Laurece West Studios
   Laurece West teaches singers and actors how to
consistently deliver their best vocal performance. With a scientific approach to the mechanics of the voice and an artistic view towards expression, Laurece helps students achieve their maximum potential. Performers gain skill and confidence. The tone becomes even and strong; range increases. Students understand how their voice works and how to maintain vocal health. Laurece couples a brilliant technical foundation with the joy of teaching; students feel supported and energized, so they progress rapidly. People of all races, ages and ideologies are welcome in the studios.
The Technique 
   The voice is a muscle; so developing your voice is like training in any sport. How much effort does it take to play for fun, in an amateur league, as a professional, or as an Olympian? Singing, and for actors, building a healthy, strong and resonant voice are similar. Depending on your aspirations, and the vocal health and skill you have currently, various amounts of time and dedication are necessary. Vocal technique allows the performer to have knowledge and command over their instrument so they really don’t have to think about it in performance. They can be emotionally and artistically expressive, counting on their voice to perform consistently, singing all notes or speaking with ease and power. 
   Laurece studied and performed music as a child on piano, violin, flute and piccolo. At 18 she took up guitar and harmonica. At 23, electric bass, at 24 she started voice lessons.  She has 28 years of experience performing, recording, writing and producing for many bands, including several as bandleader. Her original music has Jazzy Blues, Soul, Folk-rock and Gospel influences. Currently, she is completing mass production of her first and second CDs.
Laurece has studied acting since a child and the last four years has focused on improv classes, troupe work, and Interplay TM techniques.
    Some of Laurece’s students are performing in schools, churches, musicals and clubs while others are recording, making videos and singing internationally.    
Beginners have the advantage of learning efficiently, from the start, how to build a strong technical foundation and develop artistically. The more consistently a singer applies the techniques the faster the voice develops. Hard working beginners have become good singers within a year, and confident performers within three years. It takes seven to ten years to develop an Olympic voice like the best recording artists. Singers become great talents through focused work to develop their artistry; their love of singing provides the motivational energy.
Professional and Amateur Performers are guided in redefinition of technical aspects that by self-analysis and Laurece’s observations are not serving them. Area’s of focus are creating the seamless voice with no audible register breaks or tone differences –unless by artistic design, building power throughout the entire range, singing or speaking with body ease and vocal fluidity, efficient breath support, and ensuring that all skills become muscle knowledge so the performer can concentrate on artistic expression.
Attitudes
for Success 
   Success as a performer depends upon physical as well as mental preparation. Sometimes clients unconsciously sabotage themselves by practicing inconsistently and/or not believing in their abilities. Understanding their own assets, resistances and patterns helps performers to progress. Laurece develops a plan of action for each person to enable them to reach their goals. Long-term goals are divided into short-term goals. Laurece guides the performer in specific weekly (technical and artistic) plans to meet these goals. Breaking down long-term goals into achievable steps will allow the vocalist to move from fantasy into action and really accomplish their aspirations. 
Regular Lessons & Practice 
   Regular lessons and focused vocalising are essential to the development of range, flexibility, strength & power, a song list or repertoire, artistic interpretation and performance skills. In order to be successful, the performer will have to commit to one 30-minute practice daily and a lesson every week. If this is not possible now, Laurece suggests you wait until you are ready. If your goal is to be a working professional, it requires 2 daily practices and a lesson every week. Some people fall right into regular practicing and others need support to build consistency. pace and progress.
Supplies for the First Lesson 
   Dress comfortably.  Bring a cassette or DAT recorder if you have one, or a cassette of sufficient length. Recording the lesson allows you to integrate the material over the next week. Choose a song from your IPOD, sheet music, CD, or to sing a cappella. You'll need a folder or notebook to take home handouts.

Registration for Singers:
Name:
Address:
Phone Numbers: 
   Cell- 
   Home -     
   Work -
Age and Birthday:
Times available for regular weekly lessons:

The following questions will help Laurece plan your course of study:

Musical Background
Why do you want to study and what would you like to accomplish in your lessons?

What are your career goals?

Describe your love of singing (why, how much, how do you feel, etc.)

How dedicated are you?

What is your experience as a performer?

Why do you enjoy performing?

What is your recording experience?

Have you taken lessons before?

Do you play any instruments?

Do you read music?

Do you write songs?

Is there a piano or keyboard available to you? (It's not necessary but helpful.)

Which singers do you admire?

What kind of music do you listen to and what radio stations?

How often do go to gigs and concerts?

Vocal and Body Health
Unlike any other instrument, the voice is in the body. Your physical and emotional health has a great affect upon your ability to sing well and learn quickly.

In what sports or physical activities have you participated during your lifetime?

Do you exercise regularly now? What do you do?

What is your diet like?

What fluids do you drink and how much per day of soda, coffee and alcohol?

Do you take vitamins or dietary supplements?

What are your sleeping habits?

Do you have asthma or any other breathing or health issues?

Do you smoke? How much per day?

Are you on any medications?

Are you under stress in any area of your life?

Would you be interested in breathing, relaxation and stress management techniques?

Learning, Motivation and Goal Accomplishment
What has really worked for you with other teachers?

Are there particular methods that make learning easy for you? (Visual, action, listening, examples, etc.)

Will you need support to get into a practicing routine?

What methods, things or systems motivate and energize you? (Philosophies, religions, beliefs, sports, goals, etc.)
Are you interested in reading about how other people in business, performance and sports have succeeded?

What will you need to accomplish your goals and dreams? (Skills, confidence, support etc.)

If you understand and agree to abide by the cancellation policies, then call to set up your first lesson. Please send this registration form to: Laurece West, 364 Silver Street, Sheffield, MA 01257. Include a check for your first lesson fee, made out to Laurece West. If you wish to deliver the check and registration in person, call ahead. I look forward to working together!