Look, I know I’m old-school when it comes to most things—especially voice lessons. For centuries, vocal instruction has followed the same tried-and-true method: teacher and student in the same room, working together to shape the voice. From the Italian masters of bel canto in the 17th century to the great conservatories of the modern era, this face-to-face tradition has been the gold standard for a reason. And honestly? It still is.
For 24 years, I've proudly stepped in line to fulfill my roles as both singer and teacher in this time-worn tradition. On top of that, I'm living proof that studying exclusively through in-person vocal lessons can lead to a fabulous singing career. The connection, the ability to hear every nuance of the voice in the same room, the instant feedback—it’s the gold standard. Eight months ago, if you’d asked me about online vocal coaching, I would have laughed, I probably would have judged you a little, and I'm sure I would have said something along the lines of, “They're a waste of money and not for people who are serious about their singing or their careers. You might as well go watch YouTube tutorials."
Ouch. Anyone who knows me knows that it doesn't get much worse than that. Enthusiastic vocal coaches on YouTube might mean well, but let’s face it—most of them aren’t equipped to provide the nuanced, personalized feedback that vocal training requires. The same goes for online vocal courses. Singing isn’t a one-size-fits-all craft. The exercises, techniques, and guidance you need are entirely unique to your voice, your goals, and even your physiology.
The problem with YouTube tutorials and online singing courses is that they only show you how to do something in theory—but they can’t tell you if you’re doing it wrong. They can’t catch that subtle tension in your jaw or hear that your breath support is collapsing halfway through a phrase. Worst of all, they can’t stop you from developing bad habits that might take years to undo.
In fact, many of my private students come to me after spending months (or years!) following these tutorials, wondering why they aren’t improving—or worse, why their voice feels fatigued or strained. The truth is, you can’t replace the ears of an experienced vocal coach who knows how to listen to what your voice is telling them and guide you toward real growth.
That’s why, eight months ago, I couldn’t fathom that online lessons could be any better. I thought, How can a teacher possibly give a student what they need without being in the same room? And honestly, in most cases, I still believe that nothing beats the connection and precision of in-person lessons. But what I didn’t realize then is that, with the right teacher, online lessons can be a game-changer.
...Never would have believed that after giving a few virtual lessons, I would be singing a different tune (pun intended)...
Why I Was So Stubborn About In-Person Lessons
As someone who has not only trained with some really kick-ass teachers, pedagogues, and vocal coaches, but has also trained and worked with A-list performers on the world's biggest stages, I’ve always been deeply protective of the vocal coaching process. For me, it is sacred.
When I coach in person, I can:
Hear subtle shifts in resonance, breath flow, and tone that might not carry through a microphone.
See every micro-movement in the body, from the tension in a student’s jaw to their posture as they inhale.
Physically guide students if needed (a gentle adjustment to the rib cage can make a world of difference!).
Pick up on unspoken intangibles that may reveal insights into a singer's background or life outside of the music studio that may be affecting their growth as artists.
For these reasons, I've insisted that my sessions remain in-person, despite the influx of post-COVID virtual music lessons popping up everywhere around me. I was adamant that vocal lessons conducted virtually would never measure up.
The Turning Point: A Challenge I Couldn’t Refuse
When Fiverr Pro® reached out to invite me to lead their exclusive roster of online music instructors, my first instinct was to say, “Thanks, but no thanks.” I didn’t believe it could work.
But curiosity—and maybe a little ego—got the better of me. I thought, If anyone can figure out how to make this viable, it’s me. So, I gave it a shot.
What I didn’t expect was just how much I’d underestimated what’s possible in a virtual setting.
Why Virtual Coaching Works with the Right Teacher
After my first few sessions coaching with Fiverr Pro®, I realized something: while virtual lessons are not the same as in-person lessons (and they never will be), they’re rife with opportunities that in-person lessons can never accomplish.
My first (and biggest) revelation: "HOLY COW, I WOULD HAVE KILLED FOR THIS KIND OF OPPORTUNITY TO STUDY WITH A REAL NYC VOCAL COACH WHEN I WAS TRAINING DOWN IN SOUTH CAROLINA!"
This. Is. HUGE. With virtual lessons, I can bring the world's best (Fiverr's words, not mine. 😉) vocal training anywhere in the world to anyone with a wifi signal.
My entire life would be different if I had had this kind of opportunity when I was learning to sing and act. One time, my parents paid an obscene amount of money to an actress in Columbia, South Carolina, who appeared in a Hooters commercial so that I could coach a commercial script with her. And we were so grateful for this exposure! That was the only opportunity that presented itself within a 60-mile radius of my hometown. So yes, coaching with a New York City vocal coach from the comfort of my living room would have definitely been a game-changer for me back then.
