Lesson Info
Every student is unique and brings with them their own set of strengths and weaknesses. I heard about a famous football coach who begins each season teaching his team to tie their shoes. He says that it is essential to know how to tie your shoes in order to be able to play the game. In a similar manner, I believe that foundational principles are essential to being able to sing authentically and beautifully...be it pop, musical theater, opera, or jazz.
It is amazing how when we return to what the body does naturally (breath, posture, onset of tone, resonance, vowel and consonant formation), the voice soars with freedom and vibrancy---and becomes an authentic manifestation of the singer. Lessons are designed to identify the areas in which the student excels and in which the student needs work. We do this with an emphasis on vocalises that aid in identifying and assisting in improving the issues. We then transfer what we are learning in vocalises to literature.
Voice lessons are fun and should be!
Work can be hard, but it should be fun, like a child on a play ground. We have all seen children fall down while playing, get right back up, and continue playing. As we work on the voice, there are times when we fall, or when things are not working like we want, and then we get back up and keep on playing. Every week, the goal is that you leave with a better understanding of your own voice and have the tools needed to play throughout the week.
For existing students, you can pay for your lessons by clicking on the link below:
Lesson Payment
From My Students
"I began taking lessons from Stephen Edwards with the simple idea of producing more consistent vowel sounds throughout my range for an upcoming performance. We worked on my performance, but the more important result was that I began a journey to learn to embrace my own sound and to free my voice to sing repertoire I would never have attempted.
Stephen has an incredible ear and he knows exactly the sound that my voice should make if everything is working properly. Even so, he still takes the time to listen to how I perceive my voice and then he patiently explains what he is asking for, in several different ways, when I can’t quite translate his instructions into action. The work can sometimes be difficult or frustrating for me, but Stephen is an energetic teacher and he remains engaged and encouraging throughout our entire session.
As an amateur musician with a distinguished career singing with the Naperville Chorus I have studied with Stephen off and on over the past seven years. Every time I go back he is able to find something new for me to work on or he reminds me of something I had let slide. It always makes a huge difference in my voice."
Jeremy K.
"I have learned that I need to embrace the uniqueness of the voice I have. Stephen has taught me to just sing me... not to try to mimic or copy other people which only serves to mess up my technique and make me inauthentic.
I have learned immense amounts about diction and conveying a story and wrapping my "mouth" around the words. I have learned to actually do less... that singing should be energetic, but easy, too... and I especially love how he has taught me to sing more conversationally, with what I call a small mouth- to sing where I speak!!
Stephen is a supportive, encouraging and honest teacher. In a kind way, he gives constructive criticism. He lifts you up as a student, acting as part psychologist and teacher and mentor. My successes are that I sing more honestly and conversationally. I used to push a lot, but he has taught me to embrace my pure tone without manipulating things. It is a continuing journey of course!
I have learned to breathe more easily, to relax and enjoy the gift God has given me!"
Cynthia G.