Jed da Roza Voice Studios

Locations


Private Voice Lessons ($70 for 45 minutes) offered through Zoom* and in-person:
1734 Pine Ct
Oakley CA 94561

3819 California Way
Livermore CA 94550

Virtual Voice Class ($10 for 60 minutes) offered through Zoom*

Virtual Vocal Gym (free) offered through YouTube

*For the best sound, I recommend the following Zoom settings:
Computer 
-Open "Settings" (click profile picture in upper-right)
-Click "Audio" on the left 
 -Click "Advanced" in the lower-right 
 -Click the box to show a checkmark next to "Show in-meeting option to 'Enable Original Sound' from microphone" 
 -In each Zoom meeting, click "Turn on Original Sound" in upper-left 
 
 Mobile Device 
 -Click the gear icon for "Settings" 
 -Click "Meeting" 
 -Tap the toggle to "Use Original Sound" (On my phone, it's the fourth setting from the bottom)
-In each Zoom meeting, tap "...More" then "Enable Original Sound" 


About Jed

As a voice teacher for 20 years, I place emphasis on healthy vocal technique serving the needs of authentic expression. This enables me to work with a variety of styles, e.g. pop, rock, musical theatre, opera, etc. My purpose in teaching is to empower singers to boldly tell their story.
 
As a music director of 40+ productions, some of my favorites include The Pirates of Penzance, The Mikado, Guys and Dolls, West Side Story, Joseph..., Jesus Christ Superstar, Les Misérables, Rent, Aida, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Hairspray, Bat Boy, Little Women, Legally Blonde, and In the Heights. My purpose in music directing is to guide the illusion that the performers are creating the music.
 
As a performer, some of my favorite roles include the Director (‘Twas the Opening Night Before Christmas), Queen Victoria (Little Princess), Mr. Laurence (Little Women), Doug Panch (...Spelling Bee), Dr. Parker (Bat Boy), Ugly (Honk!), the Mad Hatter and Captain Hook (Wish Upon a Star), Joseph (Joseph...), and the chorus of several operas. My purpose in performing is to live truthfully in imaginary circumstances.
 
         

I received my Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where I studied voice with Leroy Kromm, diction with Marcie Stapp, and acting with Milissa Carey. I have also studied conducting with Judith Clurman (a student of Leonard Bernstein) and voice with Sarah Franklin, Richard Nickol (SF Academy for the Performing Arts), and Stephen Smith (Northwestern, formerly at Juilliard).  My purpose is to empower people to experience something beyond what they already know.


Vocal Technique 
 
Proper body alignment is necessary for efficient breathing, phonation, and expression
Body alignment should be balanced, elevated, and flexible. It includes body weight distributed evenly on balls and heels of feet, free knees and hips, neutral spine, comfortably elevated chest, and an evenly balanced head.

Healthy singing is a balance of muscle activity and freedom
The body should feel grounded, engaged, and energized, but with no restrictive tension.

Simple, clean speech is fundamental to singing
Being able to articulate pure vowels using one's natural voice is the core of a healthy, authentic singing voice (chiaro).

Free-flowing air is essential to healthy singing
As described by the Bernoulli Effect, it is the flow of air through the glottis that literally makes the folds vibrate (oscuro).

Singing is a balancing act
Combining refined speech with free-flowing air creates a balanced tone (chiaroscuro).

Coordinated registration
a) seamless movement from bottom to top to bottom
b) there should be high in the low and low in the high

Resonance is an effect, not a cause
It is important to keep in mind what we can actually do to adjust resonance and to not attempt to “place” it anywhere.

Vowels and consonants aid authentic expression
The singer's formant should be present in all vowels, yet each vowel should be formed clearly and with freedom. Consonants should not interrupt the line or create tension.

Authentic expression
One aspect of authentic expression is the ability of a free voice to adjust register mixtures in response to the singer's emotions and dramatic presentation.


Studio Policies   

RATES
  • $70 for 45-minute Private Voice Lesson (schedule back-to-back slots for a longer lesson)
  • $10 for 60-minute Virtual Voice Class

METHODS OF PAYMENT
  • Cash: in-person, per lesson or for lessons in advance
  • Check: in-person, payable to “Jed da Roza,” for at least a month’s worth of lessons (there is a $20 returned check fee)
  • Credit card and PayPal: click the link in an invoice, or log into jeddaroza.com
  • Venmo @JeddaRoza


SCHEDULING


Most students have a lesson at the same time every week, so minimal scheduling is required after the initial set-up. For those who need more flexibility, however, it is possible to schedule individual lessons. This maybe be done by logging into jeddaroza.com



CANCELLATION


You may cancel a lesson by logging into jeddaroza.com or emailing jed.daroza@gmail.com. When a cancellation is made with at least 24 hours notice, you will not be charged for the lesson. If less than 24 hours notice is given, you will be charged for half the price of the lesson. If no notice is given, you will be charged the full price of the lesson.



PARENT ATTENDANCE


I have found most students do best without a parent in the room. Some students end up “performing” for their parents. Others defer too much to their parents. This is counter-productive, as I work to empower each student to take ownership of their singing. However, I do welcome a parent to occasionally sit in for the last 10 or so minutes if they wish to observe the student’s progress.



PRACTICING


During voice lessons, I’m helping the student remove unhealthy habits and build new healthy ones. Practicing greatly accelerates this process. Using my Virtual Vocal Gym on YouTube is a great way to practice. At the end of every lesson I tell students what to practice on their own. Students can record their practice times and ask questions through the student portal by logging on to jeddaroza.com.



BOUNDARIES


I strive to create a positive and supportive environment for students to express themselves and take creative risks. If anything I say or do makes a student uncomfortable, please tell me immediately. 



REFERRAL PROGRAM 

If someone you refer signs up for regular lessons, you get a $70 credit!