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SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | NOVEMBER 28, 2021
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Scottsdale voice trainer hits the right chord PROGRESS NEWS STAFF
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I love nerding out about voice science.” Scottsdale’s Dr. Lauren Berman pokes a lot of fun at herself, but her “nerdiness” helps her provide the highest level of vocal training to her students. And it’s why her new business – Authentic Voice Music Studio – is filling a need among the region’s young performers. A lifelong singer and performer, Berman earned her doctorate in vocal performance from Arizona State University, a master’s degree in vocal performance from the Chicago College of Performing Arts and a bachelor’s in music education from Loyola University in New Orleans. She also has completed numerous certificate programs in voice science, health, technique and general pedagogy – like Vocology in Practice, somatic voicework and even vocal yoga. “There is nothing I love more than
“There is nothing I love more than helping students unlock their potential. Youth performers, especially, often try to imitate other singers. They think that’s the key to landing bigger and better roles on stage. I am so passionate about helping them discover and learn to master their own unique voice. That is the real key.”
Scottsdale resident Dr. Lauren Berman has opened a voice training studio in Tempe. (Special to the Progress)
Amelia Richards, 10, of Gilbert stretches her vocal chords as Dr. Lauren Berman directs. (Special to the Progress)
helping students unlock their potential,” Dr. Berman said. “Youth performers, especially, often try to imitate other singers. They think that’s the key to landing bigger and better roles on stage. I am so passionate about helping them discover and learn to master their own unique voice. That is the real key.” “I’ve been working with Lauren for almost seven years now,” said student Katie Orrett, who started lessons with Berman when she was 18 and now works as a music therapist. “I had very low self-esteem in regard to my singing capabilities. “Lauren not only helped me become a stronger singer, she helped me become more confident. Because of her genuine support and kindness, I no longer felt the need to constantly prove myself to others.” For Berman, confidence is a big focus – as is good technique. “We’re focusing on breath control, tension release and evidence-based vocal instruction,” she said. “So many kids and teens think they need to be the loudest or sing the highest belt, but without the right technique, there are real risks of injury. I’m here to help them create exactly the sound they want, but in a healthy and holistic way that ensures they’ll be able to sing now and forever.” Berman began teaching at the university level in 2016 and has served as adjunct vocal faculty at Glendale Community College, Arizona State University and now at Scottsdale Community College. “As her direct supervisor for five years, I was able to see and hear the progress of her students very directly,” said Carole FitzPatrick, voice area coordinator and associate professor of voice in the School of Music, Dance and Theater at Arizona
see TEACHER page 21
