Empowering you to discern what is going on in your own mind, body, and voice
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Mindful
"focusing one's awareness on the present moment" |
Vocal
"relating to the human voice" |
Engineering
"the action of working artfully to bring something about" – Oxford Dictionary |
Mindful Vocal Engineering is Dr. Mastrian's voice studio, which was born from the idea of
science-meets-meditation and body-meets-brain.
It is a way to help you to observe, acknowledge, envision, and implement.
It is about the discipline of breaking any problem down into its component parts
and considering their relation to the efficient functioning of the whole system,
and it is about building a toolbox of resources that are specifically targeted to affect change.
science-meets-meditation and body-meets-brain.
It is a way to help you to observe, acknowledge, envision, and implement.
It is about the discipline of breaking any problem down into its component parts
and considering their relation to the efficient functioning of the whole system,
and it is about building a toolbox of resources that are specifically targeted to affect change.
WHY
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Voice lessons with me will enable you to:
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WHO
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Are you looking for one:one voice lessons?
Individual voice lessons in my studio are ideal for those who are self-motivated, have (a) specific goal(s), and are receptive to input. Clients who work with me on singing usually already read music, play another instrument, and/or have been surrounded by music for many years and have a well-developed ear. I also work with those who would like to focus on releasing tension in their speaking voices and better understand bodily connections.
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Are you looking for a group environment?
Live and self-guided group options are available.
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The studio welcomes Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations (yes, that is a Star Trek reference!).
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"...we are so very grateful for you, your amazing skills, and commitment to teaching.
I absolutely love working with you and gain much knowledge and embodiment!
I enjoy utilizing the info to help me to become a better Physical Therapist as well.
And wow, [my daughter] really benefits from your help. You got her through that [college] audition process! THANK YOU!!!"
- Current client, who is also the parent of a student
WHAT
I am a technique troubleshooter who always discovers root causes, drawing on knowledge from traditional bel canto training through current voice science and anatomical research.
All of my students learn how to precisely recognize and address unwanted tension when it occurs, and we continually reinforce ease of vocal production until it becomes habitual.
While focusing on vocal health, we also develop a complete presentation package, as applied to classical music (opera, oratorio, art song, etc.), musical theater, jazz, pop, rock, folk, other sung styles, and speech.
Each lesson typically consists of:
Our well-rounded work covers three main facets:
Masterful Technique
During our work we utilize what Richard C. Schwartz calls the "Five P's": patience, persistence, presence, perspective, and playfulness.
Our work encompasses what he calls the "Eight C's": creativity, courage, curiosity, connection, compassion, clarity, calm, and confidence.
All of my students learn how to precisely recognize and address unwanted tension when it occurs, and we continually reinforce ease of vocal production until it becomes habitual.
While focusing on vocal health, we also develop a complete presentation package, as applied to classical music (opera, oratorio, art song, etc.), musical theater, jazz, pop, rock, folk, other sung styles, and speech.
Each lesson typically consists of:
- Vocal exercises, as well as mind/body components – to warm up and to target mindset, alignment, breathing, phonation, resonance, and articulation
- Musicianship-building – scales, sight-reading, etc., for those who have auditions that require this or who want to build long-term skills
- Repertoire – all aspects of presenting a piece
Our well-rounded work covers three main facets:
Masterful Technique
- Sing with beautiful consistency and stylistic and emotional flexibility
- Breathe with freedom and sustain a gorgeous phrase with assurance
- Recognize and release tension to access your full resonant sound
- Experience greater ease throughout shifts in register
- Pronounce with total accuracy
- Phrase with clarity and refinement
- Instinctively access movements and gestures that feel natural
- Truly communicate and engage your audience
During our work we utilize what Richard C. Schwartz calls the "Five P's": patience, persistence, presence, perspective, and playfulness.
Our work encompasses what he calls the "Eight C's": creativity, courage, curiosity, connection, compassion, clarity, calm, and confidence.
