I received my VO training through Actors Sound Advice (I already had a dramatic arts background) with Jeff Finney out of the Chicago location. Sound Advice also produced my demo. When I got my demo, I was thrilled with it! Couldn't believe that was ME! But I got to thinking-how does it stack up against the demos of people already with the major agencies? So I chose an established national agency with a large talent roster and listened to about 12 different mens commercial demos chosen at random. I was shocked! they all sounded very much the same! With very little variation in delivery from spot to spot-in some instances, I didn't realize when one spot had ended and another began. And the spots seemed slapped together with no attention to order; plus the background music did NOTHING for the reads. It was an eye-opening experience. I realized what an exceptional product I had. Jeff understands that although you may fall within a certain "wheelhouse", so to speak, your spots need to have "variety" to show what you can really do. He also knows that the order in which the spots are presented needs to be considered carefully-there needs to be a PROGRESSION in order to make the greatest impact on a talent agency. But what I was pleased with most of all was the attention and careful consideration of the background music; he chose pieces that enhanced the mood and tone of the reads to perfection. One of the things you will hear about this industry is that securing representation with a national talent agency can be the most difficult challenge you will face-a conservative estimate might be 12 to 18 months of due diligence on your part to secure just ONE talent representation. So-what is the happy ending to this story? I spent a weekend sending out demos off to national reputed and established talent agencies from the short list provided by Sound Advice to talent agencies in the 3 major markets-NY, Chicago and Los Angeles. well. guess what? within 2 DAYS (yes, you read that right) I received an offer of representation from a large (and when I say large, I mean large clientele, that is-bookings, folks, bookings) talent agency out of LA with both national and international clients-no request for an audition (many agencies will ask you to audition for THEM before they will make an offer) just basically "we want you on our talent roster". This was only made possible by the excellent coaching and the superb demo that was provided by Actors Sound Advice (and specifically Jeff Finney). I am over the moon and on my way! Below is the link to my website, where you can access my demo-give it a listen and judge for yourself! www.seanmurphyvo.com PS: pay attention to the bottom of the website that shows who did the logo and designed the website-your affiliation with Sound Advice will get you an amazing discount on the fees for their services. read more

I did A LOT of research on VO coaching and demo production in Chicago before deciding to go with Sound Advice and I am so glad I did. Kate and Jeff exceeded all of my expectations. Now, just to be clear I do have many years of improv and acting under my belt but VO is a whole 'nother field. I had fumbled around and dabbled in it over the past year and a half and decided it was time to take myself seriously. That's where Sound Advice comes in. They provided fantastic foundational coaching; tools that I know I will use over and over behind the mic, but that was only the beginning. Working on my demo with them was a complete joy, because they took the time to get to know me and my strengths and tailored the copy to showcase me at my best. And they just made it a fun experience. But it doesn't stop when the demo is created. That's the best part! Kate will take the time to guide you through the process of marketing yourself, getting graphics, a website, show you step-by-step how to mail to creatives, agents...the works! I wish I had met her years ago to help me get my acting career off the ground. But the proof is in the outcome. After getting my demo made I quickly secured an agent, and have already booked my first job!!! So, yes, they may be a little more expensive than "the other guys" but man, oh man, this is a true case of you get what you pay for...and so much more. read more

I was looking for the best way to make an impression on the voice over scene. After looking into several voice over classes throughout the city, Sound Advice offered the most extensive and personalized training as well as demo production I could find in the city. The one-on-one coaching sessions, all in the booth and recorded so i could listen again at home, were more than I saw available in any other acting program ion the city. I feel like I learned so much with every session I attended. I also loved how discerning Sound Advice was. They want to be sure the talent they work with is up to their standard, so I knew my demo would look good with their name on it. They also help art direct the graphics. All this attention to detail really made the process seem less overwhelming - totally doable! Everyone who works there is super knowledgeable about the process of making a demo and recording real spots - it's a recording studio and casting house. Aside from being very good coaches, the entire staff is friendly too. I have had so much fun through the entire process. I would recommend Sound Advice to anyone looking for a great guide in jumping into voice over. read more

As a novice trying to break into the voice over business, I had no clue where to start. After doing some research online on demo production studios, Sound Advice stood out from the rest. They ended up exceeding my expectations! What makes Sound Advice so exceptional is the personalized focus they give to each client. They didn't hand me a cookie-cutter demo then send me out the door. They took the time to tailor my demo according to my voice and personality. I was provided with a full service package of training, coaching, demo production and a complete guide to the business including how to market myself successfully. Kate and Jeff are extremely professional, knowledgeable and care strongly about the success of their clients, even after the demo production is complete. If I have any questions, I do not hesitate to ask. They are always willing and eager to lend their advice and expertise. I highly recommend Sound Advice, no matter where you are in your voice over career. I will, with out a doubt, remain a loyal and happy client for years to come! read more

