Online Singing And Songwriting Lessons
Get 1-on-1 Vocal Lessons with Certified Throga Instructors
United States
Richard Fink IV
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Richard Fink IV is the creator of the Throga Technique, #1 Best-Selling Author in vocal education and labeled as the “world’s leading online vocal coach” by the Wall Street Journal. Richard has worked with clients in 126 countries spanning all 7 continents. He has taught his techniques to multi-platinum selling artists, actors, political leaders, Broadway stars and singers featured on Disney, Nickelodeon, The Voice, America’s Got Talent, Australia’s Got Talent, The X Factor, American Idol, MTV, CMT, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Tonight Show, Live with Kelly, Dancing with the Stars and many others.
As a vocalist, Richard is a 3x Guinness World Record breaker and award-winning singer for solo performances as Jesus (Jesus Christ Superstar) and Jean Valjean (Les Miserables). He released multiple albums as a songwriter and vocal-producer between 1991 and 2005, which even led to co-writing and demoing songs for top charting artists such as Josh Groban and Michael Jackson.
Other career highlights as a vocal coach include adjudicating the Voice of Dance Life Unite in Australia, representing the United States in the Suncane Skale vocal competition televised throughout Europe, coaching at Talent Camp at Universal Studios in the United States and teaching at all three JMC Academy’s (Berkeley School of Music affiliates) throughout Australia. Richard’s crowning achievement, however, was becoming the first person in U.S. history to be awarded a full-utility patent on a vocal training technique with the 7 Dimensions of Singing, which is currently being integrated into select choir programs as part of the New York State classroom curriculum.
Anna Rizzo-Tassone
Sydney, NSW (Australia)
Anna Rizzo-Tassone has over 15 years experience as a vocal and performance coach having studied classical music; piano and voice from the age of 6 and recently receiving accreditation as a certified THROGA instructor.
Anna is an accomplished stage performer having worked nationally and abroad and is the lead singer of the band Casanovas Kiss performing for corporate events. She regularly provides vocals for DJ sets at some of Australia’s biggest nightclubs and has worked extensively as session singer lending her vocals and harmonies to many commercials and film soundtracks including Fat Pizza and Cedar Boys. Her band performs covers and originals ranging in styles from jazz, chill, dance to disco, RnB, Latin and pop. She has also provided backing vocals for many professional Australian and international artists and since the age of 16 has regularly performed in cabaret shows alongside professional artist and sister Grace Rizzo.
Finding her ground particularly in dance ‘house’ music, Anna has penned and released 3 albums of original tracks with La Collectiv and a solo EP with the club hit ‘Dancefloor’. She has featured on the very popular Wild FM compilations with two club hits ‘Lover that you are’ and ‘Fascinated’ and was recently signed to Ministry of Sound and was featured on the Hed Kandi compilations with tracks released on 3 different compilations globally, further propelling her into this musical genre. Having recently returned from a writing stint in Miami and NYC Anna is currently working on a new solo album and is constantly collaborating with international producers and DJ’s.Anna also has a rich background as a publicist and co-founded a PR Agency- Publissimo PR & Events. This first hand experience in PR has proven to be a wonderful asset for guidance to her students both in music and performance.
Jorge Sanchez
Edison, NJ (USA)
English & Spanish
Jorge Sanchez is from Huaraz, Peru. Since he was a child, he loved to sing and listen to the sound of music; but was too shy to try to take music or singing lessons. He moved to the United States at the age of 15 and proceeded to follow a career in Civil Engineering. Eventually, the “what if” feeling became overwhelming and Jorge started doing his own research on the voice and singing, which led him to finally take singing lessons and to take his voice to the next level.
