Instructor Bio
I coach clients (ages 4-77 so far) who work on Broadway and National Tours, and who have won substantial scholarships to top-rated schools such as NYU-Tisch, Indiana University, PACE, Hartt, Berklee, Michigan, Boston Conservatory (BoCo), Carnegie-Mellon, CCM, AMDA, UCI, NC School for the Arts, Northwestern, Biola, PLNU, UCSD, UCLA, and Texas State. Two of the robotics teams Cris coached have reached the international finals, and Team Inspiration took the 2020 top prize in the world competition.
Throughout his career, Cris has spent time on both sides of the stage; Coaching voice and auditions, (performances, recitals, robotics, speech meets, debate, forensics, senior thesis projects, interviews) music directing, directing, arranging, singing, acting, and recording. He’s been onstage with End of the Rainbow, Twelfth Night, Footloose, Chasing The Song*, Forbidden Broadway, Legally Blonde, Phantom, Midsummer Night’s Dream, Another Roll of the Dice*, I Love A Piano, Festival of Christmas, Tenderly: The Rosemary Clooney Story, and My Sinatra (w/Cary Hoffman).
He's worked on many world premieres with Broadway & Tony Award-winning Directors: Jack O’Brien, Christopher Ashley, Des MacAnuff, Alex Timbers, Stafford Arima, and Ken Page;
Writers Aaron Sorkin, Don Black, Mark Saltzman;
Composers: Frank Wildhorn, Mark Bennett, Andrew Lippa, Michael Friedman, and Balint Varga;
Conductors Marvin Hamlisch, John McDaniel, and Eric Stern.
He has worked as a Music Director & Teaching Artist with Broadway Dreams Foundation (Los Angeles), performed for the world premiere of The ASL Cabaret at The Wallis/Annenberg, and for the “Words & Music Project” (WAM) with La Jolla Playhouse & San Diego Opera. He also created an original work with the San Diego Ballet in 2019, Songs from My Grandmother’s Piano. He toured with Forbidden Broadway and with the original Tony-award winning “Jersey Boys”, The Midtown Men.
More recent work: Cris co-wrote and Music-Directed the NYC debut at Feinstein’s/54 Below of two original cabarets “Swing and a Miss” and “Moonlight Cocktail,” held concerts at Martinis Above 4th, co-produced/music-directed a fundraiser for ALS Research at Qualcomm’s Jacobs Hall, and co-produced/music-directed the wildly successful, Campus Superstar, sponsored by Hillel of SD.
His experience and formal education with Bachelor’s and Master’s studies in Voice, Vocal Performance, and Music Education propels him forward to enhance the coaching all of his Studio clients receive.
He is a proud member of NATS, and an adjudicator for the NHSMTA (“The Jimmys”) through The Broadway League, and has several clients that have finished in the tied for 2nd in the National finals in NYC.
Since March 2020, he expanded his online coaching studio (online for over 5 years), and has grown his Voiceover business (25+ years) including commercials, trailers, audiobooks, character and e-learning work, as well as producing custom soundtracks and sound design for various projects, both theatrical and commercial.
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I believe testimonials speak the clearest and most honestly about the experiences others have already had working in the Studio. Come check it out!
www.vocalcoachstudio.com
> LaVon (29) NYU Tisch School of Music, now in Los Angeles; Francis Parker School
Cris was my voice teacher and coach all throughout high school. He helped me transcend above and beyond in my acting and singing training. Most importantly, he taught me to find joy in everything that I do. This joy I carry through with me in all of my work to this very day. His positive approach and encouragement contributed to having confidence in the audition room, landing lead roles in musicals and plays and getting accepted to NYU's Tisch School of the arts for Musical theatre. In addition to the acting and voice training, I learned about being accountable as a vocalist; from studying music theory to narrowing in on learning complex harmonies. I had tremendous growth vocally while working with him as well. Cris was and will always be one of my most accredited and favorite teachers I have ever worked with. www.lavonwageman.com
> Tara (33) Singer, Owner of Cork Creative Photography & Videography
Working with Cris has hands down been an invaluable and enriching experience! Right off the bat, I could tell that he was extremely knowledgeable and experienced and that he truly cares about his students’ success! He starts by laying a framework of character, action, and intention when approaching a song. I have found that knowledge to be invaluable! He uses many different techniques and exercises to get you out of your head and into your body so that you can find your unique expression within the song. He’s not looking to produce cookie-cutter singers. He wants to help you find YOUR voice.
