nicholas fahrenkrug
VOICE STUDIO
The Nick Fahrenkrug Voice Studio prides itself in providing high quality, individualized voice lessons to singers throughout the United States. By drawing heavily from the established and trusted traditions of bel canto, and by grounding all technique in the pioneering research of voice science and vocology, studio members are able to improve in ways that are both historically informed and health-conscious.
Voice lessons are taught by active performer baritone Nicholas Fahrenkrug (Master of Music in Voice Performance). An active teaching artist, Nick has served on many education tours with companies such as Seagle Festival, Nightingale Vocal Ensemble, and Sarasota Opera. He has performed with esteemed ensembles including Sarasota Opera, Central City Opera, Opera Philadelphia, The Philadelphia Orchestra, Odyssey Opera, Boston Symphony Orchestra, and Boston Lyric Opera.
Nick will work with the student, or parents of the student, to design a comprehensive curriculum that may be customized to include supplementary instruction in musical literacy, music theory, aural skills, foreign language, basic piano, and acting. The studio creates confident musicians who achieve success in their personal music goals – whether that is performing professionally, acing auditions, or simply improving their vocal and musicianship skills for fun.
Nick offers expert technical instruction in all styles of singing, from opera to rock n’ roll… and everything in between!
All lessons are taught virtually via zoom or facetime. For more information on rates, please download the brochures below.
To book a trial lesson, please utilize the contact form.
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
FINDING VOCAL FREEDOM AND CONFIDENCE ONE LESSON AT A TIME
As a voice teacher, I want my students to genuinely believe that they can do anything if they work hard, abandon the fear of failure, and embrace persistence. To accomplish this goal, I make sure to meet each of my students where they are. Every student is a unique individual, and so should receive highly personalized instruction. Using a clinical ear to diagnose and correct all manner of vocal faults both common and uncommon, I am able to gently guide my student on their journey toward discovering their vocal truths. Students leave the lesson with techniques that they are able to replicate successfully at home, without my guidance.
I consider it an immense honor that my students are willing to share their voices with me; singing can be an extremely vulnerable skill that often takes time to build confidence with. In my studio, I immediately establish a supportive environment where experimentation is encouraged; an environment where we are working to find, cultivate, and celebrate what makes their voices and what they have to say as artists, totally and beautifully unique. Voice lessons should be fun and fulfilling for all ages!
I believe that great singing should be easy, honest, and free. As someone who has had to go through the long and arduous process of rehabilitating my voice due to poor instruction and subsequent misuse, I know how crucial it is to teach healthy technique that is grounded in the body and catered to each individual. When teaching, I draw from my knowledge of all pedagogical philosophies to find something that will work for each individual student. I teach by the following rule: Everything works for someone, but nothing works for everyone. Many instructors only teach the technique that they themselves use. I am strongly against this all too common one-size-fits-all approach. Considering the different learning styles that each student may learn best from, I take my role seriously in adapting to each individual’s style specifically.
Inclusivity is deeply integrated into my teaching philosophy. All students should feel represented and empowered by the music they study; for this reason, I encourage students to play an active role in choosing their repertoire. When students feel like they have a seat at the table, we cultivate a studio environment in which growth prospers. This helps to build trust and respect, and fosters a team mindset.
When working with students dramatically, I encourage them to voice their own character interpretations. I ask questions that get them to think in new ways – questions that lead them to answers that they otherwise wouldn't have thought of. We then take those new ideas and work together to flesh out a further developed character, so that the student’s ideas can be fully realized. This serves an important function: so that they gain the confidence to convincingly portray roles on their own, without the help of professional dramatic coaching.
My studio is a safe space for all individuals, regardless of race, gender, or orientation.
STUDIO POLICIES
PAYMENT
Lessons must be paid in full before the start of the lesson. I accept Zelle, check, or cash.
SIGNIFICANT PLANNING GOES INTO EACH AND EVERY VOICE LESSON
Lessons cancelled with less than 48-hour notice given to the instructor will be forfeited, and no refund will be given. Any exceptions to this rule will be granted at the discretion of the instructor.
