I started studying with Noel my sophomore year of high school, and as a current post-college graduate, immersed in the NYC audition circuit, I can STILL honestly say I have no idea what I'd do without her! I came to Noel at age 15 and instantly felt comfortable in her studio. She really took the time to get to know my voice, and make me feel like I could trust her with the changes I was starting to make vocally. Singing can be scary, and your voice is a vulnerable instrument! She recognizes that not everyone's voices are the same, nor do they function in the same way. She really works with you to pin-point, not only the kind of singer you want to be, but the kind of singer your voice will allow you to be. We're all born with different instruments, and it's important to find a teacher who isn't going to try and force all of his or her students to sing in the same exact way. I personally came to Noel saying I was interested in musical theatre, but convinced that I lacked the ability to belt/ sing in my chest voice. She got to know my voice, felt differently, and within the next year I was belting comfortably, and it was 100% healthy. She will never make you do anything that hurts your voice, and will always make sure you maintain excellent vocal health. Even when I was belting out musical theatre every day, I was never allowed to abandon my classical training and head voice exercises. I also received ear-training, sight-singing training, and some acting training in my lessons. My training was, of course, specific to my voice and my needs. I was pursuing musical theatre, and I got exactly what I needed for that. But she's also an incredibly skilled classical, and pop music vocal coach. Noel pushed me and challenged me in the most productive ways. She was also always entirely honest with me. She was kind and compassionate, but never just told me what I wanted to hear. Honesty is so crucial when it comes to vocal training. I grew so incredibly much in just my last two years of high school taking lessons. I became a far better vocalist, musician, and performer, and I owe that to Noel. When college auditions came around, I felt so ready. Noel did everything she could to prepare me for these auditions (including asking one of her former students who was touring in Rent at the time to come and watch my audition selections, and give me feedback.) Not only did I feel like I was receiving the vocal training I needed, but also the most amazing moral support. Throughout my college years, I'd come back to visit for lessons from time to time. I still feel like Noel knows my voice better than almost anyone else! She really invests herself in her students' individuality, getting to know all the ins and outs of YOUR specific voice, making lessons both fun and productive. Now, out of college with a BFA in Musical Theatre, and in the world of auditions, I still turn to Noel for the occasional lesson, or for audition advice. I feel so comfortable coming back, and I genuinely look forward to dropping in for lessons when I'm home. What's neat about coming back, is seeing how she's constantly bringing new techniques and vocal material to her profession. She, of course, knows what works for her and her students, but she's not stuck in her ways; she is constantly looking to learn and grow with the vocal industry, which is amazing. Looking back at the kind of singer I was when I started lessons, compared to who I am now, the growth is unbelievable. I owe a large portion of that growth to Noel Smith. I can honestly say I would not be where I am today without her! I highly recommend her. (Also, teaching skills aside, she's just an incredible woman, and I feel so lucky to still have a relationship with her 7 years later!) read more