I feel as though I’ve learned so much and my voice has become stronger and healthier just in our short time working together. What’s amazing is that the majority of my lessons happened over FaceTime! ~ The fact that we were able to cover so much ground without ever being in the studio together is a testament to his knowledge and passion for what he does. Whether you are just looking to improve your skills, or you are preparing for a role or audition, Cris is the secret ingredient for success!
> Reed (20) UC Berkeley
My experience with Cris has been outstanding. He is constructive and helpful, and his experiences with acting and musical theatre have been a huge asset to me. He is a wonderful teacher that has helped me grow as a performer more than any other teacher I have had. His love for the craft is evident, and his enthusiasm for coaching is priceless. I attribute all of my successes as an actor in the past five years to his direction.
> Mitch (17) UNCSA (Univ. NC, School for the Arts, Graduate 2018); COSA
I credit studying with Cris as the most influential resource in getting me ready for college auditions. He uses acting terms and techniques that cater to each student’s individual needs. I came in to work with Cris with pieces that I had become familiar, rigidly familiar with over the course of my high school career. Seeing this, he implemented techniques to get me out of my head and into my body in order to break the rhythms that I had become so accustomed to in the monologues and have them come from a more organic place of truth. What I didn’t know then was that, without calling any of them by name, he was using many of the same techniques that I would still be learning 3 years later at UNCSA. Putting the monologues themselves aside, he helped me become mentally prepared for what walking into those audition rooms would be like. You discuss why you’ve applied for the schools you have, prioritize them, create realistic yet ambitious goals for yourself, and finally he runs you through mock auditions in order for you to feel what it’s really like to interact with those people behind the table. Because of my work with him, I was able step into the L.A. Unified auditions with a clear head and relaxed nerves. Not only that, but I was able to actually enjoy the auditions (who would’ve thought they’d be fun?). Thanks to Cris, I was able to perform to the best of my ability in those auditions and to ultimately arrive at the school of my dreams.
> Cathy (51) Voiceover, Radio Show Hostess (Dallas, TX)
If you want to discover your authentic voice and enjoy developing it, Cris O’Bryon is your go-to guy. Whatever your performance or vocal aspirations, Cris is exceptional and has the goods to help get you there. Stop doubting your ability to leverage and use what you have, in order to excel in the role or opportunity you desire.
> Nicolette (24) The Old Globe "Heart of Rock & Roll" (Sept 2018) and "October Sky" – World Premieres; Montclair State Univ. (Tied 2nd place nationally for Jimmy Awards)
The great thing about Cris is that he knows about all aspects of nailing the audition. Physical awareness, developing a character, and strengthening vocal ability are some of the prime focuses in his training technique. He helped me prep for all of my college auditions. Having him as my coach, with support of The Old Globe, I competed in the National High School Musical Theater Awards placing in the finals as runner-up. Thanks to our lessons I felt prepared for college auditions and a Broadway stage. Cris has killer organization skills. Together you will work on a plan of attack. He will go over the list of points that you must think through whether it be a vocal issues in the bridge of the song, or an incomplete background story for the character you're portraying. Cris taught me that it is important to think through everything and be an actor first.
> Jazmine (27) Touring Internationally with "Liquid Blue"; MiraCosta College, 2016 Campus Superstar Winner
I thoroughly enjoy getting coaching from Cris. The enormous wealth of knowledge that he possesses in his craft is very apparent. From just one lesson with him, whether it be for voice, acting, piano, etc., I always walk away with a new perspective on whatever the material is that I am preparing. He is very skilled in guiding his students through the processes that a good performer takes to analyze, learn, and soon “own” their material. He has an exceptional ear in music and creative mind when it comes to the arts. He is an encouraging coach and really helps to push his students in further along in their endeavors. It is always a pleasure working with him.