You will be able to track your learning path as you go through what I have named the ARCH of Progress.™
After years of observation, I codified this in 2017. When later describing the idea to a colleague, they mentioned that it seemed roughly to correlate to the Four Stages of Competence model in psychology, although with terminology that is far most positive and easier to remember! Also, as you can see below, the path is not entirely linear; each area contains some the others, and they can influence and inform each other, as we continue to have insights, deepen our levels of understanding, and ultimately have greater access to self-awareness and choices, supported by desirable habits.
After years of observation, I codified this in 2017. When later describing the idea to a colleague, they mentioned that it seemed roughly to correlate to the Four Stages of Competence model in psychology, although with terminology that is far most positive and easier to remember! Also, as you can see below, the path is not entirely linear; each area contains some the others, and they can influence and inform each other, as we continue to have insights, deepen our levels of understanding, and ultimately have greater access to self-awareness and choices, supported by desirable habits.
© 2021 Mastroianni Musica
- Awareness — "...Ohhhh....": external feedback guides you to notice a behavior or characteristic of which you may have been previously unaware
- Realization — "Aha!": you start to recognize this on your own
- Choice — "This happened, and I can do this to fix it.": you have options and can decide to put a new way into action
- Habit — "That was easy!": you have integrated this into your pattern
WHEN and HOW MUCH
- The first step to potentially working with me is to have a 15-minute Contact Conversation (FREE) via Zoom to see if we both agree that we should meet or if another teacher might be a better fit at this point in time.
- If we decide to move forward, an Initial Session (normally $150; discounted to $110 through September 2024) lasts an hour; this session includes a comprehensive assessment of your vocal instrument and also includes an in-depth sequenced warmup routine that will be emailed to you, along with a plan for future work and/or other suggestions if I feel that someone else might be a more productive match. In addition, this session includes significant administrative onboarding work. Typically I spend at least an hour and a half on these other elements after our time together for the Contact Conversation and Initial Session.
- If we both decide that continuing to work together would be beneficial, we will discuss the option that best suits your situation: sessions typically take place weekly, bimonthly, or monthly and are 50 minutes in length; you have access to my calendar and can schedule yourself in available timeslots.
- Monthly subscriptions of varying levels offer a discounted per-session rate ($112-$125) compared to the single drop-in lesson rate ($135), in order to emphasize the importance of ongoing work -- as with any neuromuscular coordination, vocal progress happens with a consistent, targeted investment of committed effort over a period of time.
Please note: Group voice classes are available for those looking for a more economical solution or a different style of learning environment. I am glad to work with you to find the arrangement that works best for your growth and development as well as your budget (such as having lessons less often and making sure that you have a plan of focus for your practice in between meetings); however, this studio is for those who want access to the highest quality training available: with extensive knowledge about anatomy as well a vast array of complementary fields, tremendous continuing education, and over 30 years of teaching experience, working with me means that you have access to nearly endless solutions tailored to your situation.
- Single-session Catalyst Consultations and tailored short-term boost packages are available for performing arts professionals requiring intensive coaching towards an immediate goal. (Please note that while I typically can immediately identify the areas that need attention, it is up to your own mind/body/instrument whether or not you can integrate these within a shorter timeframe. Longer-term work is highly recommended whenever possible for the most effective and lasting changes.)
WHERE
- Every day: online via Zoom meetings.
- Mondays: Greenwood Violin Studio in Bitter Lake (N. Seattle).
- Sundays, Thursdays, and Fridays: The Music Haven (Redmond).
HOW
Click the button below to book your free 15-minute discovery phone call!
HOW
Click the button below to book your free 15-minute discovery phone call!
Visit the MindVoce channel on YouTube for more!
Dear Potential and Current Studio Members,
If you are self-motivated, have a specific problem to solve or goal to achieve, want longevity in your singing and/or speaking voice, and are nerdy about something in the world, I can help you to thrive!
