Larisa Ab

What I like the most about teaching singing (or acting, or speech, or English!) is reaching that moment when my students find their gift. When the light bulb goes off, and all their effort and hard work starts to show results, they will begin to fly. I love helping you along your journey; encouraging and supporting you as you discover and sculpt your unique voice! I love expanding knowledge on the musical world, and diving deep into the science of why we make sound and how we can control it! What I like about teaching is that we never stop learning!

I started teaching voice and theatre because I had a group of students in Japan who wanted to study abroad in New York, but felt they didn't have the skills or the means to go. They asked me to teach them what I know, and, ever since then, I have been privileged to connect Japan and Broadway professionally. I have noticed a huge difference between the way Japanese performers are trained and the way Americans/Westerners are trained. There is also a science that explains the differences in our voices. If you are Japanese, and you want to "make it" on Broadway or the West End, you need the right knowledge and skills to be able to compete abroad. As a New York City stage manager who has worked in Japan for 10 years, I am able to get you the right training you need to succeed!

The types of students that take lessons from me are people who want to make performing their career. They are serious learners, who have a respect for the industry and the way their bodies function. My students understand that their progress is dependent on how much effort they put forth, and that I am simply a guide on their journey. I teach all ages, from children to adults, and regardless of gender or vocal limitations. It's never too late or early to start! As long as you have the passion and willingness to work hard, you will succeed!

For beginners, aficionados, hobbyists - or I even have deaf students! It is VERY EASY to learn how to sing! Do you know how to shout or yell or scream? Then, you know how to sing. It's not about learning how to make sound - it's about learning how to CONTROL your sound! And I have the most simple methods to getting the sound you want from your unique voice. We can even start achieving results right in the first lesson!

Of course teaching in person is a wonderful experience, but teaching online can be just as effective! Due to the pandemic, I am currently only accepting online bookings. So far, there have been no real technical issues, and, as a matter of fact, it is much easier for my students to fit in a lesson on their lunch break, or not have to worry about commuting. I can also be more available for quick sessions, such as to warm you up before a rehearsal or performance, etc.

My favorite singers are my students! There is nothing more pleasant for me to listen to than the growth and improvement of my students' confidence in their voices.