Teaching Philosophy
There are three concepts that are the basis for the AFVS teaching philosophy: functional freedom, versatility, and a balance of process and product.
First and foremost, the voice must be taught to operate in its most functional state. All singers deserve a long, fruitful career, and function plays a primary role in achieving such success.
Secondly, the voice is a versatile instrument that can be used in multiple ways without harm. It's important to train all parts of the voice in order to understand how to sing in different styles and genres of music. This skill is especially important for the musical theatre singer.
Lastly, there is the balance of process and product. Every singer should be allowed to discover their own, individual voice at their own, individual pace. At the same time, it's important to understand your goals and (if you're a professional) the demands of the industry. Allowing yourself to be in process as a singer will help you achieve the musical and professional goals you have set for yourself in a healthy, functional manner.
What To Expect In A Lesson
The first half of a lesson together will focus on warming up and coordinating the voice. Compare this part of the lesson to the barre work that ballet dancers partake in at the beginning of class. These vocal exercises will warm your voice up while helping you work on skills such as flexibility, agility, strength, stamina, register coordination, breath control, etc.
The second half of the lesson will focus on applying the skills learned during the first half into your repertoire. Amanda is not an accompanist, but does play some light piano. The work on repertoire is strongly focused on technique and less focused on performance prep. Amanda does has a large library of music and is happy to recommend music for you that will serve as either learning material or material for your audition book.
If you're more interested in singing through material with a a pianist or simply learning music for an audition, you're looking for a vocal coach and not a voice teacher. Click here for more information about Vocal Coaching at AFVS.
Lesson Rates
Single Lessons
1 hour lesson for $65
1/2 hour lesson for $40
1 hour lesson is required for the first lesson.
Rates are for Astoria location and based on cash or check transactions. Higher fees apply to Manhattan lessons or to credit card or PayPal transactions.
Lesson Packages
4 lessons for $250 (fee must be paid at first lesson; lesson package expires 2 months from first lesson)
6 lessons for $370 (fee must be paid at first lesson; lesson package expires 3 months from first lesson)
Paying For Your Lesson
You may pay via cash or check with no additional fee.
You may also pay via credit card at your lesson or PayPal beforehand. However, there is an additional fee for these services to cover what they charge us.The fees are as follows:
1/2 hour lesson: $1.25
1 hour lesson: $2.00
4 lesson package: $6.00
6 lesson package: $8.00
For Paypal payments, use the drop down menu below.