Barbara Ryan

I trained classically for 10 years with high powered teachers that included Metropolitan Opera singers and students of the late, great Todd Duncan. None of them prepared me for singing day after day, week after week in difficult acoustic environments, and I strained my voice, necessitating a long, silent recovery time. Once I started recording, I learned a great deal about what goes on in the vocal instrument and sat down to completely restructure my approach to singing. The result is my teaching method: an ergonomic understanding of the instrument, with an emphasis on using the body's natural acoustics in conjunction with breathing techniques, relaxation and overall fitness. I'm also a mother and grandmother and have learned how best to draw out my students' strengths and interests. For students who are seeking improvement in their speaking voices rather than just singing (voice overs, theater et al) I can help you there as well. If you would like references, please let me know. My students!!! We always become friends because a successful teacher takes the time to learn so much about every one.