Students' Testimonials

James Vanderpost provided me with training that took me from two to a four ½ octave range. He is a master in the field and one who works patiently with his students to help them achieve their dreams.

James Vanderpost is an excellent vocal instructor. He is patient and kind yet firm and informative. I learned much from him and he was there through my first performances. He is a good friend and mentor. I would recommend him to anyone seeking to improve their voice whether it be speaking or singing.

As a long time instrumentalist, I always wanted to be able to sing lead or support the band with harmonies. My lessons with James gave me a foundation for improving the power of my voice in a rock context while still singing safely. That's important if you are going to be gigging regularly.

I’ve been taking lessons from Mr. Vanderpost for six years, and I can't say enough good things about him. He brought out the best in my voice, and without him, I never would have considered pursuing a career in musical theater. He's a wonderful teacher, a great mentor, and a good friend.

Our daughter has been a student of James Vanderpost for six years. She started taking singing lessons with James in seventh grade. Junior year, she went to state in the TPSMEA solo competition. James is especially gifted working with young voices. Even thought their voices may be small, he is patient and supportive while guiding younger students to be technically proficient. As the students' voices mature and develop, they already possess the technique and musical knowledge to excel. James' friendly encouraging manner keeps his students interested and motivated.

In his gentle and encouraging style, James teaches you how to allow your natural voice to develop and grow. No manipulations, no tricks, no force-just allow your voice to find itself through training, experience, focus and self-confidence. In the time I’ve taken from James, I grew from someone with a “good” voice to someone singing in a professional chamber chorus, opera chorus, church soloist and confident speaker. Yes, not only did my singing voice grow, but so did my speaking voice. Better diction, breathing, and disciplined study in music have carried over into other areas.

James' experience as a performer allows him to take the “tricks of the trade” and apply them not only to classical performance, but all styles of music. Whatever your goals as a singer/performer, etc., your investment and commitment to James will be rewarded.

I started taking lessons from James soon after my 56th birthday. I had never taken voice lessons before and had done very little singing since I was a young girl. When I started, I could hardly hit a D above middle C. One year later, I was singing G’s with ease. James is wonderful to work with. He has such a positive, encouraging approach, always focusing on what I was doing right rather than the many things I was doing wrong. He brought the joy of singing into my life, and I will always be grateful. I highly recommend him.

James Vanderpost began teaching my son Sam when he was a 13 year old seventh grader. Sam's voice had not yet changed when he began taking lessons, so he started out as a tenor. After about 2 years, Sam's voice dramatically dropped to a bass. James helped Sam through that awkward time, giving him the confidence to continue to develop his singing voice.
Sam has continued taking lessons from James throughout high school. Sam has competed in the TPSMEA vocal solo competition each year, earning the highest ranking at both regional and state levels. Largely due to James’ mentoring, Sam plans to major in music business and minor in vocal performance next year in college. I would highly recommend James to anyone seeking a voice teacher for their son or daughter.