email louisvillevoicelessons.com

1) Are you currently accepting new students, and if so what times do you have open? 

Once you register, a list of open times will be emailed to you. We send out frequent times as openings appear if you need a time that is not immediately listed.

2) Does the cost of lessons vary each month?

The cost of lessons is the same each month. The cost does vary depending on the length of your lesson. There are seven lessons every two months and will be expected to sign up for at least two months. Please check the calendar for dates.

3) What kind of backgrounds and teaching techniques/styles do your teachers have and use?

Garrett & Elizabeth Sorenson have gone from Broadway to the West End in London, and around the globe to China, through Europe and Australia, their studios focus on a low breath, open throat, and sustainable/natural vocal production. Based on timeless operatic techniques, they believe in positive and encouraging teaching to help each student "find their own voice" and a love for singing, no matter the genre, style or ability/background of the student. They appreciate and teach all genres and a variety of styles, as they greatly value diversity.

Garrett is a Grammy-Award-winning opera singer, as well as Tony-Award nominated, having sung countless leads at the Metropolitan Opera and many of the globe's other A-list houses. Elizabeth won the top prize in the Metropolitan Opera Competition and went on to have a critically-acclaimed, worldwide, leading mezzo-soprano career.

4) Do I need to audition for lessons?

You do not need to audition for lessons.  We accept all levels and meet the student at their ability level. If the student does not yet read music, we will dedicate a brief portion of the warmup to this. The first lesson is generally called a "trial lesson" to make sure that it is a good fit for the teacher and student/parent.

5) Where is your studio located?

Elizabeth and Garrett have home studios in St. Matthews, and also offer virtual lessons. The specific link, addresses and parking instructions will be sent to you once a weekly time is agreed upon.

There is NO street parking. Please use extra caution in our neighborhood and coming in and out of the driveway. Please do not leave car unattended.

6) What happens if I need to cancel or go on vacation, especially in the summer?

As soon as you know your vacation/travel plans, especially for the summer, please let us know. We will look for times to swap with other students for those dates. The earlier you let us know, the more accommodating we can be. For emergency cancelations or missed lessons, please read our Policies and Cancelations page.

7) Can a parent, friend or guardian be in the studio during the lesson, or attend classes/dress rehearsals/recitals?

For reasons of liability, parents, guardians and guests are NOT allowed in the studio during a lesson, with the exception of the initial trial lesson (exceptions are made for students with special needs - an attending guardian MUST wear a well-fitting, high-quality mask at all times when in the studio).

However, we strongly encourage students to audio or video record each lesson for home practice. For online lessons, parents should assist younger students with technology and setup.

Parents, guardians, friends and guests should NOT attend group classes or performance classes, but are welcome and encouraged to attend the recitals and performances. (Exceptions WILL be made for students with specials needs that need an assistant.)

8) Do I need to purchase any music?

We will suggest music anthologies that you may want to purchase, depending on your age, voice type and vocal goals. Most students like to have their own music so they can practice at home. We can also help you to find online and local resources for purchases. If a student should need music, we can provide this for the lesson, but it is expected that every student will obtain a legal copy.

9) Do your studios run year-round?

Yes. The studios generally run year-round. However, because all of our teachers come from a performance background, they may occasionally take off time for a performance. We are flexible during the summers, as long as the student informs us of summer travel. Most federal and school holidays are studio-off days (this does not apply to recent quarantines and remote lessons are expected), but a calendar and reminders will be sent out once a time has been agreed upon. Students are not obligated to take lessons the whole year, but once the student gives up their slot, it becomes available to our wait-list students. Please see our Policies and Cancelation page for details.

10) Is there a minimum age?

Yes. We believe in age-appropriate instruction at LVL. We do not take students under the age of 11, unless the child has had several years of piano plus recommendations from other teachers, and/or shows an exceptional ability to focus beyond their age.

11) How can I best take care of my voice or help my child in this process?

Singing should never hurt, feel tight or uncomfortable. Please be open with your teacher about this. Avoid, screaming, vocal fry, high belting and prolonged sessions of singing or speaking. Work with your teacher to make sure you are singing in a range that is healthy for your voice type. Stay hydrated and get plenty of SLEEP. Dance, drama and piano/drum or other instrument lessons make wonderful compliments to the world of singing. When you are sick, do not sing and get plenty of vocal rest. Stay positive and encouraging to yourself and others!

12) Do you teach lessons to students that may already have a music degree and are on the verge of embarking on an operatic, musica theatre, or recording career?

Yes. If we feel that you need extra guidance, we have a summer program that brings in Metropolitan Opera coaches/conductors. They can assist in preparing large roles and audition arias through a program called Canto Vocal Programs.

13) What should I wear for performance classes, virtual recitals and recitals?

Performance classes are casual and sometimes involve a movement or acting coach, so please wear comfortable clothing. Recitals and virtual recitals are dressy, but not formal. Wear something that you feel good about, and something appropriate for your song. Avoid clothing that will affect your posture such as high heels, platform shoes, strapless tops and dresses, or ill-fitting clothing.

14) Should I push my child to take voice lessons? Isn’t this important?

We believe a musical education is important for all members of society. However, not all children or teens are ready for the intensity of private lessons, or a student may occasionally needs a break to avoid burn-out. This does not mean that they will fall behind and it has no bearing on their future with performing or singing. It is important to us that each student enjoy this process and be allowed to develop at their own pace. We will help to encourage students, along with the parents. But if the student is showing an apathetic or resistant attitude week after week, we will likely recommend a temporary break or a group musical activity for the student.

15. Do you train students for Voice Overs?

The Voice Over profession is a completely different industry. Although your singing training may be beneficial to a career in acting and VO, “Voice Lessons” refers to singing in our studio. However, we do have recommendations for voice over classes online with professionals in that industry.