your body!