This is an amazing group of people from a large variety of backgrounds, identities, and religious…read morefaiths (or no faiths!) connecting in harmony through the amazing power of gospel music. This is an Oakland institution!!!

I absolutely love singing in the choir. This brings so much joy and inclusion to many people…read more Join the community choir, we practice 1/mo and perform several times a year. See oigc.org/oicc.

Rebecca is the best voice coach I could have ever hoped for! She is a talented, consistent, kind,…read morecompassionate, patient, and generous human being. I love working with Rebecca as she has coached out my inner singer / songwriter and fueled my creative endeavors. I have passionately re-engaged in music after decades of hiatus and just released a single on iTunes and Spotify. Rock on Rebecca!

I devoted ten years to studying voice with Rebecca Jones. More, if you count the summers I…read morereturned to Marin from college and begged for a lesson or two to brush up. Rebecca not only transformed my voice, but she helped me find my sense of self, guided me through my troublesome adolescent years, championed my successes, and mourned my losses. Calling her a mentor is an understatement, but it's the word that comes to mind. Today, I am a working actor in New York. I still use Rebecca's techniques and continue to contact her with news of my life, both personal and professional. Go schedule a lesson before her calendar fills up. Samantha C.

For a real surprise after we said "I do" and were pronounced husband and wife, we had Jim sneek out…read moreat just the right moment to pipe us down the aisle and out to the cocktail hour. I think a lot of people enjoyed the surprise, particularly my proud Irish family! It also gave things a unique spin, and made for some amazing photos as the piper, clad in traditional attire, lead the entire wedding party as if the pied piper! Jim was really easy to work with and arrange details with. He sent me both a photo and a tape of some songs. His rate is also quite reasonable! He really added something special to our day!

My husband and I are a huge fan, Jim played at our wedding over 9 years ago and then played at the…read morereception, and he was amazing. He has since played for us at church and it is always a delight. If you are thinking of having a Pipe Major at any event this is the one to have!

Working with Wynde has been one of the most meaningful parts of my creative journey. Over the past…read moretwo years, they have guided me into a deeper relationship with my breath, body, and voice. What makes Wynde so unique is that they bring both technical expertise and a depth of inner work that allows them to hold a space that is truly safe, fierce, and healing. Our sessions helped me unlock parts of my voice I didn't even know were there. I found myself more playful, more willing to explore, and more able to trust the sound that wanted to come through me. Wynde encouraged me to listen closely, to let my voice move through breath and movement, and to form a relationship with the soundscape around me. These practices opened up not just my singing but also my creativity as an artist. I always left feeling lighter, more connected, and more in touch with myself. Wynde has the rare ability to meet you exactly where you are, whether you are working through something difficult or wanting to expand your artistic expression. They are a true healer and someone whose work is a gift to anyone fortunate enough to experience it.

As a nonbinay person I tried to have speech therapy with her but not only did she not understand my…read moregender identity but the therapy itself was very low quality. Most of her positive reviews most possibly from her collegues, especially one of the practice she is partnered with has a specific social media (care) team manage everything. stay away from her by all means folks!

This new musical, with book and lyrics by Tanya Shaffer and music and lyrics by Vienna Teng is…read morequite impressive for a new production opening in a small, local venue. Of course, with a talent as adept as Ms. Teng's my expectations were rather high, but I was not disappointed. The story by Tanya Shaffer is well-crafted, contemporary and relevant, and the realization is this debut small budget production is pulled off well, leaving one with the impression that the musical has legs, and could scale up to even Broadway standards given the requisite budget. Teng's compositions are up to her standards, the lyrics throughout work, and develop the story without feeling contrived. The integration of humor is mostly successful. This production at the Ashby Stage in Berkeley and directed by Matt August is realized simply but effectively. A lot of cast members are doubling roles, but the production does have a quite competent live pit band, albeit up in the loft, and the blocking and lighting are well thought out and executed. The cast is perhaps only slightly hindered by the limited local market, but their voices are strong, and pleasingly on key, and their acting ranges from the passable to the quite good. While the wardrobe is pedestrian, it fits the bill, especially at this level of production. This is a well-written, composed and produced musical, and it is well worth the low price of entry for this premier production of what may well become a critically acclaimed new musical.

I loved this production! I found it musically exciting, and the premise was very powerful: what if…read morethe Buddha were born as a 20th c. woman? It's hard to handle spiritual and religious subjects without being too saccharine, and this musical strikes just the right notes of humor, skepticism, poignancy, and genuine spirituality. As a long time Buddhist, I was also impressed with the accuracy of the teachings in the production. A particular thumbs-up to the scenes in the retreat center, which had me on the floor, first with laughter and then with tears. I saw a pre-opening performance, and the ending was the only part that felt a little too pat to me, but don't let that keep you from going....I'm sure they've gotten feedback from others too, and will be continuing to refine it during the run. Just really great!

Zabrina, the owner and founder of SF Guild of the Arts is one of the most engaged and energized…read morepeople I have met in my life. If you call her for professional reasons she responds immediately. If you invite her to a party you know she will rule the night. When I met Zabrina I knew it would be a life long connection.

Susan, who teaches, the classes for Voice Media (it's also known as Susan & Friends) comes from a…read morestrong theatrical background and has been teaching these classes in the Bay Area for years. If you'll look at her website you can see all the other services that Voice Media offers (demo tapes, coaching, etc). The best part about taking voice lessons from Susan is that even if you are just a beginner (or someone who is considering entering the field) you won't feel intimidated in her class--and, best of all, you'll learn about the field from a real pro.

I met Susan back in SF when she was doing her drop-in workshops. The information she gave was…read moreinvaluable, From how to behave in a studio to analyzing a script and how to deliver a golden read. Anyone considering getting in to voiceover, or in need of a tune up couldn't do better than to work with her!

Having taken voice lessons off and on for many years, I am amazed at how Christa's techniques for…read moreteaching correct breathing and emphasis on vowels has improved my voice and allowed me to sing songs with more clarity. She is supportive, honest, helps me to find the best songs for my voice, and has found ways to get rid of my bad habits. I hadn't taken lessons for 15 years. Decided it was my last chance at age 81. That was a year ago and I'm so glad I did. And it's on Zoom!

Christa has been my voice teacher for a year and a half. Though she is a professional, she is also…read morepatient and human. I wanted to learn to sing because I felt connected to my voice. She has helped me deal with the emotional baggage and enjoy knowing my range while learning songs I love, and I have attempted without her guidance. Also, Christa helps me speak more clearly and develop vocal awareness. I love working with Christa!