> Chris (22) Northwestern University (Chicago)
Working with Cris was huge step for my performance career. I learned and adopted a new work ethic, had successful BFA college auditions, and booked two professional shows after just a couple months of work with him. His piano abilities surpass all of the voice teachers I’ve worked with which significantly helps during audition technique work. I felt more prepared than most of my college peers arriving on campus and have done some of my best work in his studio. Cris is all-around a great performance coach who knows the business, knows the craft, and I’m proud to call him one of my mentors.
> Lauren (19) Fordham University; Del Norte High School
Cris has changed my whole performance outlook and set me on a better path to improving my skills and techniques. I began working with Cris in the middle of college audition season. He quickly gave me a warm welcome and I felt challenged straight from the beginning. Even though I had not known Cris very long, he checked in with me after every day of auditions and gave me more advice for the next. In lessons, I especially like how much I was able to learn in such a short amount of time. It was the perfect balance between overload and practice. After every session, I walked out with a new confidence in my abilities and motivation to keep working at them. Cris is a beyond talented singer, pianist, and teacher who truly cares about his students by challenging and supporting each one. I WISH I had started sooner!
> Warren (75) Costa Mesa, CA
I highly recommend my vocal coach, Cris O’Bryon, to those wishing to improve their vocal technique and performance skills. Cris uses a truly unique, fun and intuitive method of finding your best self musically. He works on your specific vocal technique within the scope of the music you are performing.
To follow are just a few of the things you will learn: Discover how to find, and therefore avoid the “hidden traps” of your music. Discover how to make a song sound new again, unique ways to improve your pronunciation, and how to vary the singing dynamics of your specific music as you learn phrasing techniques. Cris is a fantastic musical director and accompanist and this gives you the opportunity to work with him musically on your next audition, performance, or even a complete show. You don’t need “music tracks” for your lessons. Cris would be a great choice for you no matter what stage of your music career you are in.
> S.B.K. (14) La Jolla Playhouse /Lamb's Players/The Old Globe/Moonlight Stage/New Village Arts/ North Coast Rep/
My daughter (now an 9th grader) has been taking voice and piano lessons from Cris for over six years, and we couldn’t be happier. Cris is an extremely talented actor, musician and vocalist and the San Diego community is lucky to have him. Cris has helped my daughter prepare for theater auditions and voice overs, has coached her on scene study, has trained her vocally and is teaching her the piano. I would highly recommend Cris to anyone — at any stage of ability — who wants to improve his or her vocal skills or who is otherwise seeking a good coach for a future in theater or music.
> Raymond E. (26) Voice Over Artist
Cris was an amazing coach he helped me not only with becoming a better voice actor, but also with having a more organized lifestyle!
> Glenn & Judith (60) Lay Leaders in Church Music and Orchestra
It is my great privilege and pleasure to write this letter of reference for Cris O'Bryon. Judith and I have known Cris for decades and watched him work in many capacities and situations. We worked with him while he was on staff at Shadow Mountain Community Church (Dr. David Jeremiah, Turning Point) on worship teams and choral groups. He served with us as singer, pianist, conductor, keyboard accompanist and arranger. He’s highly skilled in both Music Performance and Direction.
We’ve hired Cris and recommended him for weddings, memorial services, Civic events, and retreats. Cris's versatility and personality allow him to move into any situation and shape the musical experience not only to the desire of the client but to the very highest aesthetic that many clients don't even expect.
> Brenda K. (Mom of 17-year old )
There are many qualified vocal coaches to choose from. How do you stand out? What makes someone want to stay and listen? I had Cris O’Bryon work with my 17 year-old daughter because he coaches from a unique perspective. He didn’t try to make her voice sound “good” first. He wanted her performance to be special, unique and authentic to who she is – To bring herself to the role and not just copy others.