My second revelation, upon completing my first virtual session with a student: virtual voice lessons can be remarkably effective. But the vocal coach must be exceptional. I began to look more closely at other vocal coaches offering their services online and "CRINGE" doesn't begin to describe what I saw. Once the opportunity to make money from something presents itself, all of a sudden people become singing experts after watching one low-quality, cookie-cutter YouTube video claiming to "unleash your high notes in 10 minutes." That's not how it works. Be discerning when it comes to finding an online vocal coach.
Here’s what makes the difference:
A Trained Ear That Cuts Through the Noise: The best coaches can hear beyond the limitations of a microphone or poor room acoustics. They can identify tension, misalignment, or poor technique through sound alone and guide students toward improvement.
Adaptable Teaching Methods: Great coaches understand how to explain concepts visually, verbally, and experientially. Virtual lessons force teachers to be more innovative in how they communicate and demonstrate techniques.
Technology That Bridges the Gap: Tools like multi-camera setups and platforms like Mooz eliminate some of the challenges of virtual coaching. I can show my students every angle they need to master their posture and technique, and I can accompany them in real time without delay. (Mooz for the win, I'm not even an affiliate, just a die-hard believer in their technology. Time for Zoom to catch up!)
Customized Exercises That Deliver Results: The best vocal coaches don’t rely on cookie-cutter warm-ups or exercises. They diagnose what a student’s voice needs in real-time and provide tailored solutions to unlock their potential.
Revelation #3: With virtual lessons, I am affecting lives all across the world. If I've said it once, I'll say it a zillion times: voice lessons are like therapy sessions. We laugh, we cry, we learn, we heal, we grow, we become whole. With Fiverr Pro®, I get the privilege of working with singers from all over the world. I currently train singers in the United States, Canada, Argentina, Spain, India, France, West Africa, Thailand, China, Australia, and Brazil. Seeing the differences in musicianship and the growth I see in my singers as human beings means my impact is touching every corner of the world. I'm getting emotional typing this. No, sorry, that's just something in my eye, must be an eyelash... So many of us don't realize the burdens we carry around with us each day until we take a voice lesson. How lucky am I to have such brave singers place their trust in me to strengthen their voices, their hearts, and confidence. Color me lucky.
The Caveat: In-Person Lessons Still Reign Supreme
Let me be absolutely clear: in-person lessons are unmatched.
If you’re serious about improving your voice, virtual lessons should only be part of your journey. You should 100% supplement them with periodic in-person coachings, even if they’re with a different teacher than your regular online instructor.
Why? Because there are things that even the best vocal coach in the world can’t fully assess online:
The finer details of how your breath feels when expanding your rib cage.
The physical presence and connection that can boost your confidence in ways no screen can replicate.
The full richness of your unamplified voice in a live setting; the acoustics we sing in reveal so much about our voices, you just need the trained ear of an extraordinary coach to hear and interpret what your voice is saying in the acoustic.
If you’re learning to sing exclusively online, make it a priority to book an in-person session at least a few times a year.
Why I’m Now Proud to Offer Online Singing Lessons
The truth is, online lessons aren’t for everyone—but with the right teacher, they are wonderfully transformative. I see it happen with every one of my students in their first lesson. Students who thought they could never sing in tune now tackle challenging pieces with confidence. Shy beginners are finding their voices. Professional performers are refining their techniques and booking roles.
At Tour de Fierce and through Fiverr Pro®, I approach every virtual lesson with the same rigor and dedication I bring to my in-person sessions. My students get personalized feedback, innovative exercises, and expert guidance backed by years of experience working with the world’s top performers.
If you’re looking for the best online vocal coaches, know this: it’s not about the platform; it’s about the teacher. You need someone who can hear what others miss, adapt their approach to your unique needs, and push you to achieve results you didn’t think possible.
Ready to work with one of the best? Book a lesson with me today or click here to learn more about my coachings.
Conclusion: Searching for 'Vocal Coach Near Me'? Reap the Benefits of Virtual Singing Lessons with a Real Pro like Me
Eight months ago, I wouldn’t have believed it if you told me I’d be advocating for online vocal coaching. But now, I see its EXTREMELY FIERCE value—when it’s done by the right coach. So yes, those of you looking for a "vocal coach near me," I encourage you to try your hand at something new. If you’re serious about your voice, take a virtual lesson with a pro from NYC who can guide you to achieving your goals much faster and easier than someone who is out of the loop when it comes to the entertainment industry. Don't worry, I got you. I'll help you combine the flexibility of online lessons with the unparalleled benefits of in-person coaching.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned performer, I’d love to show you how virtual lessons can transform your singing—and maybe even change the way you think about learning voice.
Let's make your singing dreams come true.
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