I cannot recommend Paloma enough. I started working with her for muscle tension dysphonia, and she…read morehas been such a gift in this process. She's incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and thorough. The laryngeal massages and targeted vocal exercises she's guided me through have made such a difference in helping me understand my voice and reduce tension. What I appreciate most is how supported I feel during our sessions. She truly listens and tailors everything to what my voice needs that day. If you're struggling with vocal tension or MTD, Paloma is someone you absolutely want on your team.

I'm not surprised that Paloma has perfect. Five star review on yelp - I'm so glad I went based on…read morethese recommendations when I reached out to her for lessons I had not sung in decades when I began working with Paloma in October, with one very meaningful goal: to prepare Ave Maria for my mother's 80th birthday Mass. Paloma is a seasoned professional with an absolutely beautiful voice, and she made the entire process approachable, easy to digest, and genuinely fun. She taught me how the voice truly works--breath support, diaphragm use, vocal anatomy, resonance, tongue placement, and effective exercises that rebuilt my voice with care and intention. Her depth of knowledge is exceptional, yet she explains everything in a way that feels clear and accessible. Most importantly, I felt extremely comfortable and supported every step of the way. Thanks to Paloma's expertise, patience, and encouragement, I was able to deliver a heartfelt and beautiful tribute to my mother. If you are returning to singing after time away or preparing for something truly meaningful, I cannot recommend Paloma highly enough.

Brian is hands-down one of the best vocal coaches out there. He really understands the anatomy and…read morescience behind singing, and he explains what's happening in your body in a way that makes it easy to understand and recreate on your own. He's not cheap, but he's absolutely worth it if you want to learn efficiently instead of spending money on endless lessons that don't move the needle. I've been learning from him for almost a year, and I've learned so much more in that time than I did in four years at another studio. Thanks Brian!!

A little update here on yelp. It's only been four lessons, but I just wanted to take a moment to…read moreappreciate you by saying thank you very much for doing what you do!!! Music has always been there for me through many difficult parts of my life, but I've always felt like there was this gap between music and I that I could never close. I never felt like I had any talent to immerse myself, or further myself in it. Always just singing to myself, or when I'm alone, because that's the only time I have the courage to explore my voice. I have to say I've never felt this great singing before and it's only been four lessons. This year for me is big on self investment and rediscovering myself and where my interests/passion lies. You've gotta take some risks in life sometimes and taking a chance on vocal lessons with you has been by far one of the best decisions I've made in a while!. I'm still super stoked and I'm looking forward to what's to come!! Thanks voice dad!

Excellent personal coach. Really helped my daughter get out of her shell and sing. Thanks.read more

Mary Helen and I have been working together since February and what a joy it has been! I feel so…read moregrateful to have a vocal teacher as kind, patient, and creative as Mary Helen. I grew up doing musical theatre and I've taken voice lessons before, but never properly learned good technique until now. Each lesson has been and joy and has tremendously built my confidence. Thank you x a million, Mary Helen! I cannot recommend her as a teacher enough.

Great at what she does! Really has a lot of experience and passion and is serious about her…read morestudents development as singers and song writers

I began working with Forbsey over a year ago now. I don't have a yelp and have never used it before…read more-- but this woman has completely transformed what I am capable of and, so, I had to come here and add myself to the praise around Forbsey. She's a vocal magician and will change your life. It will not only serve your voice, but will enhance your confidence and composure. I'm a better performer all around because of her.

Sarah is the best! I came to her for help with my background vocal ability. I'm a touring…read moreside-musician and have worked for many decades on top-level tours. I've always sang background vocals, but was lacking in technique. I've taken lessons with other vocal teachers, but found them to give one-size-fits-all warm ups, without much explanation of why I was doing them. Sarah tailored exercises to my needs and has a deep understanding of the physiology of the voice which really helped me understand the mechanics of how the voice works. After just a few weeks, I'm singing more solidly, with more range and no strain. I just finished an intense round of rehearsals and had zero voice fatigue, what a difference!

I had an outstanding experience with Sarah from start to finish! The lesson itself was a masterful…read moreblend of technique and expression. Sarah was able to help me uncover my authentic voice while understanding the meaning behind what I was singing. Sarah's holistic approach helped me feel more confident in my voice and organic sound. I also felt very cared for by Sarah; she asked me about my piece and the goals I had with it prior to my lesson. She checked in often and cultivated a safe space of experimentation and play. I would recommend Sarah in a heartbeat, and look forward to the opportunity I get to work with her again!