As a stage actor trying to branch out into other areas of acting, I was very interested in voiceover. I turned to Sound Advice for help. I knew nothing about voiceover and they explained the entire business from step 1 to getting an agent and building my own personal voiceover business. Whether you want to tweak your current voiceover skills or start from square one, they offer private coaching to meet your needs. I never have a second thought about contacting them for help or advice. They are always available and generous with their knowledge and time. I signed up for the complete package and received a demo at the end of my coaching and recording sessions. I have received wonderful feedback from those in the industry about my demo's high quality and professional sound. Sound Advice is thee place for voiceover! read more

You really can't get better than Sound Advice!! As a long-time actor in theatre in Chicago, I was used to a very basic style of marketing as far as my career was concerned. One of the things that kept me from ever pursuing a voice over career was fear of where to start and what to do when I had that demo. Well. Sound advice does it all! They walk you through the whole process and work with you to produce the best demo that shows of YOU. AND, they give you all the information and tools to properly market yourself to, not only, get an agent but help further your career. Best of all they are always there to answer questions and keep you focused. Can you tell I'm a huge fan? read more

I came to Sound Advice knowing little to nothing about the VO industry and after the Orientation I had a basic outline for success. This outline was further expounded upon through the 8 coaching sessions. The coaching sessions are one-on-one and well worth the cost. Learning to play Commercial scripts is trickier than one may think! By the end of these sessions I was prepared and ready to record a demo! Demo sessions were one-on-one and direction is given to ensure that you sound your best. My demo came out fantastic and nothing short of professional! If you're looking to get started or start over in the VO Industry, Sound Advice is the company to contact! read more

Voice Over has always been a passion of mine for many years. So when I finally decided to pursue it I did a lot of research on coaching and demo production in Chicago before deciding to go with Sound Advice. Sound Advice provides the ENTIRE package from start to finish! Not only do they provide the best coaching & demo production around, Kate & Jeff lay out a COMPLETE road map for you to follow and launch your career to be successful. I also know that they will be there for me anytime I have questions. In my book Kate & Jeff are the BEST mentors you can have in VO. Ted Morrison www.TedMorrisonVO.com read more

As a new voice-over talent, I needed to find the right people to help prepare me for a new career. I chose Sound Advice, and I know I made the right decision. From soup to nuts, they do it all. Coaching, demo production, help with securing the best in graphic design, website design, etc. Started my mailings just a few weeks ago and have signed my first contract with a talent agency, did an audition and have a gig scheduled for next week. I know not every week will be this fruitful, but I truly believe that Sound Advice has given me the tools to compete in this great industry. Bruce read more

From the first time I spoke with Kate I knew she was the experienced, no nonsense, guide I was looking for to help me through the fog of the voice over beginner's swamp I was wandering in. If you are looking for someone who is able to give you Sound Advice in all things voice over, from coaching to demo production to how to get your business going, then you can't do any better than Kate and company. And if you haven't read her book The Voice Over Encyclopedia then stop reading this and go buy one. I mean it! Go! All her secrets are in there. read more

The amazing team of Kate and Jeff from sound Advice will simply blow you away. They are first rate, offering the very best in coaching and mentoring VO talent. I don't believe you will find anything comparable that matches their professionalism, efficiency, and commitment to advancing your vocal agility. They will challenge you to put your best efforts into every aspect of VO as well as the business that surrounds it The amount of information and advice that is given to you is invaluable. The Best is right here. Go for it!! read more

Just finished with my demo reel. I am so impressed with the amount of professionalism and caring that come from sound advice. Kate started by responding to me after I contacted them. Its not common for the owner of a company to contact me back. Jeff the gentleman that produced my demo was amazing and was really attentative to my voice and what would stand out. Thanks to everyone for such great work and I hope that anyone looking to start a voice over career, look no farther than Sound Advice. read more

I have found Sound Advice to be professional, supportive, and proactive in providing training, guidance and the specific tools necessary to take a voiceover career to the next level. In addition, they have expert graphic designers, web designers, engineers and even go-to printers to make your business launch as simple and affordable as possible. Kate is a wellspring of industry wisdom and Jeff is a magnificent teacher and coach. These are great people to work with! read more

Whether you're new to the VO business or a seasoned professional, Sound Advice is simply the best at what they do. They give you all the tools necessary to be successful in this business. Their training is outstanding and their staff is exceptional. Sound Advice is well worth the investment! read more