FAQs

Who are your clients and students?

I work with a variety of singers/performers and professional voice users. My voice therapy practice and singing studio includes singers from every musical genre: Musical Theatre, Opera/Classical, Rock, Pop, Jazz, Singer-Songwriters.  I specialize in working with singers who have a diagnosed vocal fold injury, as well as non-injured singers who want to develop great vocal technique. I also work with speakers and voice professionals who use their voice extensively and need to improve the general quality of their voice.

What type of voice disorders/ vocal injuries do you treat?

I work with a variety of laryngeal pathologies that disrupt normal vocal fold function. These include (but are not limited to) : Hyper/Hypo misfunction of the larynx caused by abuse or misuse, trauma induced by surgery, intubation, external laryngeal trauma; Muscle Tension Dysphonia; Edema; Nodules; Polyps; Contact Ulcerations; Submucosal Cysts; Paresis; Bowing; Hemorrhage; Presbylaryngis;  Paradoxical Vocal Fold Movement (PVFM); Neurological Conditions (Parkinson’s, Tremor, Spasmodic Dysphonia)

What’s the difference between a Voice Therapist and a Singing Teacher?

This can be a complicated question. There are, indeed, lots of differences.   Generally, Voice Therapists (SLP’s) are educated and trained as clinicians to treat a variety of voice disorders.  The SLP has extensive clinical experience and holds national and state licensure and certification. However, this does not mean that every SLP is qualified to work with damaged voices, and particularly singers. Many licensed  SLP’s have limited knowledge about the voice.  They specialize in other areas. This is why most practitioners who DO specialize in voice are labeled “voice therapists.”  We are able to interpret a medical diagnosis and utilize the proper rehabilitation to address any physical or functional abnormalities of the larynx. There is no one exercise that will “save your voice.”  

Some therapy techniques that are presented on social media and in voice studios can actually be detrimental for certain voice disorders. To become a voice therapist requires lots of study, hours of training and clinical experience.  

I am happy to say that more and more singers are becoming SLP’s and specializing in voice. I am proud to have mentored several of them.

The singing teacher may differ from the SLP/voice therapist in the following ways:

There are many voice teachers who focus primarily on artistry and may or may not have extensive knowledge of the voice mechanism, voice disorders, and the anatomy/physiology of the larynx.

Without this focus and knowledge they may not be able to identify,, address, and treat potential or specific vocal problems. I have found this to be especially true outside of major metropolitan areas/educational institutions.  In addition, voice teachers are also not licensed to accept or bill for insurance, work in hospitals or clinics that specialize in treating voice problems.  

Finding a great voice teacher can take some navigation and experimentation. How a teacher communicates is key. While THEIR voice may be able to model a specific type of resonance or style, it’s much more important that they’re able to get YOU to achieve your vocal potential and understand how to ultimately develop strong technique, stamina and vocal health. Performers today face unique challenges vocally, physically, musically and emotionally.  As someone who has a private practice, I am fortunate to be able to work as both a voice therapist and a singing teacher. For singers, I think it is very important to be able to transition voice therapy work into the singing voice and repertoire.  If a singer doesn’t understand what one has to do with the other, they will often end up back in therapy. Most (though not all) clinical voice therapy models involve a finite number of sessions and have limited time to spend on extensive singing training or repertoire transition. 

Will you accept my insurance?

I am out-of-network for all insurance.   HOWEVER, because of my licensure and certification, if you have out-of-network benefits AND your insurance covers voice therapy, most insurance companies will generally reimburse anywhere from 40-70%.  I can help guide you with the paperwork.

Do you play the piano?  Can you also suggest/coach my songs?

Yes, I play the piano and can usually play most music- unless it’s very hard to sight read.  I will often make repertoire suggestions in order to apply the technical aspect of a singers’ development to a real piece of music.  These pieces may not always make their way into one’s book, but they will accomplish a great deal technically. I can also work on your established and new repertoire as well as audition material.

What makes you different from most voice teachers or voice therapists?

I have extensive, professional, high level performing experience as well as extensive training in voice science, the anatomy/physiology of the voice mechanism and voice disorders. In my professional singing life, I have pretty much sung in every type of professional situation imaginable and feel I’m uniquely qualified to offer practical insights into most of these! I enjoy navigating both worlds. To help you get vocally healthy,  I will utilize everything I know. I do not use IMAGERY or METAPHORS unless you specifically understand how those words correlate to a physical action.   

I can also continue to follow-up on any prior work you have done with other voice therapists in order to make sure your therapy is evolving into your singing.  I enjoy doing this and have many colleagues in the voice therapy world with whom I collaborate with.  

Do you teach lots of famous people?

If you are a voice specialist in NYC with a good reputation, you’re bound to work with famous people.  I have my share.  I am happy to work with anyone (famous or not) who is interested in what I offer and is dedicated to doing the work.  Because of my work as a voice therapist, lots of performers would rather not have it known that they’re struggling with a vocal injury.  I understand and respect their privacy.  

I am bound by the ethical rules of ASHA (American Speech and Hearing Association) to not disclose the names of my clients.  That’s why I don’t post pictures of myself with them on social media.  

How do I schedule a session with you?  What’s your cancellation policy?

I’m busy and often have a waiting list.   That’s not to say that it’s impossible to schedule a session.  Persistence helps.  I often have students who go out on tours, get sick, etc. If you’re really in vocal trouble, I will do everything I can to schedule you.  

I have a 24- hour cancellation policy.  If I don’t get 24 hours notice, I can’t fill your spot and someone else doesn’t get to come in and I will require payment for your missed session.

Do you have resources for other professionals that may help me reach my performing and artistic potential?

YES.   I have extensive resources for performing artists in every area.