Within 3 months Aretha has transformed my singing! Not only she helped me understand and master…read morevocal techniques better, she made me feel empowered and confidence by challenging me to sing in different genres and styles. I look forward to lesson with Aretha every week. Singing in a studio where I can hear my voice through a microphone clearly is definitely very helpful ! She gives me the exercises that caters to my voice, and have different ways to help me get 'that' note. I learned to appreciate the vocal art much more through her guidance, listening to healthy and soulful singing. Highly recommend Aretha for anyone who looks for a coach that inspires you to continuosly train and master the arts of singing!

Aretha Scruggs vocal coaching has been the BEST thing I've EVER done for my voice! She is a…read morespectacular vocalist and incredible teacher. I am a professional vocalist myself, and I've been experiencing various vocal issues. Within one 45 minute lesson, Aretha had my voice connecting and relaxed, and I was able to sing and find notes that had been gone for weeks. She is incredibly intuitive, experienced, educated and compassionate. I have studied with many? many people and I can comfortably say that she is the best. Also, you do not have to be a professional singer to benefit from her expertise. Anyone who is a public speaker, a school, teacher, pastor, or anyone who uses their voice can benefit from her techniques and practices. thank you so much Aretha and I can't wait to work with you again!

Ingrid helped to speak in a clear voice, instead of sounding hoarse and raspy. She is very…read moreknowledgeable about techniques and has learned from famous experts. Her sessions are engaging and she makes you feel comfortable.

I've worked with Ingrid since I was 13 years old. She's been my vocal rock. She trained me, pushed…read moreme and guided me along my journey into the music industry. I love her and adore her. It's fair to say she changed my life and my voice.

Patricia is a brilliant Renaissance woman. She is what you get when you mix technical excellence…read moreand style with humility, compassion, and a lifelong commitment to the craft. She is simply the best! I feel incredibly lucky to have met Patricia and begun my singing journey with her. I've been a student at Studio Shanks since 2018, when I was fresh out of college and looking for a voice teacher who could earnestly teach me how to sing. At the time, there were flashy online ads for folks that could "make you a superstar" and all of it felt so loud and nothing seemed to fit. At one point Patricia returned my call. Immediately I knew that she was the right teacher for me. It was obvious that she is not just naturally fun and easygoing, but also a true technician when it comes to the craft of singing. It's been a few years since we began working together. I've discovered that singing is something that can be learned at any age. It requires hard work, but it can be done. Luckily, Patricia is entirely dedicated to the growth and success of her students. Knowing this makes it much easier to bring my own effort during and between classes. I am honestly amazed at how, despite having worked with many respected luminaries in the field, Patricia remains humble and always with a sense of humor that puts me at ease. She is everything that comprises a professional artist and educator. What I love most is that she cuts through the noise and focuses on pure foundations. That means that she is able to work with vocalists ranging from the most contemporary pop styles to opera to musical theatre and beyond. All kinds of singing require the same basic knowledge of healthy and safe vocal techniques. At Studio Shanks, everything counts and everything matters. Thank you so much, Patricia!

Thank you very much for communicating. I would love to take singing lessons with you.read more

I've been taking German with Jerilyn for several weeks. She is an awesome instructor who makes the…read moreclass fun and effective! She teaches fully in German, but also makes it approachable by explaining things in German in a way that is easy to understand. Even in a group class, she provides tons of resources so you can learn at the pace that matches the time you're able to commit. I've already learned so much and have signed up for the next course!

These Spanish classes are amazing. All of the teachers I've had have been great. Most recently I've…read moreworked with Karen for quite a few classes and she's an excellent teacher. Very patient, makes you feel comfortable, and explains things well. I highly recommend it.

My four year old has been going to Molly over the past few months and she is both having fun and…read morelearning great technique! Molly is able to keep up with all of her favorite Disney songs while also pushing her to learn new things. So glad we found Molly - she's the best!

Best vocal coach ever!!! Molly coached me for a few years and drastically improved my voice and…read moremade sessions so fun. Can't recommend her enough :)