ABOUT OUR VOICE & PIANO SCHOOL

I've been taking voice lessons with Dr. Ariel Downs through Cantabile since February—almost 8 months as of writing this. While I still have much I want to achieve, my singing has indisputably improved since I began! For context, I had taken vocal lessons a few years ago with a different instructor (separate from Cantabile), but due to where I was at in life at the time, I didn't take them seriously enough to make any major strides. My initial email to Erica explained that I wanted to learn proper technique and how to deter the issues I had (and still have) with *tension* in singing and even my regular speaking voice. Erica promptly replied and suggested Ariel for my specific interests. After a single trial lesson, I knew 100% I wanted to schedule more lessons! Since then, Ariel has been an incredible resource for my vocal development! For one, she has a bright and friendly personality that cheers you on when you hit a milestone. That's great for somebody like me that always overthinks how I sound! On top of that, her work has observable outcomes. With every lesson I notice more relaxation, more natural vibrato, more confidence, and another step towards "unlocking" my individual singing voice. It's also worth noting that Ariel was quick to observe and adapt to how I personally learn! I've also had the brief opportunity to work with the other instructors when Ariel was away for a performance, and they all clearly share traits that are invaluable for instructors: curiosity, compassion, and an understanding of how to apply their knowledge to others—just to list a few! If I could give Cantabile more stars, I would!

I decided to take beginner voice lessons on a whim, and I am SO GLAD that I did! It has been a joy to have some guidance in discovering my voice. Kristin, my instructor, has helped me grow leaps and bounds in my confidence, my tone, and my knowledge. If you are considering signing up with Cantabile, just do it! They have very reasonable rates, flexible packages, and excellent instructors.

I cannot recommend enough taking lessons with Ariel at Cantabile school! I’ve really enjoyed her non-prescriptive approach to vocal work— instead of telling you what to do, she guides you through exercises and teaches you through your own self-reflection. As someone who has had other vocal instructors in the past who have only made things more confusing, Ariel has been like a light at the end of the tunnel for me in beginning to realize my own potential from within!

You may ask yourself, as I did, why an adult student who plays in a blues rock band, should take vocal lessons from opera singers. First, and foremost, it's fun! They take all the seriousness of formal training and turn it on it's head. I've learned so much about not only vocal technique, but music in general. It's sort of like having Bobby Fischer or Garry Kasparov tutor you in chess. Having masters work with you is inspiring, exciting, and demanding. And fun!

I came to study with Erica Schuller when I had difficulty reaching high notes that were always in my repertoire. After Covid , because I hadn't sung for sometime, I truly thought the high notes were gone. After working with Erica for just 3 weeks she assured me they were still there. Needless to say before I new it my high B flat was back! Erica presented me with new vocal knowledge and was able to see things ( head and neck movement) that I was not aware of. The biggest thing I came away with, was to relax when singing..... Really relax. I learned that when going for a high note , mouth is open, I'm psychically relaxed and let it happen. I'm sure Erica could explain it better! Erica also was able to teach me how to sing in my lower register and not push for the sound to come out. Just relax, breathe, the sound will be there, I'm glad to report , my lower register did me proud! I did a program for a Ladies Luncheon , sang high and low and did very well !! I am sooooo grateful to Erica for showing me I had not lost it vocally. She's fun to work with, Extremely knowledgeable and I would highly recommend her to all singers. By the way, I am 69 years old, had numerous voice teachers over the years, and Erica is truly one of the best. She has opened my eyes to new techniques that has made my singing so much better. Thank you Erica.

Cantabile School of Voice and Piano is doing WONDERFUL work for its students! DePaul University, where I serve as the pedagogue on voice faculty, recently hosted Cantabile School in recital. I can say with certainty that this school offers the highest quality instruction and does so within a kind and compassionate learning environment. I saw students express themselves freely, openly, and with confidence, performing to the very best of their abilities – a credit to their teacher and director of the school, Erica Schuller. Erica is a highly acclaimed professional singer with a background in both performance and education who also accompanied her students in performance playing some seriously challenging music! The camaraderie and professionalism among them was a joy to witness. If you want to study voice and/or piano this school has my highest endorsement!

I have been training vocally for 8+ years and worked with several great voice teachers, and in my experience there is nobody that has done more for the healthy development of my voice more than Erica Schuller. Beyond vocal technique training, she has assisted me with picking flattering and interesting repertoire that I utilize for auditions and workshops, she has provided resources for filming self tapes, and assisted me in finding accompanists. She helped me TREMENDOUSLY through the college audition process and is undeniably part of the reason I received entrance into several prestigious collegiate vocal performance programs, such as Boston University and Berklee College of Music. I currently attend New York University for Vocal Performance and am endlessly thankful for the various skills, technique, and etiquette I learned through Erica. She is such a gifted teacher and is able to truly listen and understand my voice beyond my comprehension. In addition to her wonderful teaching, she is unbelievably kind and supportive and any amount of time spent learning with her is time incredibly well spent.

As both a teacher and a human being, Erica is simply exceptional. Although I was a nontraditional student in many ways, Erica was willing to bring me under her tutelage and provided incredible instruction. I could feel the command over my voice improving with each session, and our time together was a cathartic opportunity to do something I love with the guidance of an extremely knowledgeable, gifted, and empathetic teacher. I could not recommend Erica more highly if I tried, and I'm grateful that I was able to learn from her for as long as I did.

Erica is an amazing voice instructor. When I saw a video of her performing, I knew she was the right person for the job. Not only is she a great singer, but has the right people skills to train others to be better singers. Cantabile School Of Voice & Piano is a talented group of people who have dedicated their lives to music, and have the classical training and education to back it up. Music students will benefit greatly from their voice and piano lessons.

Erica is a wonderful and truly gifted teacher! I decided to start voice lessons as an adult (which is slightly terrifying), and am so glad I did. I've improved my voice, gained confidence, learned some life lessons, and had a lot of fun along the way. Two things that stand out to me about Erica: (1) She is an EDUCATOR. Erica has a degree in Vocal Performance AND Music Education, and it's very clear she is an expert in both content (voice) and process (learning pedagogy). She is incredibly intentional in her selection and pacing of vocal exercises, concepts, and techniques to ensure they meet me where I'm at as a singer and learner. She encourages open dialogue about the learning process and we make adjustments to meet my learning needs and style along the way. I have confidence that she could teach anyone at any level. (2) She creates the perfect environment and conditions for learning. Singing in front of others is scary for me, but I feel totally comfortable trying new things, making mistakes, asking questions, and expressing how I'm feeling about the learning process with Erica. She makes it fun, interesting, and infuses a lot of joy into our lessons. Very highly recommend Erica and the Cantabile School (I hear the other instructors are fabulous too)!