Over the years, Jorge has studied over 30 different programs and explored vocal techniques developed by various vocal coaches including Brett Manning, Jesse Nemitz, Eric Frey, Seth Riggs, Jeannie Deva, Anne Peckham, Elisabeth Howard, Roger Love, Carol Fleming, Ava Tracht Landman, Melissa Cross, Jaime Vendera, Thomas Appell, Shelley Kristen, Cathrine Mandolin, Ken Tamplin, Robert Lunte, James Lugo, Portato Ediciones, Mayre Ramirez, and Daniel Garcia. During his independent research, Jorge was awarded a scholarship to study with Richard Fink IV by the International Vocal Scholarship Program. This is where he was first introduced to THROGA Techniques in it’s early stages of development, improving his voice dramatically.
In 2009, Jorge created Libertad Vocal (Spanish: Vocal Freedom), a website for an exclusive skype only voice lessons. He also created a message board based on the website which now houses more than 1,000 registered members. Years later, he also opened an English version of is site: Vocal Engineering.
Jorge’s background in engineering allows him to have a technical perspective when working with students. He approaches vocal problems from different angles in order to help his students overcome his vocal troubles. Becoming a THROGA Certified Teacher has given him the tools and the inspiration to continue learning to be a better singer, but foremost, a better teacher.
Johnny Cummings
Rochester, NY (USA)
Johnny Cummings is an award-winning singer-songwriter, and producer from Rochester, NY. As a performer, Johnny has been on stage thousands of times throughout his career, including venues in New York City, Los Angels, Amalfi Coast, Nashville, Seattle and Herceg Novi, as well as opening for major label artists such as Kenny Chesney and Gin Blossoms. For the past 12 years, he’s been a member of one of Rochester’s top cover/wedding bands, “Something Else”, and previously served as lead singer for the critically acclaimed Psychedelic Pop group, “My Plastic Sun”. Johnny has co-written and produced hundreds of songs spanning Pop, Rock, Country, R&B, and Progressive genres working with multi-platinum artists signed with Sony/ATV, Warner Bros., EMI, and RCA Records. His song, “Ostani (Tonight)” in 2008 and “Predate (Surrender)” in 2010, each won first prize at the international Suncane Skale competition, televised throughout Europe. In 2014, Johnny enjoyed radio success with his song “Couldn’t Love You More”, which was picked up by a Sirius XM station and became their most played song for over 4 months. Currently, Johnny is enjoying the success of his song, “Heavy Is the Crown” (co-written by Chris Daughtry and band member Elvio Fernandes), being a #1 hit on the Rock charts, performed by Daughtry.
Songwriting Instruction Only
Brigitte Krahn
Loma Plata (Paraguay)
English, German & Spanish
Brigitte Krahn is a singer and musician from Paraguay. She started formally building her education at the age of 5, including guitar lessons, Classical piano, voice, music theory and eventually cello. At the age of 16 she became a certified Music Theory and Classical Piano Teacher and she taught her first students shortly thereafter. Over the years, Brigitte spent countless hours developing her musicianship singing in choirs, bands, and as a soloist in churches, and both local and national showcases and competitions. As a pianist and cellist, she has been part of various musical groups, choirs and soloists, as well as classical, chamber and symphonic orchestras and contemporary bands.
From day one, her voice was her favorite instrument, and she always searched for ways to further improve and develop her skills. Fascinated by how the Throga Technique helped her understand her instrument and provided a supportive community, she decided that this was something she wanted to be able to pass on to others as well. At the age of 24 she has taught people from several countries, with different musical backgrounds and preferences, always looking to celebrate and develop unique qualities of each vocal instrument while implementing the THROGA technique. Brigitte is the only Certified Throga Instructor that teaches in languages: English, German and Spanish. Currently, she is in the process of translating the #1 bestseller, 7 Dimensions of Singing – The Throga Technique, into German. Additionally, Brigitte is also a Publicity and PR student and looks to use these skills in order to help voice educators and artists present themselves in the media to find an audience that connects with them.
No current openings
Anita G Houser
Grovetown, GA (USA)
Anita G Houser has over 30 years collective experience performing as a singer and pianist. She has performed in musical theatre productions, R&B bands, Jazz bands, choirs, and has led ministry programs as a Music Director in churches both in South Carolina and Georgia over the last 7 years.