I find most singers are trained to have a nice voice and impose a character or an attitude over themselves. Cris works in the opposite way. He takes the performer’s heart, life and strengths and uses techniques to bring that to the music and role. The result is an honest, yet dynamic approach to performance that is uniquely and compellingly personal, which lets the truthful beauty of the connected storytelling come through.
I highly recommend Cris O’Bryon. He is very effective working both virtually and in-person, and with individuals or in groups of any size.
I appreciate his professionalism, love of teaching and music and his focus on story. Plus, his insightful, intuitive approach is refreshing and you will be surprised at the results.
> Sarah (32) Sally Bowles (Cabaret); San Diego State University, SD Repertory's Fun Home (u/s Helen); The Last Five Years, Professional Music Teacher – Monte Vista HS
A lesson with Cris is intensive work that wastes no time getting to the heart of your technical or artistic issues. Even as a vocal teacher myself with a Master’s Degree in Performance I can say unequivocally that after each lesson I leave excited with completely fresh work to do. A must for a performing professional.
> Tori (17) Moonlight Stage, 2019 Broadway SD Finalist, Classical Academy HS
"One of the things Cris O'Bryon does extremely well is finding the teaching style that works for each client. He has many different resources that allow clients different opportunities to learn and grasp the concept of the laser focus training that he customizes for you. He cares very much for his clients in an intentional manner that addresses not only the voice, but the person. He is an exceptional coach and mentor. I would highly recommend him if you are also interested in competition-ready performances and audiences."
> Kim (18) Frozen (Disney's Hyperion Theatre); Virgin Trials (Cygnet Theatre)
My daughter, Olivia, has had the pleasure of working with Cris for the past few years. He is an amazing mentor and musical coach. Whether it be an audition, cabaret, or full musical, Cris has helped her dig deep and bring her best to each and every performance. He has an attention to detail like no other coach she has had. She always enjoys her time working with him, and I would recommend him highly.
> Sofia (20) NYU Tisch School of the Arts
I am so grateful to Cris for helping my daughter develop to her highest potential over the last year and a half! He is the “consummate” performing arts professional. A highly accomplished pianist and singer himself, he understands what is absolutely necessary for one to progress artistically. His approach to teaching embodies not just vocal technique, but also mental/emotional skill, balance and ultimately—confidence! I was highly impressed by his immediate, almost clinical, assessment of my daughter’s personality. Positive and dedicated to bringing out her natural talents and strengths, he also brought to the forefront, her biggest challenges. Cris works with the person as a “whole”. Highly intelligent and articulate, but notably humble, he encourages a “healthy and balanced attitude toward life.” He teaches that this is the way to enjoy, succeed, and “sustain” oneself in their field of passion. It was because of his instruction, guidance, dedication and patient support that my daughter, Sofia, will realize her dream of attending a visual performing arts conservatory—Tisch School of the Arts at New York University! Thank-you so much, Cris!!
> Aubrey (25) Private School Teacher (El Cajon, CA)
Cris inspired me to take ownership of my learning experience. Rather than receiving constant feedback or just giving me all the answers, Cris asked me questions and guided in such a way that taught me to process and evaluate my progress. He guided me through how to be successful when I was out of the studio and tackling a performance or a new piece of music on my own.
After spending several years teaching music, coming back to Cris' studio was a breath of fresh air and revived my perspective on teaching and renewed my own dedication to excellence in every aspect of approaching music.
Cris' approach explains the concept of using your "entire person" while singing. A concept that freed my voice in a way to experience colors and sounds I had never heard. So exciting!
> Katie (22) Kingdom City (world premiere – La Jolla Playhouse), Million Dollar Quartet (Lamb's Players), Catch Me If You Can (MTW), Mamma Mia (Moonlight Stage) Damn Yankees (SDMT); St. Mary's Univ of MN; Our Lady of Peace HS (OLP)
Cris O’Bryon has been more than a mere Voice Teacher. He has been our daughter’s friend, mentor, and champion. Our daughter has been studying with Cris for seven (7) years. His teaching goes beyond just helping a student to “sound good”. He teaches the student the science of voice, vocal muscles, and how to be intentional in their singing so they do not “luck” into a note but know how to achieve that note.
