Private Voice Studio
Statement of Purpose
To teach my students how to sing in the most free, expressive, and enjoyable manner.
The Lesson
I typically offer my students one private, one-hour lesson per week. In order to take full advantage of our time, I recommend that the student records each lesson. Also, it is a good idea to collect every few recordings in order to gauge one’s progress. Students are always welcome to e-mail or call with questions during the week. The first half-hour is usually focused on vocal exercises and technique, while the second half is devoted to the singer’s repertoire. The more experienced students are invited to sing in semi-annual recitals in Berkeley.
The Method
The technique I teach to all students is rooted in bel canto, which is most commonly exhibited by classical singers. Other influences include Alexander technique, Feldenkrais method, and my twenty-five years of private teaching experience. This method serves as a strong and flexible foundation upon which most genres of singing benefit. My students sing Classical, Musical Theatre, Pop, Jazz, and Non-Western literature.
Age and Experience
I do not have a minimum age requirement for entry into my studio. However, due to the physical sound demands, I usually suggest that young singers do not start until their voice changes (in their mid-teens). I accept students of all levels and abilities to my studio. Whether a student has plans for a career in voice or a hobbyist, my only demand is that the student maintains consistent practice.
Student Company Affiliations
My students have performed with the Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, Festival Opera, West Bay Opera, Sacramento Opera, Lyric Theatre of San Jose, The China Broadcasting Performing-Arts Group, Institut Goethe – Paris, Aspen Music Festival, BASOTI, Lamplighters Music Theatre, Woodminster Summer Musicals, TheatreWorks, Pacific Edge Voices, New Conservatory Theater, Mission City Opera, Alameda Civic Light Opera, Seaside Music Theater – Florida, Contra Costa Civic Theatre, Oakland East Bay Symphony Chorus, Théâtre Adyar – Paris, Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, Quisisana Resort – Maine, Les Misérables National Tour, and many others.
I am a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA), and the International Academy of Performing Arts and Sciences.
Reviews by students:
3/18/2024
Nadel is one of the best instructors on this campus. He always goes above and beyond to prepare students for the professional world. It is clear he truly cares about the success of his students.–Anon. survey at UCD
12/12/2023
Professor Nadel is everything you want in a voice instructor. Kind and understanding but also demands dedication and practice from students. In taking this course, my singing has improved leaps and bounds. I’ve been able to tackle pieces I never would of thought I could and now moving into next quarter will be ready to sing some Operatic music.– Anon. survey at UCD
12/05/2021
Professor Nadel is approachable and has excellent communication skills. Every week, I had new information to work with, without feeling overwhelmed. His style of teaching empowers me to recognize my current skillset while also learning to identify where to improve. He explains concepts in different ways when I don’t understand terminology. I can’t say enough good things about him!– Anon. survey at UCD
3/15/2018
I performed at a concert at the end of the quarter and felt extremely prepared and vocally confident as a result of this course. Nadel was very personable and relatable but also professional and extremely knowledgeable. I would go into the class some days not even wanting to sing but end up leaving singing to myself all the way Home. Spectacular class, very thankful-Anon. survey at UCD
6/8/2017
It has been a fantastic delight to be able to look back at where I started and see how much I have grown as a singer, thanks to your invaluable guidance. I also deeply appreciate your constant support of me, not just as a vocalist but as a student and as a person. I will keep the lessons, both musical and life-applicable, with me all my life. -JC
7/8/2016
I think every dedicated student wishes to find that perfect teacher, the white-haired old guru sitting cross legged on a mountaintop, who slowly reveals the wisdom of the universe. Jon Nadel is that teacher. He’s much younger of course, but I assume he hangs out on mountain tops when he’s not teaching.
Jon knows everything about singing. With his Jedi-like musical powers, he can hear the shape of my tongue and see the breath moving inside me. He always seems to know why I am not producing the best possible sound, where I am holding tension, and where my posture is hurting me. He delivers these corrections without the least trace of condescension, which put me at ease given my self consciousness in the early lessons. Jon is relentlessly patient and supportive with his students. He is one of those special people who fills those around him with dignity and enthusiasm for the arts. He has inspired me to study music at Columbia University in NY– a prospect that didn’t seem possible one year ago. And while I am excited for the change, I still miss my teacher. -John Y.
8/12/2015
I have been taking voice lessons with Mr. Nadel for about 2 years and this review is long over due.
He is an incredible teacher and musician. He is always accommodating, and communicates well outside of lessons. Although classically trained, Mr. Nadel is very knowledgeable about many styles of music. He plays the piano like a professional though he doesn’t admit it. He is very accomplished yet humble and amicable.
I have seen myself grow so much and am so happy I found such an amazing teacher. He has taught me how to sing in a healthy way that has allowed me to access more of my range and enrich the tone of my voice. I can’t wait to see where the next few years of lessons takes me!
My only regret is that I didn’t start my lessons with him sooner! -Brian L.
Paris
Let’s imagine a young French student in the US, totally crazy about Broadway musicals, having done 6 years of voice classes in Paris … I thought I knew the basics of the singing technique etc. But I was wrong, so wrong !
Studying with Jonathan allowed me to reveal my voice, to try the impossible : singing in the Broadway style! His great knowledge of vocal techniques and acting skills, as well as his wonderful ability to make a student reveal all his emotions on stage, especially during the recitals organized within the Studio, are just priceless !
This year with Jonathan helped me gain confidence, skills and a full voice technique for musical theater.
Finding him was the luckiest done I had during this year abroad ! -Audrey A.
Jonathan is a great teacher, one of the best I’ve had musically. For background I’ve studied under 4 private instructors, two in the violin and two in voice, and Jonathan is the best I’ve had. He’s very welcoming and isn’t overbearing or easy to frustrate (which, if you’ve had ANY experience with multiple music teachers, you’ve probably experienced at least one who did frustrate easy). He gives constructive criticism, and is very enthusiastic about his students performances and their achievements. -Michael H.
Jonathan Nadel taught me to sing ! I didn’t even know I could. He knows his stuff including all types of music and many languages. His lessons are well structured, informative and fun. He produces two student recitals every year, which gives the student a chance to advance at his/her own pace. Now I get to sing with great singers regularly because of my own confidence. I recommend him to all my friends. -Veronica B.
Locations
Berkeley City Club
UC Davis
Cancellation Policy
I have a strict 24-hour cancellation policy. If a student needs to either cancel or re-schedule a lesson, I require telephone notice at least 24 hours in advance. If no notice is given (or less than 24 hours), I charge the full fee for the lesson.
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