In 1989, Anita earned a Bachelor of Music degree with honors (Magna Cum Laude) from Spelman College (Atlanta, GA), with additional training at College-Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati. Anita utilizes her diverse background in education, music, mindfulness, martial arts, intuition, and nutrition into her teaching style. In 2013, Anita was hand-picked to train and become THROGA’s first Certified Teacher and is passionate about passing her knowledge and experience on to her students.
“A big part of my purpose in life is to teach, train, coach, and empower others in life. Music is a main vehicle. I am deeply inspired to use my talents, gifts, and skills to guide others in developing their own unique abilities while thoroughly enjoying the creative process of music.” – Anita G. Houser
Anita continues her independent studies with vocal development, as well as Jazz Piano with Master Teacher, Donald Macey.
No current openings
Kerri Hardwick
Chesapeake, VA (USA)
Kerri Hardwick has been performing since she was just 2 years old, growing up in a very musical family, with over 30 years of vocal training and experience. She taught Music and Voice at Elementary/Middle schools for 5 years, with a total of 16 years as a Vocal Instructor, working with Academies, Dance Studios and Theaters, and eventually building and opening up her own studio within her very own home, The Kerri Hardwick Voice Studio.
In 2004, Kerri graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Music from Virginia Wesleyan College. She has studied music extensively throughout the years, ultimately reaching her goal of becoming a Certified Throga Instructor in 2015. Kerri produced a CD of her very own entitled Never Walk Alone, which was released in 2011 and continues to work as a studio singer for various projects.
Kerri continues her passion for voice and vocal instructor through her position as a Worship Leader and as a prominent performer of the Arts for Learning of Virginia, inspiring young students in and through the Arts. Most recently, Kerri has started working as an Adjunct Professor of Voice for Regent University. She loves to help singers of all ages and levels grow in their passion for singing using the Throga Technique.
No current openings
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Private Voice Lessons
I’m already taking the Vocal Gym course, do I need private lessons too?
Taking both private lessons and the Vocal Gym course will no doubt accelerate your vocal progress. However, your decision to do so really depends on your personal goals. The biggest advantage to having both simultaneously is that you can work on your vocal technique at your own pace within the course (monitored by your teacher for guidance and feedback) and then utilize your time in a private lesson to focus on style and performance. We recommend trying a single lesson with an available Certified Instructor to get a feel for an online lesson and receiving direct feedback on your voice, then you can make an educated decision on what the best course of action is right for you to reach your short- and long-term goals!
Will voice lessons change my singing style?
No. The method we teach will help you cultivate whatever style you are passionate about singing. This includes every genre imaginable, like Pop, Country, Musical Theater, Classical, R&B, Jazz, Folk, Grunge, Rock, Metal and the hundreds of sub-genres related to them. Throga and the 7 Dimensions of Singing are designed to develop a singer’s instrument through isometric exercises and coordination to reach your full potential. The greater your vocal skills become, the easier it will be to express yourself in your own unique style!
What happens during a private online singing lesson?
Every lesson is individually tailored towards a students’ goals and needs. That said, a first lesson generally consists of a brief introduction and opportunity to discuss any specific questions you may have. Afterwards, voice lessons are often divided into two parts: vocal exercises (warm-ups) and songs (performance). Regardless of what you are working on, your teacher is always listening, evaluating and eager to help you find the best path for your voice and artistic expression. However, what happens outside of the lesson is even more important. The time you spend applying what you’ve learned, challenging yourself and singing often is essential to your growth!
Why should I consider online voice lessons instead of in-person?
