Kim Stern Vocal Studio

Introduction: Kim Stern has been teaching private voice lessons, vocal performance workshops and voice technique workshops to individuals and groups around the world for over 15 years. Her studio is based in Midtown Manhattan, right in the heart of Times Square. Kim’s studio has been represented in over 50 Broadway shows and national tours, as well as numerous off-Broadway and regional productions. Her clients also include recording artists, opera singers, cabaret artists, and public speakers. Her teaching style has been called, “inspiring”, “innovative” and “encouraging”. Bringing years of experience to the table, she keys into each performer's individual needs, presenting the tools needed to bring their work to the next level. About the Lesson: Generally, the lesson is started with unique vocal exercises, breath work and relaxation techniques. Kim’s technique is based on the idea that the voice is an instrument of the body: if we are holding physical tension, we are likely to be holding vocal tension. She incorporates ideas stemming from Alexander Technique, Kristin Linklater, Estill, Bel Canto, Patsy Rodenburgh, yoga techniques, and Feldenkrais in conjunction with her own methods. The exercises are designed specifically for each student to help release tension and to discover and strengthen the voice through that release. From there, we will explore the different shades that help to identify the several different styles of vocal performance: contemporary musical theatre, standard musical theatre, pop, rock, country, jazz, r&b, and classical, and the list goes on. As the lesson progresses, we will apply this work to a piece of music. Kim has a full, diverse library and is adept at helping students find unique repertoire, exploring correct keys and customizing cuts for audition purposes. She is also able to transcribe music and create arrangements for students at an additional cost. Kim’s goal as a teacher is to help each student discover and maintain a healthy and unique instrument, feel confident in each presentation of their gifts and to truly enjoy the art of singing. Lesson Menu: The Gold Standard: This is a one-hour lesson starting with breath and body work and continuing on to vocal technique. Exercises are specifically crafted to build on each individual's needs. From there, we will work on repertoire: either polishing a piece from your book, discovering new material, creating the perfect 16-bar cut, or arranging your material to help you to truly shine! The Half Monty: This is a 30-minute work session. Generally, we would focus either completely on technique or completely on repertoire in these sessions. The 9-1-1: It's the emergency call, a 15-minute express service. It's perfect for a quick brush-up before a callback or audition. The Double Dipper: This is a one-hour lesson for two people! It is great for saving some dough in this challenging economy. Team up with a friend, and do joint warm-ups for 20 minutes, and then spend the remaining time working on material for 20 minutes each. The Vocal Spa: This is a full hour and a half of true vocal luxury. This lesson starts with 20 minutes of breath and body work. From there, we can either do a full 40-minute warm-up followed by 30 minutes of repertoire work or do a 20-minute-warm up followed by one full hour of repertoire work. Ask about our special rates for packages of 5 lessons or more. More about Kim: As a young professional performer, Kim began her study of the voice at an early age. She went on to receive a BFA in musical theatre from Ithaca College and continued to develop her teaching technique through extensive work with several accredited professionals and her own personal exploration. She has taught numerous workshops and classes to groups, including the Vocal Performance class for Young People at Broadway Dance Center. Recently, Kim helped to establish the curriculum for the Musical Theatre Conservatory Program at New York Film Academy. She was also seen on Good Morning America coaching anchor, Bianna Golodryga, for her Broadway debut. She recently produced The Broadway Warm-Up, a completely synchronized vocal and dance warm-up for performers that can be completed in under 30 minutes with her collaborator and business partner, Broadway veteran Deidre Goodwin. For more information on The Broadway Warm-Up, check out our website. As a performer, Kim has performed on Broadway, on National tours, in film and television, and has done commercial and voice-over work. She has also sung at Carnegie Hall with Bruce Springsteen and in the world concert, Live- Aid. Some other career highlights include working with legends, such as Hal Prince, Jule Styne, Comden and Green, Martha Raye, Martin Charnin, and Danny Kaye. Most recently, she was seen playing Catherine Martin in the Off-Broadway hit: Silence!The Musical.