It has been 20 years since I first met and began training with Pandeli Lazaridi. I was an aspiring musical theatre actress but had always struggled with singing. Even though I didn't have the natural talent most professional entertainers start with, Pandeli assured me that he could develop my voice and help me achieve my dreams. After working with some other well-known voice coaches with little results, I was skeptical but intrigued. We began working together twice a week. Pandeli's methods were completely different from anything else I had tried or been taught. Instead of starting with the traditional and repetitious scales, he had me doing very specific breathing exercises; sometimes bent over at the waist to better feel the mechanics. His understanding of how the entire human body works to support and correctly activate the voice is nothing short of genius. These are still my go-to warmups before each and every performance. Within months Pandeli had me comfortably singing beautiful arias and music that I never would have even dreamed possible. We trained for musical theatre auditions and roles, special performances, recitals and competing in the Miss America Organization. With his guidance I was honored to be crowned Miss San Diego and place in the Top 10 at Miss California performing one of my favorite Puccini arias. I have also been able to work solely as a professional entertainer my entire adult life, and so much of that is attributable to him. The impact Pandeli has had on my life is beyond measure. I will never be able to repay him for the tremendous lessons - both life and vocal - he has taught me thus far, or for his unwavering love and friendship. He is kind and patient with a delightful sense of humor and does an incredible job of explaining his techniques. He truly cares and invests himself in each and every one of his students. Pandeli's passion and love of music, the voice and life are completely infectious, and make you want to push yourself to new heights. If you are considering learning how to sing, or perhaps you already do but need help advancing or repairing your instrument, Pandeli is the only coach you will need. He is by far the absolute best, and we are more than lucky to have him here in San Diego. read more

For the first half of my life I did not sing and I have no natural singing talent. A little over 20 years ago I decided that people who sing in amateur groups were having fun and I would like to be able to do that. So I started taking voice lessons. Over the next two years I took lessons from three different professional voice teachers and each had good teaching credentials. They all recognized I was not singing correctly but none could teach me how to change what I was doing from where I was to where I needed to be. Then I started taking lessons from Pandeli Lazaridi and I found that he has better knowledge of how the singing voice works that any of the previous teachers. And he uses voice exercise techniques that are different than any of the other three teachers. Those techniques have been able to change my singing significantly so that I can now sing reasonably well at an amateur level. It is my opinion that most voice teachers have naturally sung well themselves so they have never needed to understand all the details of the basic physiology of how the voice works. Pandeli has spent years analyzing the voice so he knows the voice physiology well and how to move a person's voice production from one level to an improved level. He has developed specific exercises that my other teachers did not use and that have worked well for me. I would highly recommend Pandeli as a teacher to anyone that wants to improve their singing, no matter what level they are starting at. read more

After more than 20 years of private voice lessons I can honestly say that Pandeli is my favorite and the most effective teacher. Even after Broadway national tours, numerous Off-Broadway shows, 30 regional musicals and 5 operas and all the teachers I've had before and since I still use Pandeli's methods above them all. In fact I still have two recordings of our lessons together from many years ago and still use them to this day before my big auditions. I listen to his lessons not only for the unconventional, but VERY effective, technique but to listen to our conversations during the lesson. His delightful humor, his words of encouragement and passionate belief in the arts and in me come pouring out of the speakers every time I listen to them. He is a rare combination of a brilliant vocal coach and someone with genuine compassion for each student. I am now honored to call him a long time friend and have kept in touch with him over the years. In fact I just discovered the script to a cabaret I did with him in SD many years ago and had trouble wiping the grin off of my face while reading through it, being transported back to a wonderful time working with my friend Pandeli! I could not recommend him high enough! Thank you Pandeli for your friendship and for giving me the tools necessary to have the career I've had! read more

Today I enjoy singing with a free and full voice that has great tone throughout all my registers. I have an understanding of supported singing that allows me to not over blow my resonators.... its a balance and an understanding that can be gained by working with Pandeli Lazaridi. His method offers wisdom that rings true as soon as applied. A certain epiphany occurs when things vocally line up. Suddenly you are making sounds you never knew you could, freely, but with a balanced support. When Pandeli's techniques take hold, you will find yourself singing songs/arias you wouldn't dare approach. You will experience an increased vocal range almost immediately. Truly a teacher with a great understanding of the human voice, especially for the classical singer. but also, for anyone who wants a better understanding of their vocal instrument . Once in an early lesson, Pandeli said to me, "Elizabeth, your voice is like a Mac truck now, but I'm going to turn it into a Maserati." I do believe he did. as now I can really make the turns! Love you Pandeli, Thank you for all your patience through all those years! My music studio is thriving because of you too... -Elizabeth Podsiadlo aka www.theOperaSingingChef.com read more

Pandeli is an absolute gem! I've been studying voice off & on for nearly 13 years. I've had several voice coaches. I've learned different things from each one. Pandeli is hands down my favorite voice instructor for classical, opera, & musical theater. He also teaches popular music. I have gained so much, so quickly during my one year working with him. I truly can't say enough about his technique & understanding of voice. He is also the best voice coach for finding the balance between challenging & supporting students. I recommend him for advanced vocalists with sight singing capacities or brand new beginners that don't read. His voice lessons are reasonably priced & he offers regular concerts showcasing talent from the Southern California musical community. My only critique is that the studio is funky but if you can get past that & the Lemon Grove location, you will be more than pleased with the quality of his work & your improved voice! Can't deal with the location? He now offers voice lessons & vocal coaching by Skype. read more