Cris has given our daughter valuable advice for auditions and also for how to approach the business of theater. Cris has helped our daughter become a better singer, actor, performer, and person.
> Rustin (34) Las Vegas, NV (Rock of Ages)
I love working with Cris! I've come to Cris over the last couple years to help me prepare for my serious auditions. He's always so perceptive and has a way of finding those really crucial nuggets of information and giving them to you in concise language. He's very efficient with your time and makes sure to give you as much time exploring and working the material as you need. It's better to spend that time working through the material and finding yourself and your character than just wearing out your voice singing ;). He calls me up to review my take-away from my work sessions with him and will check in on me after my auditions to see how they went. He's sharp, devoted, and very invested in the results of your work together. Whether you're preparing for an audition, need vocal coaching, or working on stage presence, or really anything else Cris is fantastic to work with.
> Alexander D. Szeto, Head Coach, Team Inspiration Robotics
Cris O’Bryon has been one of our Professional Coaches and Mentors over the last couple of years. He believes that an honest assessment is a great first step towards continuing to evolve as a team. In doing so, he taught us to adapt to each person’s strengths, weaknesses, education, confidence, and overall commitment to the team. He had us identify our team’s collective and individual strengths so we could more efficiently distribute tasks later on. He helped us refine our presentation skills to convey our purpose effectively and professionally. He stressed the importance of not only having the capabilities to execute our ideas but the skills to communicate them to the audience.
He taught us to be effective communicators both within and beyond our team. Based on the judging results, enhanced communication skills are one of the reasons our team excels in being the first middle/high school team in the world, besting the most prestigious universities. He also made us better teachers, benefiting thousands of local and global students. And, he motivated us to see Covid-19 as an opportunity to persevere, not as an obstacle. He challenged us to adapt to our new environment and improve on our performance from previous seasons. We are grateful for having Cris as our Team Mentor.
We won 2020 RoboSub #1 in the world, 2019 RoboSub 3rd place in static judging, 12th place overall, received the IEEE Innovation award, the Most Inspirational Team award, 2020/2018/2017 FIRST Robotics World Championship, INCOSE speakers, Marine Technology Society speakers, San Diego County Engineering Council engineering event speakers, STEM instructors, ABC’s “the LIST” #1 Young Inventor on National Inventors Day of 2021!
> Joe C. (72) Phd, Clinical Psychology
I recently completed a series of voice lessons with Cris. I was very pleased with the process and the outcome, though the true test is my performance in front of audiences. The classes were online, but this did not impact or interfere with learning. The content reached beyond what I expected and included guidance on public speaking and understanding audiences, as well as mental and physical insights into gaining a richer, more powerful voice. This meant extra value for the cost of the lessons. Some of the best lessons for me were the ones that left me with pictures and images, like creating texture in my words, color in my vowels, staying untethered in my presentations, owning my content, and making my words sound like original thoughts that were never heard before. Cris is an experienced and knowledgeable voice coach, sensitive to the unique needs of his clients, and an authority on making someone a better speaker – in public or otherwise. At whatever level or age they’re at, his students will always learn, improve their voice, and benefit from Cris’ expertise.
> Joseph (18) The Bishop's School
Cris came very highly recommended by another voice coach who told us that Cris was a “fabulous voice teacher and pianist.” She was right. In just a few sessions, Cris has helped me improve in so many ways. In addition to working with me on my pitch and breathing, he has helped me prepare for auditions. I now know how to carry myself confidently in an audition: what to do with my hands and more importantly, not just to sing but to understand the character I’m auditioning for thoroughly, so I can deliver a complete and memorable performance. While Cris is serious and focused on helping you achieve your goals, his sense of humor and high energy in getting his points across make every session fun and entertaining. I value each session with Cris, and I feel very lucky to have found him.
