“If I cannot fly, let me sing.” -Sondheim.
In the voice studio of Red Accordion, we are passionate about developing the whole artist, not just the voice.  Students benefit from a teacher with firm classical training who continued vocal studies with a renowned musical theatre voice teacher and an opera coach with strong beliefs in not only proper technique, but also acting the song and character study.
Lessons focus on posture, breathing, vocal technique, song shaping, and character work. Jen is accomplished in the teaching of many styles, but specializes in musical theatre, opera, pop, contemporary Christian, and folk.
Jen Felty has a masters’ degree in vocal pedagogy and performance.  Pedagogy is the method and practice of teaching!  Add to that degree over 20 years of experience and you have a winning combination!
Lesson Rates:  Lessons are focused on improving vocal technique and performance through regular weekly or bi-weekly sessions.  (Prices below are for online and Lancaster lessons only. Lessons at the Perfect 5th in Mechanicsburg are under a different price menu.)
  • Half hour: $40
  • Hour: $70
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Audition Coaching Rates:  Audition coaching is focused on quick tips for a more successful audition and happen sporadically. This can include songs and/or monologues.  
  • Half hour: $45
  • Hour: $80
We are currently doing remote lessons, too, via FaceTime, Skype, Zoom, or the like.  Send us a message and we’ll set up a time!
If you wish to schedule a lesson or have any questions, please go to the “Contact Us” tab and get in touch with us!  
FAQ
“How do I choose a voice teacher when they all charge around the same amount?”   First, it’s important to look at their credentials.  Have they been trained to be a teacher of voice?  This is very important.  A person who has performance experience can be a great vocal coach, but unless they have studied the science behind the teaching, they may not be the best option.  Look for degrees in vocal performance and advanced degrees in pedagogy.  Second, look to see what styles they specialize in teaching.  It is VERY IMPORTANT to cross-train to be an elite athlete and the same goes for voice.  At the same time, you want to be sure that your teacher is accomplished in teaching the genre you specialize (or want to specialize) in.  And third, and this one will only come with experiencing a trial lesson, do you like the teacher?  Does he/she inspire you and make you want to work harder?  Is it fun?
“What if I just want a vocal coach and help getting ready for an audition?”  That’s great!  But get the help early.  Scheduling a coaching session for an audition that is happening in just a few days is not going to be the best.  If you need to make some adjustments, it’s best to know that at LEAST a week out.  The last few days before your audition should be about practicing the process and not making changes or focusing on problems.
“Do you have specific policies on cancellations and required scheduling of lessons?”  (The following does not apply to lessons at The Perfect 5th in Mechanicsburg.)  24 hour notice of a cancellation is appreciated, though I understand sometimes that isn’t possible.  I do not require a set schedule for lessons nor do I require you to come a set number of times a month.  I understand the actor’s life, the parent’s life, the student’s life…I need flexibility and I understand that you do, too.
“Do I have to take weekly lessons or can I do every other week?”  It is important to have regular practice and regular “check-ins” with a teacher.  But that having been said, several of my students take an hour lesson every other week and do well with it.  Finances can be an issue and this is one way to continue regular lessons to help that.
“How do lessons work?  Do I pick the music I want to sing or do you?” At the first lesson, we sit down and talk about goals and make a game plan.  While there are many elements of lessons that run across the board with students, each student is unique and so each game plan and lesson structure is tailored to fit the student.  Some songs will be chosen by me, some by you, and many we’ll choose together.
The general structure of an hour lesson would look like this:
  • a quick chat to see how the week was in life in general and with practice time.  It’s always helpful to me to see your mood and energy level as you enter my studio.  Knowing this, I can gage how to work with you in a more effective way for that day.  Sometimes this includes talking about vocal and physical health so I know the shape of your instrument for the lesson.
  • a brief warm-up (you should always come ready to sing, though).  During this time I can observe your vocal health and any changes in range and quality.
  • vocalises (vocal exercises) to work on technique, widening and strengthening range, and expanding and evening registers.  This is typically the bulk of the lesson though it often runs into the next section with specific application.  The focus of these vocalises changes as you learn and grow and as we need to approach new styles.
  • a look at your repertoire.  We’ll segue into this after doing specific vocalizes to prepare you for the song or songs we’ll work on that day.  Repertoire work could be checking notes/rhythms, learning pronunciation of a foreign language, character work and how it affects your vocal choices, and more!
  • a quick chat about what to do while we’re apart and when we’ll meet again!  It’s important that you feel comfortable with how to work and what to do in-between lessons.  Before you leave, I make sure you do!  We’ll also set up a time for your next lesson, if possible.

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