I have known Pandeli for years and I would like to recommend him to anyone who is considering taking voice lessons. He is truly a master at his craft. My daughter has taken voice lessons from him and I am impressed how much she has grown as a singer from his outstanding teaching style. He coaches children, adolescents and adults of all ages and will work with any music genre. Not only is he an amazing voice coach who produces great results in his students, but he's a wonderful, charming human being who enthusiastically works with each and every one of them so that they can accomplish their desired goals. Many of his students have won great awards and perform in varied venues. In my opinion, Pandeli is an amazing voice professional and a true delight. He is an inspiration!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!! read more

Pandeli is to most incredible vocal coach ever. He is incredibly patient and persistent when it comes to improving your musical ability. Seriously, you will not find another teacher like him. Believe me, when I first met him I was a little girl with an attitude who didn't believe she could hold a tune in a bucket. If you give him a chance, and let him work his wonderful Greek magic, you will be amazed at the quality of your singing. Not only is he my voice teacher, but he is now a friend. If you want a teacher that is knowledgeable and personable, Pandeli is your man. You just have to give him a chance, and trust he knows what he is doing (spoken from a girl who initially thought he was crazy but over the past 10 years learned she just needed to chill and trust him). read more

Pandeli is an INCREDIBLE teacher. He truly has a gift. He was able to activate my voice in a way I had never experienced before, all while making it fun and exciting. The lessons are set up that he plays piano while you sing on a mic. He has a vast knowledge of music and he picks music with such ease that pair perfectly with the style you are going for. His lessons and filled with unique skills and techniques to tune and train your voice. Each lesson I had propelled my voice further. When I walked in, I was so fearful of singing. He made it fun and cheered me on, and now I enjoy singing in front of others. I wish I stil lived in San Diego so that I could still take lessons from Pandeli!!! read more

Absolutely phenomenal voice coach! Pandeli is not your ordinary voice teacher. He is one of the most caring human beings you'll ever meet and is enthused about sharing his love of music to his students. Pandeli has helped shape my voice to a great extent and allowed me to feel confident to audition for several professional competitions and shows. As a student, be prepared to always give your 100% and I promise you that you will begin to see that you can sing high or low notes that you've never thought you were able to, be able to belt like you've never been able to, and overall SING like you've never been able to. 10/10 recommend! read more

Pandeli teaches voice in a manner that can be likened to physical therapy. Good voices will improve and beginners will learn to sing- all in a manner that protects your voice from harm. This is key. Your vocal chords will be delicately handled and developed. Many teachers will try to explain processes that aren't understood, and then set about to do them. With Pandeli, the explanation comes after you're already doing it. It was after I had new power in my voice that he explained I was now singing from my diaphragm. He's amazing. read more

I had the incredible opportunity of working with Pandeli on several small opera performances and events. I am not a singer and he was not my teacher but in many ways he was because his amazing professionalism proved to be invaluable as we put together these events. I watched him work with many singers and as he did he was able to bring out in them ; confidence , skill, and that beautiful instrument called a voice. I would recommend Pandeli as a coach, mentor and teacher for anyone pursuing singing. read more

Thankful & Grateful I worked with Pandeli Lazaridi for almost ten years. He transformed my voice from a young age. Thanks to his teaching about vocal support and athletic breathing, I entered my undergraduate voice studies leaps and bounds ahead of my peers. I am truly grateful for the inspiration, patience, and knowledge of this man. Although his methods are unorthodox, trust in him will truly change your life. Thanks to my foundation with Pandeli, I am now a choral and opera professional. read more

I have studied voice with a number of different teachers over the years. Lazarideus Voice Academy takes the cake. Pandeli has an uncanny ability to unleash voices, making them full, beautiful, and natural. I think anyone who wants to sing should make an appointment with him. He's a very likable guy and he really knows about voices. I have gained much more vocal freedom as well as a bigger range and a warmer sound through my lessons with him. read more

Pandeli is definitely the man to go to for vocal lessons. You actually get more than you bargained for! He teaches you to embrace your voice, your character, and overall being in order to be the best that you can be. He helps with acting and performing techniques for any theatre goers auditioning for musicals of their choice. Pandeli solely sticks to his belief that "Anyone can sing" and he is by far the best classic voice coach in San Diego! read more

Pandeli changed my life from a shy young girl to a confident young woman. I found my voice not only in terms of my musical talent but as a person who matters and has (MANY) things to say. (Now It is hard to keep me quiet.) Thank you Pandeli for over a decade of amazing voice training and even some great life advice. I got more than just voice training. I highly recommend!! read more

Pandeli is a voice coach like no other. He took me from a chair boy to a soloist in less than a year. His vocal techniques have improved my speaking voice so I am urged to do voice overs and go on stage in plays. read more

I came to Pandeli lacking confidence in my singing... he heard the voice within me and opened wide the range of possibilities... instilling within me the confidence to sing openheartedly... on point with heart. read more

Pandeli Lazaridi is a wonderful voice teacher! When my son's voice changed, Pandeli was instrumental in helping him find his new voice and taught him how to enunciate each sound. We are very appreciative! read more

I am a pianist and have accompanied some of Pandeli's students and I am impressed by the quality of the voices and musicianship of his students. Truly a wonderful teacher and coach. read more