Jonathan is an EXTRAORDINARY voice lesson teacher. He is incredibly well-trained and a very personable instructor. In addition, his lessons are very helpful for students of all levels. I am a beginner in singing and truly enjoy his instruction. I highly recommend Jonathan for voice lessons! read more

HIGHLY RECOMMEND! If you want to learn how to sing well, Jonathan is the way to go. Not only does he have impeccable credentials (SF opera, gigs around the world), but he is also a very good teacher. I've been taking lessons from him for almost three years now. I started as a student in Davis, and continued even after graduation. He's very nice, funny, and personable - not hoity toity like you would expect an opera teacher to be. I really appreciate his patience and encouragement. I also appreciate the biannual recitals he organizes for his students. After three years of weekly lessons, I had the chance to perform four times at UC Davis and four times at the Berkeley City Club. I can't recommend him highly enough. He is like the Burj-al-Arab Dubai hotel of voice instructors - 7/5 stars! read more

One year ago around this time, on the 1st of August to be exact, I came into John's voice studio at Berkeley City Club with only some high school and college chorus experience and not really knowing much what to expect from furthering my singing voice with a professional. Now, a year later, I can assure you---if you're serious about singing and is considering Jonathan---he is absolutely marvelous at teaching singing voice. Not only is he an all-around professional musician with lots of experiences in voice and piano, but he's also a very caring and encouraging music mentor. John makes singing both fun and challenging as he tries to hold vocal recitals for all his students every term. Over the last year, he has helped me build very strong and healthy singing techniques, out of which I've started to develop more musicality as a prospective music professional. The most important thing I've learned from John is that it does takes time and practice for my singing voice to grow and develop healthily. Perhaps it's just something every serious singer needs to bear in mind. My own training with John shows that an experienced voice teacher with good musical ears and understandings of vocal development can undoubtedly help a student achieve his musical goal more efficiently. Positive vocal results will show if you persevere wholeheartedly through his rigorous vocal training and with, of course, constant practice on your own. Give John a try and you'll see how such a vocal investment will be worth it for a singer-musician in the long run. read more

If you are looking for a fantastic classically trained singer for your wedding, special service or as a romantic birthday surprise for your partner, Jonathan Nadel has the chops, expertise, professionalism and heart to bring your event to a whole new level. When I heard Jonathan Nadel perform Allerseelen by Strauss, I was quite taken by his subtle and dynamic handling of the piece. His masterful command of both low and high registers made the music sing, as it were. His Sento Nel Core by Stefano Donaudy felt like tender, yet truly innovative MODERN classical take on a composer who lived between 1879 - 1925. Instead of an 'old school' familiar sound, I found Jonathan to be a classical singer for TODAY'S discerning ear. read more

I started studying with Jonathan as a freshman music major at UC Davis. I continued after college since we both live in the Bay Area. Overall, I was his students for almost 11 years! I only had to stop because I moved out of the area. I of course have nothing but great things to say. I give Jonathan credit for the health my voice has been able to sustain over the years, continued opportunities to perform through recitals twice a year and a confidence in singing that I never used to have. Jonathan is easy to work with and versatile with styles. Over the years, I've sung everything ranging from classical to jazz, musical theater, pop, folk, and more. I always felt comfortable singing with him and trying new things with my voice. He is kind and very encouraging and his advice towards vocal health is very important! I feel like I also learned how to talk in a way that doesn't strain or make me lose my voice thanks to him (I teach elementary school so I have to talk all day). I recommend Jonathan highly! read more

Let's imagine a young French student in the US, totally crazy about Broadway musicals, having done 6 years of voice classes in Paris ... I thought I knew the basics of the singing technique etc. But I was wrong, so wrong ! Studying with Jonathan allowed me to reveal my voice, to try the impossible : singing in the Broadway style ! His great knowledge of vocal techniques and acting skills, as well as his wonderful ability to make a student reveal all his emotions on stage, especially during the recitals organized within the Studio, are just priceless ! This year with Jonathan helped me gain confidence, skills and a full voice technique for musical theater. Finding him was the luckiest done I had during this year abroad ! Audrey A. read more

