I am not in the habit of leaving five-star ratings for any company, as I believe they all have sincere need for improvement. WVS is no exception to this, and they are not a perfect company. That being said, the five-star rating I am giving them has to do with the "extra credit" they earn in providing not only services but results unlike any I have experienced. I came here almost a year ago to prepare for a singing role in an upcoming feature film (and I am by no means a singer whatsoever). Mr. Wickham already has an industry reputation for being very thorough and advanced in his vocal techniques because he is one of the few medically trained "doctor-singers" in the profession, but also for giving voices to clients who have been told by other teachers they would never sing. I was not at all happy with the singing programs in acting schools and other teachers in the city, so I wanted to book something pro-level. It was hard to book an appointment, but I believe it was one of the best decisions of my life.
For starters, this is a boutique experience. The vocal assessment all students go through is worth far far more than the cost for a 90-minute session and other lessons are fit around your budget. Lessons take place in a beautiful SOHO penthouse with tea, coffee, treats, etc. or in Midtown--Mr. Wickham and group sessions in SOHO, the other 5 teachers are in Midtown. There are free open mics and performance opportunities for students, weekly free group lessons, recitals and I think there is a show or something the best students get to audition for (not me... LOL).
All-in-all I would have to say that the staff is pro, the teachers--esp Jon Price and PMW--are compassionate and super knowledgeable. The admin Sam is a sweetie, even though it took her two times to get my name right :-/ Quite simply, the best singing studio in Manhattan by far.
P.S. - I've noticed the one bad review on Yelp mentions a lack of intensity and professionalism on the part of Mr. Wickham. As stated, I'm the first to call out a business for anything I feel they could improve. However, I'm highly skeptical of this review as I have experienced nothing but professionalism and, frankly, an abundance of attention from my teacher. Maybe they don't like the intensity of the lessons and are looking for an excuse as to why they didn't continue. I've been to yoga classes that are too intense before and I totally get that. But there is certainly no lack of attention and good god no lack of intense exercising, homework, theory, career coaching and overall thorough butt-kicking. Yeah, I get it, if you walk in to a few lessons and don't really apply yourself to the work you aren't going to get results. And I'm no Pavarotti yet, but damn, I was a NON-SINGER and now I am recording demos in one year's time. read more