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Voice lessons IN SANTA MONICA

Description:

We offer vocal lessons at different levels to fit vocalists of any vocal ability. Our teachers are all specialized to work with young developing voices (ages 8+) to ensure they stay healthy during development. We predominantly teach contemporary singing including pop, musical theater, and jazz.  Our program is unique as we also offer multiple performances within each semester to help students reflect on their progress, grow their confidence, connect with peers, and even give back to the community with our assisted living home recitals.

Voice Curriculum overview

​Breath Control

Students learn proper breathing technique, the foundation of high-quality performance and singing.

 

Vocal Registers

We introduce all voice students to the three vocal registers or "voices": chest, mix, and head. They'll learn when and how to use all three throughout their time under our tutelage.

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Core Engagement
Students learn how to properly engage their core muscles to support healthy, consistent vocal production. Strong breath support helps improve tone, control, endurance, and overall vocal stability.

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Vocal Placement
Students discover how to direct and resonate sound efficiently throughout the vocal tract. Proper vocal placement enhances tone quality, projection, and vocal comfort while reducing strain.

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Scales
Through regular scale exercises, students develop pitch accuracy, ear training, vocal flexibility, and range. Scales also help reinforce healthy technique and build vocal confidence.

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Agility
Students work on vocal dexterity and coordination, learning to navigate runs, riffs, and rapid note changes with greater ease and precision. Agility training improves flexibility across all styles of singing.

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Vocal Health
We teach students how to care for their instrument through proper vocal habits, hydration, rest, and technique. Understanding vocal health helps singers perform consistently and avoid unnecessary strain or injury.

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Warm-Ups / Cool-Downs
Students learn effective warm-up and cool-down routines that prepare the voice for singing and aid recovery afterward. These practices promote vocal longevity and reduce the risk of fatigue.

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Food to Eat / Not Eat Before Performances
Students learn how nutrition can impact vocal performance. We discuss foods and beverages that support vocal function, as well as common dietary choices that may contribute to irritation, reflux, or excess mucus.

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Vocal Pedagogy
Students gain an understanding of the science and methodology behind singing. By learning how the voice functions, they develop greater awareness, independence, and confidence in their vocal journey.

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Relieving Tension
We help students identify and release unnecessary tension in the jaw, neck, shoulders, tongue, and body. Reducing tension allows for freer vocal production and a more comfortable singing experience.

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Posture
Students learn proper alignment and body awareness to create an optimal foundation for breathing and singing. Good posture promotes efficient vocal function, improved resonance, and greater physical ease while performing.

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Students work on 1-3 pieces at a time with the expectation to prepare for upcoming monthly performances offered by LJMA as well as any outside performance or audition opportunities. Lessons include performance prep and establishing and maintaining a strict practice schedule. The aim is to build a strong, diverse repertoire while building skill and confidence with performing so that students can leave the academy as well-rounded musicians. 

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AUDITIONS

We help students prepare for auditions, with a large percentage successfully getting acceptances and booking lead roles. 

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Amateur Auditions

  • Yada

  • Upstage

  • Kids on Stage

  • Morgan Wixham

  • Adderly

  • School Musicals

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Collegiate Auditions

  • Preparing and selecting repertoire

  • Preparing for pre-screening

  • Recommendation letters

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Professional Auditions

  • Broadway

  • TV

  • Film

  • Voiceovers

  • Talent agent auditions

  • Vocal reels

 

 

​OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADVANCED STUDENTS

 

 

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For students who continue to show dedication to their craft, we offer various advancement training programs and competition options.

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LJMA Bands

LJMA bands bring together the most dedicated students at LJMA to work together and experience playing in a high-quality and dedicated band. They train solo throughout the spring semester in their private lessons, learning the material, and then come together for a week-long practice session before performing live at a music festival in June.

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Artist Development

Once a student is able to perform a 15-minute set comfortably (must be able to self-accompany), they can sign up for solo performance bookings provided by LJMA as part of their artist development training. These performances range from local farmers' market shows, public restaurants, city shows, and requested private bookings. 

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Squad Harmonix

Squad Harmonix is our year-round a cappella training program for dedicated singers ages 8-18. Students train at various levels, unlocking more opportunities as they progress, such as participating in public performances, filming music videos for the Official Squad YouTube Channel, and recording albums/E.P.s that are released across streaming platforms.

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Other Advanced Programs, Festivals, and Competitions

We also prepare advanced students for auditions and participation in the following programs, festivals, and competitions:

 

  • Young Arts

  • Varsity Vocals

  • SCVA

  • CMEA

  • A Cappella Academy​

 

​​FAQs

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1.  Do you offer private voice lessons for beginners?

Yes. We offer private voice lessons for complete beginners through advanced singers. Our beginner program focuses on healthy vocal technique, breath control, pitch accuracy, posture, vocal placement, and developing confidence before progressing to more advanced repertoire and performance skills.

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2.  Where are your voice lessons located?

Our voice lessons are based in Santa Monica, California. We also offer online lessons for students who are unable to attend in person.

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3.  Do you offer online voice lessons?