With unwavering commitment and apodictic integrity, I support your growth by guiding you to increased awareness, providing clear strategies to conquer challenges, and helping you to structure your practice for maximum effectiveness. I ask that you take the initiative to incorporate our work into your singing and speaking and that you be patient, flexible, and curious. At all times I strive for consummate professionalism and expect the same in return.
In my studio, our relationship is a partnership:
you bring the enthusiasm and focus required to learn, and I offer energy and inspiration; I provide tools and resources that will enable you to improve, and you exhibit the perseverance to fully implement that guidance.
We work intensively and collaboratively toward building a strong foundation of healthy vocal technique (including mindfulness and bodywork components), exemplary musicianship, and true communication.
It is immensely rewarding when we experience moments of relief when tension dissipates and we can utter a phrase freely, when we surprise ourselves at the sound that comes soaring out after a released breath, when singing or speaking feels non-judgmental and instinctive, and when we can sculpt a phrase by using every syllable and gradation of meaning. I aim to facilitate these moments, endeavoring to assist you in uninhibited communication.
I invite you to enjoy the journey—to feel motivated and hopeful, able to access your ability to embody and express emotions through your voice. It is my hope to see you shine, making progress and loving the moments that you spend singing and speaking!
All my best,
Dr. M
™ and © 2017-2021
SPECIAL SESSIONS
FOR TEACHERS & STUDENTS:
Catalyst Consultations: Technique, Diction, Mind+Body, or Audition Prep
When it's time for you or your student to get an intensive boost to break through blocks - or you just want a slightly new way of envisioning something - you need someone you trust who can provide perspective and a catalyst for growth.
Think of this as a private masterclass to support existing work: get unstuck, gain insights, hone.
FOR TEACHERS & STUDENTS:
Catalyst Consultations: Technique, Diction, Mind+Body, or Audition Prep
When it's time for you or your student to get an intensive boost to break through blocks - or you just want a slightly new way of envisioning something - you need someone you trust who can provide perspective and a catalyst for growth.
Think of this as a private masterclass to support existing work: get unstuck, gain insights, hone.
FOR VOICE TEACHERS, CHOIR DIRECTORS, and OTHER VOCAL PROFESSIONALS
Lateral Feedback: Eyes and Ears
Tired of saying the same things and not getting results? Seeking input about more accurate and effective ways to convey information? Looking to add to your collection of different ways of addressing vocal issues? Dr. Mastrian offers individualized private coaching sessions as well as observes voice lessons and choir rehearsals to provide constructive feedback, energizing established teachers and choir directors and mentoring newer ones.
Lateral Feedback: Eyes and Ears
Tired of saying the same things and not getting results? Seeking input about more accurate and effective ways to convey information? Looking to add to your collection of different ways of addressing vocal issues? Dr. Mastrian offers individualized private coaching sessions as well as observes voice lessons and choir rehearsals to provide constructive feedback, energizing established teachers and choir directors and mentoring newer ones.
FOR COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY, and CONSERVATORY-BOUND STUDENTS
Complete Audition Preparation: Concierge Service Packages
...Imagine feeling 100% ready for every aspect of the university-level classical/musical theater voice audition process....
This modular, individually-tailored program provides guidance that takes you from planning and organization, through each step of vocal and interpretative readiness, through audition recordings and live auditions.
Audition Planning
For a stress-free senior year, here’s what you need to know about college, university, and conservatory voice auditions! Get organized in advance, familiarize yourself with repertoire requirements, and feel situated about the logistics of attire, travel, and more. Parents and guardians are welcome.
Complete Audition Preparation: Concierge Service Packages
...Imagine feeling 100% ready for every aspect of the university-level classical/musical theater voice audition process....
This modular, individually-tailored program provides guidance that takes you from planning and organization, through each step of vocal and interpretative readiness, through audition recordings and live auditions.
Audition Planning
For a stress-free senior year, here’s what you need to know about college, university, and conservatory voice auditions! Get organized in advance, familiarize yourself with repertoire requirements, and feel situated about the logistics of attire, travel, and more. Parents and guardians are welcome.