SINGERS MUST NOT ATTEND VOICE LESSONS IF THEY ARE FEELING ILL
If the student arrives at their voice lesson visibly and audibly sick, they will be told to return home without a refund. If we are meeting virtually, we may still have the lesson although it is advised to consider protecting your voice and energy!
TIMELINESS AND RESCHEDULING
If a student forgets to attend a scheduled lesson, the lesson will be forfeited with no refund.
If the instructor must cancel a scheduled lesson, the lesson will be rescheduled for a later time or a full refund will be offered.
If the student is running late, they are expected to notify the teacher via text or call. The lesson will still end at the scheduled time; students are encouraged to arrive on time to receive their full lesson time.
LESSONS FOR ADULTS
INTENSIVE TECHNICAL WORK FOR THOSE LOOKING TO TRANSFORM THEIR VOICES
My voice studio offers private voice lessons to adults of all ages and experience levels. Current adult members of the studio can be seen performing in church and symphony choirs, community and professional theatre productions, operas, touring throughout the country, and showcasing their talents at local open mic and karaoke nights. Still others choose to take lessons just for their private enjoyment, finding a great deal of gratification in reaching their personal vocal milestones. Many wish to integrate a voice lesson into their weekly routine as a part of their “me time,” while others may be looking to take lessons for specific audition and/or competition prep.
Adult larynxes are fully developed and thus able to be taught the entire gamut of advanced technical concepts. I specialize in this kind of intensive voice work, and find that my adult students thrive under detailed corrections that I am able to provide. The lessons are structured according to the needs and goals of the individual student, which we discover during their initial lessons. During an average weekly lesson we’ll spend the first half refining technique through carefully planned vocalises, and the second half applying the techniques to repertoire.
CURRENT RATES:
45 minutes: $60
60 minutes: $80
LESSONS FOR KIDS
AGE-APPROPRIATE VOCAL INSTRUCTION FOR KIDS AND TEENS
The singing voice can absolutely be a child’s first introduction to musical study. When we nurture a child’s love of singing, they are often motivated to dig deeper into their musical studies as they grow older. My studio provides private voice lessons to children and teenagers ages 5-18.
There are significant physical differences between a child’s larynx, a teen’s, and a fully-formed adult larynx; understanding what these differences mean in the voice studio is essential to providing a firm technical foundation that will set young students up for a life full of healthy singing.
Young members of the studio can be seen singing in their school’s choirs and musicals, auditioning for professional and community theatre productions, being accepted into performing arts magnet schools and All-State ensembles, and scoring high in various vocal and theatrical competitions.
During the initial voice consultation, students and parents have the opportunity to discuss goals, any prior musical background, and favorite musical styles. Students learn age-appropriate vocal techniques in a way that is easily digestible, and above all, fun!
AGES 13-18:
For students in this age range lessons are structured in largely the same manner as adult lessons. During an average weekly lesson we’ll spend the first half refining technique through carefully planned vocalises, and the second half applying the techniques to repertoire.
Specialized audition prep is offered to students auditioning for arts magnet schools, creative arts academies, and collegiate programs.
AGES 5-12:
Very few voice instructors are knowledgeable in the field of pediatric pedagogy, as its methods are not traditionally taught in collegiate and graduate pedagogy courses. As a result, many future voice teachers are dissuaded from teaching young, pre-pubescent singers, and instead choose to only teach students who’ve undergone their voice change.
From working alongside my very first voice teacher who specializes in teaching younger voices, I have extensive experience teaching growing voices that require acute attention for developing healthy singing habits. With each lesson I meet my students where they are, and gently guide them to success. It is important for parents to understand that there are physical limitations to what we can expect from a pre-pubescent voice, particularly with range, stamina, volume, and flexibility.
Lessons are paced differently for this age range than for teens and adults who have larger attention spans and more robust vocal stamina. With this age group we’ll keep creativity and playfulness flowing with plenty of exploration and positive reinforcement! Students will learn the foundations of vocal technique, participate in fun ear-training exercises, develop early musicianship skills, and sing age-appropriate songs.
Specialized audition prep is offered to students auditioning for arts magnet schools, creative arts academies, as well as state honor choirs.