Yes. We provide live online private voice lessons for students anywhere in the world. While online lessons are highly effective, we generally recommend in-person lessons whenever possible.

 

4.  What ages do you teach?

We teach children (ages 8+), teens, and adults. Lessons are customized to each student's age, experience level, goals, musical interests, and learning style.

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5.  How often should students take voice lessons?

We recommend weekly lessons. Consistent instruction allows students to develop healthy vocal habits, build repertoire, prepare for performances, and make steady progress toward their musical goals.

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6.  What lesson length is recommended?

Every student is different, but our general recommendations are:​

  • *45 minutes: Ages 8 –13

  • 60 minutes: Ages 14 –18 and advanced students

*Please note: 30-minute lessons are not offered for voice lessons

We are happy to recommend the best lesson length based on a student's experience, goals, and commitment level.

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7.  What do students learn in voice lessons?

Our voice curriculum focuses on building healthy, versatile, and confident singers. Students learn:

  • Breath control and breath support

  • Vocal registers (chest, mix, and head voice)

  • Core engagement

  • Vocal placement and resonance

  • Pitch accuracy and ear training

  • Vocal agility and flexibility

  • Vocal health and maintenance

  • Warm-up and cool-down routines

  • Posture and body awareness

  • Tension release techniques

  • Vocal pedagogy and understanding how the voice works

  • Performance preparation and stage presence

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Students typically work on 1–3 songs at a time while preparing for performances, auditions, and personal musical goals.

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8.  Are there performance opportunities for voice students?

Absolutely. LJMA is a performance-based academy that offers more than 35 live performance opportunities each year.

Most students perform monthly at local assisted living communities and twice annually at our formal Black Tie Recitals. Students are encouraged to perform regularly as part of their musical development.

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We believe live performance develops confidence, accountability, stage presence, and purpose. As students progress, even more performance opportunities become available.

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9.  Can I still participate in LJMA performances if I take online lessons and do not live locally?

Absolutely. We currently have students traveling from Northern California, Arizona, New York, and throughout Southern California to participate in our Black Tie Recitals and special performance events.

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10. Do students need prior singing experience?

No. Many of our students begin with little or no previous vocal training. Our instructors create individualized lesson plans that help each student progress at a comfortable and appropriate pace.

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11. What styles of singing do you teach?

We teach a wide variety of styles, including:

  • Pop

  • Musical Theatre

  • Rock

  • Jazz

  • Singer-Songwriter

  • R&B

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Our instructors help students develop strong techniques that can be applied across multiple musical genres.

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12. What makes your voice program different from other music schools?

  • Performance-based learning with 35+ live performances annually

  • Guaranteed results

  • A supportive, family-oriented environment where teachers invest deeply in each student's success

  • Strong emphasis on accountability, discipline, and independent learning

  • Structured curriculum with standardized teaching methods across all instructors

  • Exceptional teacher retention, which allows students to build long-term mentoring relationships

  • Regular opportunities to perform in front of live audiences

  • Advanced training pathways for dedicated students

  • Proven success in preparing students for auditions, performances, and collegiate programs

 

13. Do you prepare students for auditions?

Yes. Our instructors regularly prepare students for:

  • School and community theatre auditions

  • Honor choirs and vocal ensembles

  • College auditions and pre-screenings

  • Talent agent auditions

  • Professional theatre auditions

  • Television and film auditions

  • Voiceover auditions

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We assist students with repertoire selection, audition preparation, performance coaching, vocal reels, and recommendation letters when appropriate.

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14. What is vocal placement, and why is it important?

Vocal placement refers to how singers direct and resonate sound throughout the vocal tract. Proper placement improves tone quality, projection, vocal comfort, and consistency while cutting out unnecessary strain.

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15. How do students learn to sing higher notes?

Students learn to access and strengthen their chest voice, mix voice, and head voice through structured exercises and repertoire. By developing proper breath support, vocal placement, and coordination between registers, singers can safely expand their vocal range over time.

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16. How long does it take to improve as a singer?

Every student progresses at a different pace. With consistent practice and weekly lessons, most beginners notice improvements in pitch accuracy, tone, and confidence within just a month. Thanks to our performance-based curriculum, many students are able to perform at an LJMA Black Tie Recital during their first semester.

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17. Do you teach students about vocal health?

Yes. Vocal health is an important part of our curriculum. Students learn how hydration, sleep, nutrition, warm-ups, cool-downs, and proper technique affect vocal performance and long-term vocal development.

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18. Do you offer private voice lessons for adults?

Yes. We welcome adult students of all experience levels, whether they are complete beginners, returning singers, professional performers, or individuals looking to improve their confidence and vocal skills. While our student performances are currently focused on ages 8–18, adults receive the same high-quality instruction and personalized training.

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19. Are there advanced opportunities for dedicated voice students?

Absolutely. Students who demonstrate exceptional commitment and progress may be invited to participate in advanced training opportunities such as:

  • LJMA Bands

  • Artist Development Program

  • YoungArts preparation

  • Varsity Vocals

  • SCVA

  • CMEA

  • A Cappella Academy

  • Solo performance bookings and community events

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These programs provide additional performance experience, artistic development, competition preparation, and real-world industry exposure.

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