> Nicki (25) Grand Hotel (Signature Theatre); National Tour of "Amazing Grace" – 2018; Utah Shakespeare Festival; Catholic University of America (Tied for 2nd place nationally in the Jimmy Awards)
Cris O' Bryon is a fantastic vocal/acting coach and mentor. Not only has Cris helped me to strengthen my voice in different musical theatre styles, but he has given me the courage and tools to dig deep into material and really act the song. Cris works on the total performance package and brings out the best in his students. Alongside being a great teacher and performer, Cris is also an amazing pianist and experienced accompanist. He has a knack for creating interesting and successful audition cuts! Most importantly though, Cris is supportive, understanding, and thoughtful. He cares about his students and is always their advocate.
> Hannah (31) New York City, now in London, UK
Cris personalized his teaching to me, adapting his words and techniques until we found things that I could connect with. He works hard to help me see things from my perspective and shows me healthy and natural choices that get results. He is quick to call me out on habits and make me more aware of what's happening in my music and performance.
> Cashae (28) Winner 2017 – SD Critic's Circle "Outstanding Featured Performance in a Musical, Female"at La Jolla Playhouse for "Miss You Like Hell"; SDSU
Receiving vocal instruction from Cris O'Bryon has greatly aided my ability to establish and maintain a professional performance career. After taking lessons with Cris for over four years, I have gained skills that have made me a more savvy and refined singer. During our lessons, Cris would use a variety of physical and emotional techniques in order to encourage me to make strong acting choices while also maintaining the integrity of my vocal quality.
What I found most beneficial about working with Cris is that he understands that, as artists, our work is heavily influenced by many variables. Cris was very accommodating and interested in how my daily commitments and relationships could be used in order to inform my artistry and cultivate genuine experiences onstage. As I continue to pursue theatre, I consider the invaluable knowledge I have retained from my time with Cris before every audition, callback and vocal performance.
> Trevor (22) PCPA, Grossmont College; Classical Academy HS; "Spamalot" & "On the 20th Century" (Cygnet Theatre)
I would highly recommend Cris to mentor and teach my child voice lessons. My son Trevor was in CYT and starting going to Cris when his voice started to change. I wanted a strong male role-model and Cris came highly recommended. From the very first lesson, I noticed a great change in my son. He became more confident in his abilities and his self-esteem grew. It helped him develop his voice and he was able to obtain lead roles. Through Cris's experience in theater, Trevor was able to talk things through with Cris and knew what to expect during auditions and he was open to Cris's critique.
Needless to say, I feel he is worth every penny!! Thank you Cris! (Update: Trevor just finished his next pro show at Cygnet Theatre, "Spamalot" "On the 20th Century")
>Tracy (Mom of 17-year old) Ramona
We had the pleasure and were lucky enough to work with Cris O’Byron when our daughter, Aja, started her singing career at the ripe old age of 12. She had won a singing competition in San Diego where over 800 girls had entered. We were given Cris’ name through a local vocal coach in our area and drove an hour, once a week, to see him for approximately three years. He helped her focus on not only breathing, tone quality and dynamics, but of telling a story with her songs instead of just singing them! The ability to make the song come alive and have your audience feel your emotion is something that far exceeds the vocal coach’s role in my mind. He worked so well with our daughter, making her laugh and work hard at the same time! She constantly improved and gained confidence. Aja recorded 2 CDs in three years, had an awesome band and played in San Diego and Los Angeles. We cherish those years with him, as he definitely knows how to teach with grace and patience.
Cris is an amazing pianist, actor and singer as well! Once, after her lesson, he showed us a monologue that he was working on to see what we thought. By the end of it, I was in tears! I have always said that Cris O'Bryon needs to be performing as a one man show, since he is so very talented in every aspect! We even brought our son to him for piano lessons for a while. Yes, we did a lot of driving during those years but it was all very worth it. His pearls of wisdom when he teaches help anyone that is lucky enough to find him, to thrive! What an honor it was to have Cris in our lives and to show our children how much talent they really have! And if you ever get a chance to see him perform, don’t miss it!