For students in this age range, 30 minute lessons or 45 minute lessons are recommended. In the case of especially mature students, 60 minute lessons may be considered.
CURRENT RATES:
30 minutes: $40
45 minutes: $60
60 minutes: $80
FAQs
To book a lesson with Nick, please utilize the contact form.
No free trial lessons are currently being offered.
Included:
-Personalized vocal and musical instruction
-Specialized audition/competition prep
-Practice tracks of songs
-Audition recording
-Sheet music from my personal music library
-A recorded voice lesson that you can continuously refer to, if you choose to record
Not included:
Here are some common expenses that you may encounter over the course of your vocal study, depending on personal needs and goals:
-Sheet music not in my extensive personal library
-An accompanist, should you choose to have one
-Competition fees, should you choose to participate
-Recital fees, should you choose to participate
-Miscellaneous fees for various voice tools (straws, personal nebulizers, etc.)
-Educational materials such as music theory and piano workbooks
-Aural skills software for ear training and sight singing
My studio is largely online, although I do offer in person lessons whenever I’m in the city you live in.
Yes! Most of my students take their lessons online via facetime or zoom.
Short answer: I teach all genres of music!
As a professional opera singer, my specialty is teaching classical voice. However, I was brought up on musical theater and am equally comfortable teaching other styles. My approach to technique remains the same no matter the genre. Each student will learn a reliable and healthy vocal technique that emphasises storytelling and theatrical performance.
I teach all ages; However, I do not teach all ages the same material. I adapt my teaching methods and curriculum depending on the age and experience of the student.
For example, voice lessons for younger singers will largely consist of basic music theory, beginning ear training, posture and beginning breath ideas, performance skills that develop confidence, language skills, and some gentle vocal warm-ups. My goals at this age are to build musicianship skills and develop a deep love of music that will last a lifetime.
Students who have not gone through their voice change (i.e., puberty) cannot safely be taught more advanced technical concepts. For this reason, many choose to begin vocal training following puberty; before puberty, the student can focus on building lifelong musicianship skills that will prepare them for eventual intensive vocal study.
I accept Zelle (preferred), Cash, and/or Check.
No!
I occasionally will offer a discounted bundle of lessons; please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like to know about what specials I’m running!
Parents are welcome to observe their child’s voice lesson, although I do believe one on one instruction has advantages that can be lost when an audience (even mom or dad) is present.
Significant preparation goes into planning for each individual student. For a refund of your payment, 48-hour prior notice is needed. Any exceptions to this rule will be permitted at the instructor’s discretion.
For more information about studio policies, please visit the “Studio Policies” link found at the top of this page.
-Pencil
-Water bottle
-Binder containing music/educational materials
-Something to record audio with if you want to listen back to your lesson (a smartphone usually does the trick)
-A positive and receptive attitude!
This largely depends on student interest and scheduling. If there is enough interest, yes! Participating in a studio recital can be a great tool for developing performance skills, working through stage-fright and nerves, and showcasing your new vocal skills to your friends and family!
Of course! My studio does not utilize a monthly subscription, so you are free to book however you’d like.
Naturally, the most progress can be seen with weekly lessons. However, I completely understand that not everyone is able to afford this option.
TESTIMONIALS
“Singing is an incredibly vulnerable and potentially embarrassing thing for someone to do, especially when beginning. One of Nick’s greatest strengths as a teacher is his ability to instill confidence and provide a safe space for his students. I also really enjoyed the simplicity with which he was able to explain the physical aspects like balancing breath pressure.”
-Student, 23
“Nick helped me access high notes I never knew I had! It’s been an absolute joy to study with him!”
-Student, 25
“Voice lessons are my favorite part of the week! I’ve learned so much about music and acting with Mr. Fahrenkrug, and have gotten solos and roles in show choir and school productions with his help!”
-Student, 15
“I was able to make All State choir thanks to Mr. Fahrenkrug! He has helped me to become so much more confident in my singing.”
-Student, 18
“Ive taken lessons with many teachers, but none have personally invested in me like Nick has. He truly cares about each of his students, and supports us in every way he can.”
-Student, 29