Zachary Anderson

I studied with Joe all throughout high school, starting in the Fall of my Freshman year. I can say with complete certainty that I would not be the singer, actor, or musician I am today without the depth of training and mentorship I was lucky enough to receive from Joe during my high school career.

Studying voice with Joe goes far beyond learning how the human voice operates as an instrument. Being a part of the studio is ultimately a means to becoming a better performer in all aspects of the craft. Joe has produced and directed both of my original musicals (Escape and Keychain), teaching me how to go about a large project professionally and efficiently. I've gained experience in musical direction, stage direction, choreography, production, management, and accompaniment through working under Joe's advisement. I've also been given many opportunities in the business of forming pit orchestras for the musical/opera theater, and have learned the art of running and performing in professional recordings.

In private voice lessons, I am always learning more about the mechanism behind the human voice. One of Joe's big mottos is "always move forward, never back" and this can very accurately describe how private study in this studio functions. Even if the entire lesson is focused on one element of the voice, be it breath, onset, placement, support/expansion, shape, or diction, we are always moving forward and developing a stable, versatile instrument.

But despite the job title and description, Joe is not just a voice teacher. He is a mentor and fellow artist. He shares his knowledge openly, and has always worked for the betterment of his students' skill, experience, and professionalism. With his help, I was able to be accepted to both Musical Theatre and Voice/Opera programs at Oberlin College-Conservatory, Boston Conservatory, Manhattan School of Music, and of course, New York University (where I am currently studying Musical Theatre Vocal Performance).

I am very proud and gracious to have studied with Joe throughout my high school career. The opportunities I've been given and the knowledge I've attained have led me to places and people I never dreamed I would reach. Studying with Joe means having a realistic view into the professional world, and a lifetime's worth of education, which makes the experience absolutely priceless.