Do you feel like you have a good singing voice but no matter how much you practice, you aren’t getting better?
Are you avoiding signing up for that audition, open mic, or belting your favorite song at karaoke night because you worry you aren't good enough?
Do you want to strengthen your musical skills?
Hi, I’m Larisa Montanaro, and I have been a professional singer and voice teacher for the past 25 years.
Instead of worrying about cracking on the high notes, forgetting the words, or running out of breath too quickly, I’ll help you learn to actually enjoy singing again and sound better than ever.
I have performed in many styles on many stages, from avant-garde music, to classical, to jazz standards, to fronting rock and country bands all over Austin, Texas.
I’ve taught thousands of students at all levels, from college voice majors to self-taught songwriters, to children. My doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin centered on modern music and how to use classical singing techniques to support the modern singer.
All this to say, I’ve been where you are, and I’ve helped students like you sing at their best.
“I was losing my voice every show I played and after working with a few other teachers was pretty convinced that my problems were beyond any sort of help. Larisa’s approach was remarkably different and very useful from the start. Within my first lesson, she was able to see past my symptoms and down to the root issues that contributed to my vocal damage. She has since helped me develop power, range, and other vocal skills, and I would recommend her lessons to the amateur or the professional. ”
Hurry! Live Online Classes Begin March 26th
Vocal Boot Camp - Learn To Sing Without Fear
In this 6-week class, you will go inside my holistic and stress-free approach to singing where I have distilled the best singing advice into simple tactics that will help you learn songs without fear. Let me help you devise a plan for success. Attend in my studio or ONLINE. Includes mp3’s, worksheets, weekly meetings, and one-on-one check-ins.
VOCAL HARMONIES - LEARN TO SING WITH OTHERS
I will make you a Harmony Singing Ninja. This session we are singing campfire favorites like “Teach Your Children” and “Mrs. Robinson” as well as some newer artists like The Head and The Heart. I provide you with rehearsal mp3’s, one-on-one check-ins as necessary, and a live weekly group meeting where you and your classmates can check in. Attend in my studio or ONLINE.
SINGING for beginners - LEARN TO SING
In six-weeks, I can teach you the building blocks of singing that will serve you throughout your life. These foundational skills are the tools that you will come back to again and again, whether you’re in your first year of singing or your tenth. I have spent much of my professional career focussing on the needs of beginning singers. Let me share my expertise with you - singing doesn’t have to be difficult. This course only meets ONLINE. It combines live weekly meetings, videos, mp3’s, and worksheets to deliver a clear a concise approach to singing that takes out the guesswork.
What if you don’t have time to practice an hour a day?
I’ll show how to find pockets of time in your day to practice with voice enhancing exercises that you can do whenever you have 5-10 minutes free--in your car, at the laundromat, sitting at your desk, or even silently while your roommate is sleeping. Some will focus on your body, some will involve noise making, some will involve scales (worry not!), and some will involve a pen and paper. And I have Daily Life Items which you will do whenever you remember.
Hear and Feel improvement in just 6 weeks
Vocal Boot Camp focuses on the performance side of singing, Theory & Ear Training builds your musicianship skills, and Vocal Harmony integrates the two. You will notice a difference in your singing confidence after just 6 weeks. You'll no longer want to run off stage and vomit. Audience members will approach you after shows to tell you how wonderful you sound and how much they love your songs. Performing will become enjoyable again.
You'll have more patience and appreciation for yourself and your voice.
“Working with Larisa has turned around my singing and my confidence in performing. She works hard to pinpoint my areas needing improvement while still listening to my unique and often offbeat problems and insecurities. What I’ve learned has gone from the classroom to the stage and studio and I can’t thank Larisa enough for revolutionizing vocals for me.”
My philosophy
Singing should be fun. Try to avoid singing that is not fun.
Singing is for EVERYONE.
Confidence comes with knowledge and practice (not necessarily in that order).
In performance, the song always comes first. The technical work happens in the practice room.
A successful performance serves the song, not the ego.
Dates / SPRING 2020
Vocal Harmonies IN STUDIO: Sundays starting March 15th at 3pm
Vocal Harmonies ONLINE: Thursdays starting March 26th at 7pm
Vocal Boot Camp IN STUDIO: Mondays starting March 23rd at 7pm
Vocal Boot Camp ONLINE: Thursdays starting March 26th at 8:15pm
Singing for Beginners ONLINE ONLY: Thursdays starting March 26th at 2pm
Prerequisites & LoCation
No previous music study necessary, and all levels of singer are welcome. Ages 15 and up.
South Austin, TX or Anywhere in the World (thanks to ONLINE CLASSES)
Price
$157 for six-week LIVE ONLINE course
$160 for six-week IN-STUDIO course