> Jenny (31) Worship Leader
Cris O'Bryon is a fantastic vocal and piano coach! He is a masterful pianist and accompanist. He has coached me through my recovery from vocal nodules and restoring health to my voice. He has helped me work through the dynamics of playing keys and singing together, working on body positioning, breathing, vocal technique, emotional connection to songs, and piano improvisation. He has a wonderful and skilled voice with beautiful, rich tone. I highly recommend Cris!!!"
> Natasha (29) Boston Conservatory/BYU
Cris was instrumental in my artistic development. He creates a safe space within his studio walls that allows actors to fully explore and grow without fear. He truly cares about the success and well being of his students and because of this, I quickly learned how to tell stories and connect with whatever piece or role I was working with. Any time I need his help he is ready and willing at the drop of a hat! I entered my freshman year at The Boston Conservatory with confidence and assurance knowing Cris had prepared me well. He instills discipline, a strong work ethic, and passion within his students. Cris has become one of my greatest mentors and I feel incredibly blessed to have him not only as a coach, but as a dear friend!
> Tiffany (Mom of teenager) San Diego School for the Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA)
We first met Cris when my daughter, Shelby, saw an ad for auditions for Legoland. Cris was the accompanist and offered to work with people prior to their audition. Within the first 10 minutes of working with Cris, I could see huge improvement in her singing, from her posture to her breathing to her inflection. Unfortunately, she did not get Legoland but she did get a callback, which meant the world to an 11-year old.
Over the last 4 years, not only has Cris improved both her singing and acting skills, she has learned invaluable lessons on every aspect of the theater. Shelby has gone from being '4th-tree-on-the-right' to many lead roles such as Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, Olive in 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Lucy in Snoopy, the Musical. Last year, Shelby had the opportunity to sing for Alice Ripley. When she finished, Alice asked the voice teacher there if Shelby was one of her students. The teacher replied, "No, she takes from one of the best in San Diego.” Well, that teacher got it wrong. Cris is not one of the best, he is the BEST.
> Toren (21) Cincinnati Conservatory of Music (CCM)
Cris's primary goal is to see you grow and develop as an artist. He adapts his teaching around your individual needs to make sure your goals are being met. Further, he makes it clear that he is there as your teacher around the clock, not just during the timeframe of your lessons. Working with Cris has helped me advance both my musical proficiency and overall professional attitude.
> Jennifer D. Singing Lessons (for children/teenagers)
Cris' enthusiastic, entertaining, enlightening, engrossing and professional approach was exactly what was needed to engage my 14 year-old daughter who has wanted to improve her voice, but has never had such a positive experience to capture her desire to learn. She went for vocal coaching prior to an upcoming audition. His teaching was constructive, giving her tools for improvement rather than just being critical. She responds extremely well to that type of instruction. She left ready, willing and excited to return for another lesson. Thank you, Cris!
Specialties
Classical/Opera, Musical Theatre Legit, Musical Theatre Contemporary, Pop, Rock, Jazz, Gospel, Vocal health and wellness
Skill Level
Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Lesson Format
In person, Virtual
Accepted Payment Methods
Cash/check, Venmo, PayPal
Additional Details
I teach all levels and experience, customizing the training to meet the specific application and need: from singing lessons for recitals, speech competitions, and scholarship contests, to preparing for thesis presentations, auditions, studio recordings, even salespersons, classroom teachers, podcasters, and presenters of all sorts.
I have been a Voice Teacher and Vocal Coach Accompanist for over 30 years, Music Director and Soundtrack/Sound Designer, and Arranger for hundreds of projects of all levels; have taught many clinics for school, college, and community groups, and a Professional Actor and Voiceover Artist since 1993.s
I am happy to connect for a call and learn where you are in your journey, where you want to go, and help determine the best path forward.
And, if you send in a recording of something you can do (could be just singing, speaking voice, or anything that would give me a sense of your current level is fine!) as a NATS member, I am willing to offer you a complimentary 30-minute session on me. Looking forward to connecting with you soon! ~ Cris