Not only are online voice lessons popular for both teachers and students because of their convenience and cost-effectiveness (no travel related expenses), they also provide students access to top voice teachers and vocal coaches across the globe. With a number of Certified Instructors to choose from, you can book lessons to fit your schedule in between other activities from home or work. It’s also important to point out that the only access a voice teacher has to a student’s instrument is through verbal communication. Unlike a piano or guitar lesson, a teacher can not reach over to help the student hold a finger down or tune a string. In this respect, online lessons are the same as in-person.
Who should take online voice lessons?
Online singing lessons are ideal for anyone seeking guidance about their voice. Private lessons can be used to explore and develop a singing style, overcome performance anxiety, prepare for an audition, learn about vocal health and maintenance, create a vocal regimen, increase vocal range, improve breathing techniques, and much more. Whether you are just curious about singing or looking to maintain your instrument for a word tour, online voice lessons with a quality vocal coach can help!
What if I’m a complete beginner? Will online voice lessons work for me?
Absolutely! If you haven’t had the opportunity to sing on stage yet, struggle with some fundamentals of singing, or maybe just are not confident enough to share your voice with others, private lessons will help you in reaching personal goals as a vocalist.
Are there any opportunities to perform as a private student?
Yes! There are both online and in-person opportunities. Beyond The Gym members are invited to participate in monthly live events online, where they can interact with other members and ask Certified Throga Instructors for feedback on your training AND singing. We also encourage you to share your recorded singing videos on the Facebook Group with the Vocal Gym community. In-person performance opportunities include Throga Retreats, studio recording (at Throga Records) and convention style events at various locations (these events are currently paused due to COVID traveling and performance restrictions).
Do students have to be a certain age for lessons with Throga’s Certified Instructors?
Most of our teachers work with ages 9 and up. The reason for this is that online communication requires a relatively good attention span for optimum results. Although exceptions can be made for more experienced children and focused personalities, children learn best through play, which can be challenging at times when physically separated. Otherwise, there are no restrictions in terms of age, style or skill level!
Am I too old to learn how to sing?
It’s never too late to learn how to sing! Singing is a wonderful way to keep the mind active and the body responsive through artistic expression and physical challenges that improve breathing, communication skills and so much more. We have students and Vocal Gym members who are in their 80s and even 90s.
Are online voice lessons expensive?
Not at all! The average cost of “local” singing lessons in the United States is $60 per hour–the same rate at which our lessons start. However, all of our teachers are certified with years of singing and teaching experience that goes beyond the typical teacher in the community. Plus, online lessons don’t come with transportation costs or wasted commute time! We also offer an online Vocal Gym course at just $33 per month with an annual subscription, allowing you to learn at your own pace within an affordable budget.
Do you offer any discounts or lesson packages?
Yes. Several of our teachers offer five and 10 lesson discount packages. Visit the Private Lesson page for details.
Do you offer any free voice lessons?
We do not offer private voice lessons for free. However, we have several free options available to help you improve your singing and get you started towards your goals right away! Take the Vocal Profile Assessment to gain access to the Vocal Gym Basic, which includes seven fully guided exercises. We also have a Facebook Group for direct feedback from Certified Throga Instructors on your singing and a ton of free vocal tip articles in the Vocal Blog and videos on our YouTube channel.
What kind of equipment do I need to get started?
All you need to get started is:
- A smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer
- An internet connection
- A fairly quiet space to speak and sing in, whether home, office or car
- An account with Zoom, Skype or FaceTime
An external microphone and/or headphones designed for singing is optional.
Do I need a high-speed internet connection for online voice lessons to work?
Singing lessons will work with your regular home internet connection for standard video conferencing with Zoom, Skype or FaceTime.
Do I have to prepare anything for my first lesson?
Your teacher will connect with you through the Vocal Gym dashboard prior to a scheduled lesson to discuss any specific needs. If there is a specific song or audition you need to work on right away, be sure to let your teacher know in advance.
Do I have to be able to play piano or guitar to take voice lessons?
Not at all. Although being able to accompany yourself while vocalizing and singing can enhance your experience, it is not necessary in order to improve your singing abilities.
