Michele Denise Michaels
Lesson Feesfrom $50.00 / 30 Minutes
Promotions Available
About
As a professional teaching artist and vocal coach, I have been helping students of all ages and abilities find their voice for over 20 years. My goal is simple: to give you singing lessons that will change your life forever. You can uncover your voice, build unshakable confidence and have fun while learning techniques professional singers take onto the stage and into the studio. And, you can have a great time doing it!
Experience
Private Vocal Coach - Jan, 2008 - Present
A professional singer in NY for many years, I made my Twin Cities singing debut at the Guthrie Theater. As a double-degreed graduate in contemporary vocal performance and music business, I'm a vocal geek who loves everything about the voice. Likely, because of this, I love singers and have never met a voice I didn't like. As the owner of my own vocal studio, I'm a passionate instructor who helps students perform with confidence and excellence.
Professional Vocalist - Jan, 2006 - Present
As a native New Yorker, I grew up singing with my brother and sister in one of the first Catholic gospel choirs in the nation. I also sang in the performing arts program of my high school. It was never my goal to be a solo artist. My parents always encouraged my siblings and me to stay together and that was my plan. So in the '90s, I invited my sister, brother, and four other friends to join me in the McDonald’s Gospel Fest competition. To my astonishment, the newly formed septet reached the semi-finals and my star was launched. Based in Brooklyn, our group performed locally, including singing the national anthem for the New York Knicks. "Simply Mystique" toured the talk show circuit and ranked third out of 10,000 contestants in the Arsenio Hall Flavor of the Future talent competition. A few years later as the members of Simply Mystique went their separate ways, I began working as a background and studio session singer in London.
Having lost most of my sight at age 9, I grew up relying on my residual vision (about 2%), the familiarity with my surroundings, and the support of my family and community. Moving overseas and attempting to live and work on my own stripped me of my illusions of independence. I also found that performing without the group’s support was nearly impossible. Clearly, something had to change. After returning from London, I moved to Minneapolis for blindness training at Blind Incorporated. With my training complete and my newly earned long white cane in hand, I pursued dual degrees in performance and music business. As a busy student, I still performed regularly, debuting as a featured vocalist at the acclaimed Guthrie Theater.
As a professional teaching artist and vocal coach, I have been helping students of all abilities find their voice for over 20 years. My goal is simple: to give you singing lessons that will change your life forever. You can build unshakable confidence and have fun while learning techniques professional singers take onto the stage and into the studio. And, you can have a great time doing it!
Note: If you are hoping to meet at a different time on one of the days I teach (see Preview Instructor Availability to the right), use the "Send a Message" button to send me a request.
About my vocal lessons/coaching:
Most students come into lessons with the same question: "Am I any good? Is there hope for me?" Well, here's the thing... The vast majority of professional vocalists never went to school for singing! Most professional vocalists had family and friends that told them they were talented and that they should pursue singing. Most professional vocalists started out copying the sound of other recording artists, struggling for years to find their own unique voice.
The KEY difference between professional vocalists and average singers is (9 times out of 10) the presence of an influential teacher/mentor!
The right teacher/mentor pushes you to grow continuously; beyond what you think is possible. The right teacher/mentor has wisdom and information to share from inside the music industry. The right teacher/mentor genuinely cares about you as a person.
I teach so that I can be that life-changing mentor for my students, giving them that missing link for success.
About me:
I grew up in NYC and "cut my teeth" across a variety of genres: rock, jazz, R&B, gospel, and choral/classical. You name it; I've sung it. In addition to being a vocal coach, I travel the nation as a musician/performing artist, professional speaker, and author. Please take a moment to watch the video clip below.
During our first few lessons, I commit to offering you honest and professional feedback about your strengths and weaknesses. I want to help YOU find YOUR own voice. I want to take a look at YOUR goals, and YOUR dreams, and figure out what makes you tick.
During lessons, I draw on my dual B.A. degree in vocal performance & music business as well as industry experience. I offer insights on what works and what doesn't as a vocalist, whether you are looking to pursue singing vocationally or just as a hobby.
I can help you:
- Stop feeling nervous
- Develop impeccable technique
- Learn the “ins and outs” of being in the music business
- Assemble your press kit, record a demo, and start to get gigs
- Much more!
Check out what my students have to say!
"Wow, what a great first lesson! She was so informative; everything she spoke to me about was valuable to me. I'm looking forward to our following sessions. I know I'm going to learn so much from her and grow as a singer." - Daniel
"Michelle is a delight! She is knowledgeable about the voice and singing, she has amazing amounts of patience and energy, and she is the best cheerleader ever! She respects my level of commitment/practice (low) and personal goals (to practice using my voice). My cup is always so full after our lessons ^_^" - Madeleine
"Michele is a wonderful teacher! She is skilled at explaining singing concepts in an accessible and fun way, and she is generally a delight to spend time with. I've learned so much since I started taking lessons with her. Highly recommended!" - Molly
"Michele is seriously the best vocal coach! I have really grown vocally and she gives great suggestions and feedback. I have been with her for over a year now, and I don't regret a thing! She is an incredible person and such a joy to work with. 10/10 from me!" - Kristin
"After just 2 lessons I've learned more than I thought I would. Michele is fun and knows her s***. I'm booking for next week." - Jeff
I would love the opportunity to meet you and hear where you want your singing to take you. Please, get in touch!
Bachelor of Music - Vocal Performance - McNally Smith College of Music - September 2005 - April 2008
B.A. in Music Business - McNally Smith College of Music - May, 2008
2022 Best of Minneapolis Awards for Music School - Minneapolis Award Program - January 2022
I have over 10 years of experience teaching online lessons.
To get to the best of your online lesson, I recommend wearing headphones. For students seeking a pro experience, adding a separate microphone (i.e. Blue Yeti, USB mic) can really raise the level of our sessions.
Finding a place to have your lesson.
I have seen many students in their cars (I had one client join from their RV), basements, and garages. Ideally, your singing space will be somewhere where you can be alone and away from distractions.
A final note: my curriculum is centered around working with adult voices.