Heads up -- this teacher seems focused on finding the next star... and nothing less. I strongly emphasize that if you are not serious about singing, this is not the vocal coach for you. I booked a consultation with Sal hoping for some pointers and confidence to get through one karaoke song on a cruise. I explained that I'm terrible and not looking for a career, just a little guidance to keep from freezing on stage. He insisted that I might actually be good (and I again told him I'm not) and said he would assess my potential during the consultation. Sal stopped me one minute into the first singing exercise and said I didn't have what it takes to be a singer [agreed]. What was especially disappointing, though, was that he told me not to get on stage because it would "hurt people's ears" or cause people to leave. He didn't charge me, which I appreciate, but I left feeling deflated. Two stars instead of one because the five minutes spent there were free, but it still cost me a hit to my confidence for the cruise. I really wish he had listened to everything I told him I was looking for over the phone so we could have avoided wasting both his time and mine. read more

I took lessons from Sal for a little over a year. He taught me a lot, and helped me get to a great place vocally. He has an incredible amount of skill and knowledge and very fair pricing. What he does not have, however, are healthy relationship skills or communication skills. He becomes cruel when things don't go his way. He made me uncomfortable numerous times during lessons when he would criticize other students to me. This past Sunday, I told him that I was ready to quit lessons after it became very clear to me that I did not have enough time to be at his studio 4-6 hours per week. I explained to him my husbands frustrating work situation and my lack of childcare. I also just received news that a family member has cancer and told Sal I would need to take a trip to see this family member soon, and that would also take away from my time at his studio. He always told me during my lessons that if I ever feel that I don't have the time to let him know because he does not want to waste my time or his. So, I let him know. He responded by calling me stupid, calling me a liar, and he said I have no talent and no future, (which is hilarious because he has told me time and time again how incredible of a voice I have and how I could make it big). He also used demeaning expletives. Please, save your money and time. Sal knows a lot but he is vindictive and cruel. You can find many other vocal coaches with the same amount of knowledge and expertise, without the cruelty. I worry for other artists that may come to him and be crushed by his words, especially younger people who may not be able to see through the verbal attacks. If you disagree with him, his goal is to make you feel small and insecure and like you are nothing without him. It would be wise to seek vocal coaching elsewhere. And Sal, if you reply to this review with the same vitriol and cruelty that you did to others, just know it reflects poorly on you. read more

When we first started with Sal, it was ok. He is definitely more tailored to Opera. My Daughter didn't like that the opera style was being taught to her, so she decided she wanted to quit all on her own after a couple years, which lead to rude messages from him stating how we are bad parents for forcing her to quit (which was actually her decision) and what horrible human beings we are. We were shocked. Definitely seems like something is going on mentally. Read some of the other reviews to see how rude he is. There are much better options locally to be honest. Do a search for "Speech level vocal training" or Seth Riggs vocal techniques. Sorry but when someone verbally attacks my Wife and Daughter, that's where I draw the line. He does nothing but call you names, and make false accusations. Choose wisely, Don't say I didn't warn you. We still hope he can find some happiness and quit alienating people just because they decide to do something else. In response to his childish accusations below: 1. Moved 5 times? Nope: Once (To a house we purchased) LOL. 2. Wife & Daughter left me? LOL, Been happily married for 15 years. Confusing himself with us. 3. Pocket money from job? LOL, you would think the 23 years of working for the same company they would kinda know about that. I guess he considers a paycheck as embezzlement? LOL 4. Begged him for lessons? Not. He had quite a few openings then, and probably still does. We only used him since he was very close by. read more

I took lessons with Sal over 3 years ago, knowing that I wanted to sharpen my skills for musical theater and land more than chorus roles. Sal was EXCELLENT! He addressed and helped me conquer my fears and had me hitting notes that I never would have tried. I learned real techniques that I used even after stopping. I had to leave due to my own financial difficulties, but even then, he encouraged me to keep going. I've developed nodules on my vocal chords and I intend on going back to Sal after my surgery. He's awesome! read more

This person sounds mature and I'm interested to see what he or his counterparts have the time for. I'll need to get pretty close to someone in order to receive the perfect honesty in regard to what I can't know about myself and my voice. Please help.!! Nathan read more

I have been taking voice lessons on and off with Sal for over a year. As a mother of three young children, it was not always easy to find the time or the courage to take lessons continuously. I originally consulted Sal's services, not knowing whether I have any vocal talent or which genre of music for which my voice is suitable. But thanks to his expert knowledge, understanding and patience, I am now being taught the bel canto method in order to prepare my voice to sing my favorite arias! I WOULD DEFINITELY RECOMMEND Sal to anyone who wishes to recognize and grow their musical talent regardless of age or personal circumstances. read more

I have never met anyone so rude in my life! I had no idea that someone who just wanted to strengthen their vocal abilities with some lessons would be stamped with "not being serious enough and a waste of time". If you want to audition for the voice or american idol and nothing less, then by all means, but I'd rather take someone with an ounce of compassion and doesn't make you feel like a product that can one day help his name. read more

I had sal for over a year in the beginning he was a great teacher but rude. I really don't know why I kept with him for a year I guess it was because I had a friend who also took lessons from him. I had lost my spark in singing when I joined him. He constantly said how great other people where and it was very rude! I wanted to try out for singing the national anthem and I wanted help but he said that I shouldn't do it and I will hurt people's ears! I wanted help with the high note but he wouldn't. He also talks a lot about himself during the lessons. My mom would come in with me every lesson because she didn't want to leave me alone with him. I wouldn't recomened him if you want a good teacher. I really felt like I was a horrible singer because of him but I tried out for choir and I made chamber which is the highest choir! I really felt so bad about myself when I had him as a teacher. Trust me if you want a good teacher that boosts your confidents don't pick him. read more

My daughter asked for singing lessons and we found Sal. He does a great job with private lessons, starting with the basic techniques. He knows how to provide feedback and offer the proper training to learn. He offers suggestions as to which songs to sing with complement her voice. I have been happy with the lessons. The one-on-one is key. read more

I have been taking my daughter to Sal for voice lessons for over one year. Originally, I just hoped my daughter could expend her voice and hoped her singing could help her piano playing. After few months passed, I cannot believe my daughter can sing opera, and as an Italian soprano. Sal gave my daughter voice scale training and selected the proper arias to sing. He brought my daughter and us to a new music world. We began to like opera. We all enjoy listening to my daughter's singing now. I believe Sal's teaching method is awesome! And his method does truly work. Sal is able to help you to find and build your musical talent. read more

I have known Sal for many years. His expertise and passion makes him a master at his craft. I highly recommend him as a music/voice teacher. You can learn more about his background at generalmusiclessons.com read more

Sal is a fantastic singing teacher. He has worked with my 10 year old daughter to bring out a beautiful singing voice that my wife and I never knew existed. It is his special touch in the way he teaches that brings out the best in someone learning to sing. He is simply amazing with his incredible knowledge of the art in singing. Sal is truly a gifted teacher for anyone who loves to sing. I highly recommend anyone who is seriously looking to be a proffesional singer, to take lessons from Sal. I guarantee, you will be surprised. read more