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How old must one be before one can take voice lessons?
You can never be too young or too old. For the young voices, especially the boys, this will help as they go through the voice
change.
I like to sing popular songs--will I still be able to do that?
Most definitely! The SRVS will help you sing better the style of music that you prefer.
Will it make me sound like an opera singer?
No! Not unless your voice has that quality.
How will I be able to remember what I was taught?
You will receive materials dealing with basic vocal technique, vowel modification, and vocal exercises.
Can I afford it?
You can't afford not to! The amount you pay for at least one thirty minute voice lesson
per week is an insignificant amount to pay for something that could possibly help you avoid nodules on the vocal cords and
eventual surgery due to incorrect phonation. Plus the basic knowledge you gain about your voice will give you confidence and
a better sounding singing and speaking voice.
A WORD OF CAUTION:
You must be exceedingly cautious and selective when selecting a vocal teacher. The voice is an extremely delicate instrument
that merits proper care; therefore, your choice should be done wisely, not just because that one charges less. Many have been
the singers that have been referred to Mr. Ríos who had almost met vocal disaster because of improper voice teaching received
from someone who purported to be a voice teacher, but who knew nothing of correct phonation.
Teaching correct vocal production is a science. Thus the
voice teacher has to be well grounded in his/her line of work in order to see and hear and then correct and eliminate every
problem that singers face: e.g. incorrect position of the tongue and jaw, incorrect impingement of each vowel according to
pitch on the soft and hard palates, improper breathing, aspirated sounds, and etc.
What steps must I take to begin?
You begin by coming to see Sonny Ríos at his studio (please call beforehand to
learn if Mr. Ríos will be at the location), then sign a contract for studies at The SRVS. THERE
IS NO NEED TO AUDITION! There are four types of contracts that you must choose from before you commence studies
(if under 18 years of age, one parent or legal guardian must sign the contract, since this is a legal document).
(1) THREE MONTHS CONTRACT: $40.00
each half-hour lesson or $80.00 each hour lesson. There will be at least one lesson per week. This translates to
an average of $160.oo a month for thirty minute lessons or $320.00 a month for hour lessons.
(2) SIX MONTHS CONTRACT: $35.00
each half-hour lesson or $70.00 each hour lesson. There will be at least one lesson per week. This translates to an average
of $140.00 a month for thirty minute lessons or $280.00 a month for hour lessons.
(3) 9 MONTHS CONTRACT: $32.50 each half-hour lesson or $65.00 each hour lesson. There will be at least one lesson per week.
This translates to an average of $130.00 a month for thirty minut lessons or $260 a month for hour lessons. (4) 12 MONTHS CONTRACT: $30.00
each half-hour lesson or $60.00 each hour lesson. There will be at least one lesson per week. This translates to an
average of $120.00 a month for thirty minute lessons or $240.00 a month for hour lessons. (To view an example of the contract you will sign, please click on the Contracts link.) STUDENTS COMMENCING THEIR
STUDIES MUST HAVE ALL PAPER WORK DONE AND THE FIRST MONTH'S LESSONS FEE PAID AT LEAST ONE WEEK BEFORE THE INITIAL LESSON. Non-contract lesson fees are as follow: $60.00
@ thirty minute lesson; $120.00 @ hour lesson; $50.00 @ thirty minute
lesson thereafter, if taken consecutively.
If I miss a lesson, will I be able to make that lesson up? Most definitely! As long as you notify our studios twenty-four hours in advance.
If I wish to renew my contract, will I be able to do so? Most definitely! In fact, if you sign consecutive contracts, you will be charged lessons fees of a contract
the length the two contracts amount to: e.g. two three months contracts will be as if you had originally signed a six months
contract; three months and a six months contract will be as if you had signed a nine months contract originally; etc. Twelve
months contracts fees remain the same.
What should I bring with me when I come for my lesson? You may bring with you any style of music you prefer to sing, whether it's in sheet music
or recorded accmpaniment (cassette or CD), and etc. But first and foremost, you must come with an intense desire
to learn and work and a willingness to sacrifice of your time and resources in order to become a successful artist!
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