Merrily is amazing, I had an injury to my vocal chords from a surgery and Merrily, instead of…read morerecommending surgery (like the vocal coaches I had previously interviewed), recommended a wholistic approach that has been everything I wanted from this process. Merrily's approach is very fluid, she has a million ways of approaching the individual and guiding their process. I have felt nothing but peaceful and at home when talking even the biggest of issues with my voice. I can't recommend her enough.

Merrily works miracles with voices :). When I started taking lessons from her, I just assumed I…read morewould never be able to sing on key or understand how to use my voice. I started lessons, as a 50+ year old just because I enjoyed singing and wanted to try to improve, just in case it was possible. Merrily patiently built up voice exercises and was so encouraging at each step of the way. She made sure to understand what I was after and explained what each exercise was meant for and how to practice. Soon I actually surprised myself and was able to recognize notes and be able to sing on key with a strengthened voice. I recommend Merrily highly as a teacher, and if you are lucky enough for her to have open space in her teaching schedule, you should take lessons with her.

It may be that I arrived in Austin with a bit of an attitude. Hailing from New York City, I…read morethought that the best voice teachers and coaches could only be found there. Well, five minutes in Matt's presence put me in my place - his knowledge is equaled only by his enthusiasm and kindness. Nothing escapes his attention and he instantly can hear faults and weaknesses in a voice, which he immediately addresses, without ever making the singer (me) feel inadequate. As much as I appreciate his great ear, I am so impressed with his innate and unerring sense of what is exactly appropriate in any song. He knows just how a line should be phrased and how to coax a singer to deliver their best version. Right from my first lesson with Matt, I could feel the exercises he gave me begin to strengthen the middle of my range, always my weakest link. Without having to force, indeed, by removing any tendency to push or strain, I can sense a part of my voice I had always resigned myself to gloss over begin to get stronger. Matt seems indefatigable. His energy level and attention to detail never wanes during class and the recording that I take home not only reinforces the principles he teaches during class, but gives me the added value of a practice vehicle until we meet again. Whether you come from the professional stage or are thinking of taking up singing for the first time in your life, Matt Ramsey is the most talented voice teacher to help you realize your goals.

Matt is awesome. The main thing about him is he's not intimidating or pretentious, yet knows his…read morestuff inside and out. This is important because singing can affect a person very deeply and feeling comfortable with somebody teaching it to you is a rarity. Matt will help you work on whatever you need in terms of fundamentals and also will help you with songs at the same time. I have gotten random compliments like never before about my singing since I have been going to him. 110% worth every penny.

My daughter and I have been taking lessons with Virginia for a little while now. We're so lucky to…read morehave found her! She's really helped us with her vocal exercises to strengthen our voices and gain control. She's so warm and understanding and has such a great connection with her students. That was the first thing that I noticed about her when we went to observe one her "sing club" performances. She's such a great communicator. Oh, and can *she* sing! What a treat if she ever breaks out with one of her show tunes or one of her original works. She's amazing!

Virginia is a gem of a vocal coach and human being. I was initially hesitant to invest in formal…read morevoice lessons, but from the very moment I spoke with Virginia on the phone about lessons, all of my anxiety melted away. The best part about Virginia's approach is how she meets each student where they are at, and helps them reach their fullest potential as a vocalist and performer. Whether you have prior experience or it is your first time singing, Virginia molds her technique and coaching to hone your voice and uncover your inner talent. Yes, she teaches you how to sing. But more importantly, she listens and determines how to bring out the best in you. I've always loved singing, but never had any confidence in my own abilities. Virginia steadily built a confidence in me that I didn't think was possible, and helped me ease into the idea of performing in front of an audience through her Sing Clubs and band shows. She was the perfect blend of patient and challenging, pushing me out of my comfort zone to experience the beauty of singing in front of an audience. Everyone is incredibly supportive in the Sing Club, and these valuable sessions have made me proud and inspired to continue putting myself out there as a vocalist and to incorporate more music into my life. I felt a strong sense of community and love from the other students, even from our first session. If you're on the fence about taking voice lessons, I highly encourage you to work with Virginia. She'll make it well worth your while and open your heart and mind to the power that singing can have on your well-being.

I have been a musician and singer all my life but have had some trouble understanding the theories…read morebehind correct singing and their practical applications. I have always known I needed help with certain aspects of my singing, but I didn't even know how to explain what I needed help with in a way that made sense. With Chris I feel I am finally going somewhere better with my voice and my understanding of what singing is. The first thing you notice when you are getting acquainted is that Chris has a pleasant and gracious presence. He is also fun/funny, yet task-oriented. I would imagine with his personality he could make any man, woman or child, whether an experienced vocalist or not, feel at ease enough to bust out singing and get to work! Chris is so good at telling you 1) what to work on 2) exactly how to work on it and 3) explaining why it will help, which is huge for me. After my first lesson I found myself practicing techniques and exercises he taught me and I almost jumped out of my skin at how much better he'd already made me. Teaching singing seems to be second nature to Chris. I truly feel he holds all the good info to give people to help them excel. Definitely try his lessons, whether you want to learn how to sing for the first time, get better at singing, or already sound like Mariah Carey but just want someone cool to hang out with!