Can private voice lessons expand my vocal range?
Yes! Improving vocal range is a very common request among singers and is one of the 7 Dimensions of Singing you will learn about. Your teacher can provide you with several techniques–mental and physical–to help you reach a balanced voice with a comfortable range with which to sing!
I am afraid of singing in front of people, will private voice lessons help?
Private lessons are a fantastic way to take that first step towards overcoming stage fright. Improving your skills with specialized vocal exercises will help to build confidence. More importantly, you will have the opportunity to practice performing songs during your lesson time to get positive and constructive feedback to help bring your singing to the next level in a safe and encouraging environment.
Can I record a private voice lesson?
Yes, please do! There are many benefits to recording your private voice lesson, including not having to write everything down to remember your teacher’s feedback and tips, being able to listen back to your vocal progress and helping you practice along with any new exercises.
Can I start with just one lesson? Or do I have to commit to several?
Our teachers are here for YOU! Whether you want to set up a single lesson to start, commit to a consistent schedule or book individual sessions at your convenience from our online booking system is completely up to you.
How often should I take lessons?
Yes! We have both online and in-person opportunities to perform and share your voice. Beyond The Gym course members are invited to participate in monthly live events online, where they can interact with other members and ask Certified Throga Instructors for direct feedback. We also encourage you to share your recorded singing videos on our private Facebook Group with the Vocal Gym community. In-person performance opportunities include Throga Retreats, studio recording at Throga Records and convention-style events at various locations (no in-person events are currently scheduled, due to COVID traveling and performance restrictions).
What is your cancellation policy?
All scheduled lessons must be canceled with at least 24 hours advance notice, or the lesson is still to be paid in full. If there is at least 24 hours notice, lessons can be canceled at no charge or rescheduled if already paid. Refunds are not offered. Out of fairness and integrity to teachers and other students, please note that we can not make exceptions to this policy. To cancel or reschedule a lesson, click on your Lesson Schedule from the dashboard (login required).
How do I reschedule a private lesson?
You can reschedule a confirmed lesson as long as it is at least 24 hours in advance of the lesson time. If the lesson is already paid for, the payment will be automatically credited to the new lesson time. To make a lesson change for you or your child, you can simply click on your Lesson Schedule from the student/parent dashboard (login required) and click on the lesson(s) you wish to reschedule.
Do I have to audition to take online voice lessons?
Never! Singing lessons are available to anyone interested in improving their voice, no matter their age, style or skill level. Finding the right teacher for you and your goals is essential to reaching your goals. This is why you get to choose the teacher you feel the most comfortable learning from (pending availability), based on a teacher’s musical background, experience and personality.
How do I know which Certified Throga Instructor is best for me?
Every voice teacher, like every singer, has unique vocal qualities, backgrounds and personalities. We are pleased to introduce several teachers from around the world that have studied Throga’s techniques in-depth and have learned how to implement them into their own teaching style. Explore their personal biographies, teaching rates and availability on the Private Lesson page to find the instructor that is best for you!
I'm ready! How do I book a private voice lesson?
To book a lesson, simply go to the Private Lesson page to select a teacher that best suits you. Then follow the instructions to book your first lesson. Please note that an account must be created before selecting a date and time. This way, your new teacher is able to contact you directly within the dashboard and review your Vocal Profile assessment to better assist you in the very first session.
How do I pay for recurring lessons?
If you have recurring voice lessons set up (weekly or bi-weekly), click on your Lesson Schedule from the student/parent dashboard after logging in and select the upcoming lesson(s) you wish to pay for.
Can I become a Throga Certified Instructor?
If you are seeking to improve your own voice, expand teaching techniques, learn new exercises and grow your own business, this may be the program for you! To become a Certified Throga Instructor, a teacher must have gone through intensive vocal training and be tested on their knowledge of how the vocal instrument works and how to apply Throga techniques. To learn more about the program’s prerequisites, training process and fees, please contact us.