I think every dedicated student wishes to find that perfect teacher, the white-haired old guru sitting cross legged on a mountaintop, who slowly reveals the wisdom of the universe. Jon Nadel is that teacher. He's much younger of course, but I assume he hangs out on mountain tops when he's not teaching. Jon knows everything about singing. With his Jedi-like musical powers, he can hear the shape of my tongue and see the breath moving inside me. He always seems to know why I am not producing the best possible sound, where I am holding tension, and where my posture is hurting me. He delivers these corrections without the least trace of condescension, which put me at ease given my self consciousness in the early lessons. Jon is relentlessly patient and supportive with his students. He is one of those special people who fills those around him with dignity and enthusiasm for the arts. He has inspired me to study music at Columbia University in NY-- a prospect that didn't seem possible one year ago. And while I am excited for the change, I still miss my teacher. read more

I took about 15 months of lessons with Jonathan, and would take more if I weren't moving. I've learned so much about my voice and how to use it, in a way that was never pedantic and always encouraging. He was very accommodating with my desired repertoire, including Jazz and Pop/Rock, and helped me establish a vocal foundation that transfers for all genres. He holds semi-annual vocal recitals that allowed me and other students to have something to work towards and experience performing. Couldn't recommend him higher! read more

I have been taking voice lessons with Mr. Nadel for about 2 years and this review is long over due. He is an incredible teacher and musician. He is always accommodating, and communicates well outside of lessons. Although classically trained, Mr. Nadel is very knowledgeable about many styles of music. He plays the piano like a professional though he doesn't admit it. He is very accomplished yet humble and amicable. I have seen myself grow so much and am so happy I found such an amazing teacher. He has taught me how to sing in a healthy way that has allowed me to access more of my range and enrich the tone of my voice. I can't wait to see where the next few years of lessons takes me! My only regret is that I didn't start my lessons with him sooner! read more

Jonathan is a great teacher, one of the best I've had musically. For background I've studied under 4 private instructors, two in the violin and two in voice, and Jonathan is the best I've had. He's very welcoming and isn't overbearing or easy to frustrate (which, if you've had ANY experience with multiple music teachers, you've probably experienced at least one who did frustrate easy). He gives constructive criticism, and is very enthusiastic about his students performances and their achievements. read more

Have you ever dreaded giving a public presentation, as a soft spoken person? Public speaking is not my forte. Unfortunately, I've often delegated the presentations of my work to those with stronger voices. Jonathan Nadel is an incredible, accomodating teacher who transformed me into a strong presenter, ready to climb the corporate ladder, or jungle gym, as Sheryl Sandberg calls it. Jonathan's talent, skill and humor made a huge difference in my ability to give professional presentations. Jonathan showed me how to find a clear resonate voice that I didn't know that I had! He had me laughing out loud through the lesson, which kept my vocal chords relaxed. Most of all, I was amazed that such a true artist with a fabulous voice would also be such a gifted, patient teacher! If you can relate to my situation, then I hope that you, too, can be fortunate enough to work with Jonathan Nadel! read more

I do not know very much about music except that I really, really love it!! I have no plans to sing professionally, but I started taking voice lessons with Jonathan Nadel because I thought it might be fun to learn to sing better.. My mom asked around for good singing teachers and we were referred to Jonathan. He is.. one of the nicest people I have ever met. I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to work with this outstanding individual, who is amazing in so many different ways. I have been taking lessons with him for about 2.5 years. I played the piano when I was younger, and hope to relearn it.. I have been a great lover of music all my life. Jonathan has been encouraging me to noodle around on my new digital keyboard daily, if I can. He is much, much more than a voice teacher. He definitely knows music, but he is also a very kindhearted, understanding, compassionate human being. We have a lot of fun improving my voice and my singing skills, but I have also been through many different experiences during the last couple years, and he has been very kind and patient with me, even giving me good, sound advice when I ask him for it. He is one of those very rare, special people who touches your heart and soul and makes a lasting impression. I can say honestly that he is one of my favorite people. I can always count on him to be kind and truthful with me. A truly exceptional, grounded human being! He's also very, very funny! So naturally gifted!! I cannot say enough good things about him. It has been such a great privilege to work with him. If you want a teacher who loves music and will teach you to sing with your heart and soul, and have a great, fun time learning, I recommend Jonathan Nadel!! Unless you have no interest in music, you'll only be sorry if you do not take advantage of this fabulous opportunity!! Thank you. read more