When you have nobody to give you any honest feedback other than say a recording device you can play…read moreback to yourself, it's kinda hard what exactly is the issue. I've had to figure it out on my own, but with a teacher the one on one that a choir director does not have time for, has been the BEST feedback I could possibly have. It gave me confidence and a sense of where I am musically.

I can't put into words how happy I am to have found Virginia. I've been singing backup vocals for a…read morefew years by just winging it, and always lacked confidence and structure that might help me feel good about my singing. I'm finding that confidence through working with Virginia. I love her organized teaching system; she provides enough structure to give you a path to follow while leaving plenty of room to be intuitive. I like her focus on placement, a concept I didn't even know existed beforehand. And I love her focus on grounding into yourself and seeking your own true expression of voice. I was lucky to meet Virginia just before the pandemic hit, so I had a few sessions in person at her studio in Wimberley. Since then we've worked through Zoom and it's been great. Virginia introduced me to the 'Original Sound' setting in Zoom, and with that set our virtual sessions are just as productive as being in the same room. Of course, nothing beats the vibe of being live in person, and I can't wait to get back there, but in the meantime I'm able to use this time to do the work I need to do. And Virginia is a great guide on that journey. She's always supportive, and very knowledgeable. She knows all the tricks to get me out of my head and into my true voice.

Virginia helped me so much with techniques to physically relax and focus, so I would be clear and…read morecalm when I presented in front of a camera. She also helped me breaking down some habits of thought and beliefs that were kind of stuck in my voice patterns. I felt very cleared up and ready to perform when i left. Virginia is authentically warm, intuitively and knows what she is doing. Thanks!

After studying voice off-and-on for many years, I recently moved to Georgetown and began studying…read morevoice with Sarah Stokes. I am totally delighted to have found such a talented and knowledgeable teacher! Sarah brings years of experience as both a professional singer and teacher who truly understands the art and techniques of voice and loves what she does. Sarah communicates very well so that I can apply her techniques and hear my singing improve! This is the reward of working with an excellent teacher. I highly recommend Sarah Stokes as your voice teacher. Sharon D.

Sarah has been my voice and piano instructor for the last 2.5 years. Prior to Sarah, I never had…read morevoice lessons; however, I did have 9 years of piano up through high school. After pausing for 37 years..., I decided to get back into it :) Sarah has been a wonder and a joy with which to work. She is a classically trained musician and in the past a professional singer and college professor. She brings a deliberate approach to voice and piano instructions that will help build any student's craft and skills. I have some specific goals for myself, so at times we focus on piano and then other times on voice. Sarah has been very open and flexible working with me to reach my goals. Sarah has taught me a much more nuanced approach to my piano playing that was lacking in high school. As for singing, my voice is miles beyond when I started. If Sarah can teach me to sing, then she can teach you!

Paula was my instructor for the better part of a year. She was fantastic! I learned more than I…read morecould have expected, and lessons were surprisingly fun. Paula was respectful about my time in regard to scheduling and understanding that people learn at different paces. She was always patient. I would happily take lessons with her again!

Paula Maya gave a wonderful performance for my fundraising event! She is so professional and guests…read morewere absolutely delighted with her set. It feels amazing to support local musicians and Paula is definitely a crowd favorite!

I have seen a huge change in just 3 lessons!!! She is kinda miracle worker!!! She is the coach for…read moremy amazing singer gal pal, Hannah Weison, whose mom, Amy Casey Weison is one of my families most favorite people and wedding/portrait photographer in Austin!! So Hannah got me inspired and the mommy's made it happen::))) yay for Penney and Amy!! But you will get so much even in one session from her!! And she recorded each session and gives you a CD to listen back to!! She also is diligent about not "free chatting" and keeps us doing work the whole time!! I just feel it shows her respect for my time, as well as for hers:))) I may be a life long student with her if I can keep it on my schedule!!! Oh and mom was sounding different by the end of one session as well... And we are so going to be the next Judds::;)) and with Lauris help I really believe we can do it!!

I have been taking lessons with Laurie since 2010. I started in my late 30s, having never sung…read morebefore. I was extremely nervous about taking lessons because I figured I'd just frustrate any teacher with my lack of experience. What I found was Laurie is very encouraging. I had intended to maybe go a year of lessons - enough to help with song leading at church. I have kept going because I see continual improvement. One of my daughters started attending a few months after I began at the age of 9. Laurie is very patient with young students, and she has been a true blessing in my daughter's life and she has grown up. Laurie has not only taught her how to sing, but also how to enjoy singing and has been a great role model to her. The technique used by Laurie is different from what you may experience with other instructors. This method works very well. I have been to many studio recitals and I have seen the difference this method has made with her students. You will not go wrong taking lessons with her.