What Students are Saying ...about Richard Berman      ...about Forbsey  ...about Dan Callaway    ...about Sharmila Guha      ...about Kimberly Harrison       ...about Megan Hook     ...about Suzanne Lukather   ...about Sam McElroy   ...about Lori Moran    ...about Lisa Smolen ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Read our reviews on Yelp.com, and feel free add a review of your own! "From my first lesson, I felt very comfortable and supported.  I was given space when needed in my lessons but was also challenged.  I really appreciated that my lessons were tailored for me.  I could hear and feel the improvement in my singing after each lesson, which was exciting.  I couldn't have asked for more in a voice teacher!" --Janelle, Age 27 "Lessons are structured enough so that I know what to expect each time, but challenging enough so that I am constantly moving forward.  I cannot believe the amount of progress that I have made in just a few months." --Lonnie N. "I started piano lessons to better my overall musicality and because I had always had an interest in theory and reading music as a singer/songwriter.  After only four lessons I felt like I was able to play at a basic level that made me want to keep learning!" --Sarah Cardenas Singer/Songwriter "For three years now I have been referring my students to Lori Moran Music Studio for vocal lessons.  I appreciate the fact that the studio guides students to understand both classical and pop/musical theatre styles of singing.  I highly recommend anyone who is looking for voice training to go to Lori Moran Music Studio." --Shanti Belasco Director & Owner Belasco Theatre Company ...about Richard Berman "Dear Lori, You recommended Richard Berman to us 7 weeks ago. My son Charlie has had 7 lessons with Richard and is making some amazing music. I have played the piano all of my life, so I understand the painstaking, methodical progress expected. With Richard, it is not happening that way.  At Charlie's second lesson, Richard gave him Beethoven's Sonatina in G - Charlie is playing it at performance level in 6 weeks.... amazing. My 15 year old son is loving his lessons - and practices an hour a day without being asked! He loves the fast pace and fast progress. Thank you so much for sharing Richard with us - he is a perfect fit for my son - lots of fun,  very inspiring. We are loving the sweet Christmas music Charlie is playing as well as the Beethoven. Most sincerely, Annie Happy Mom" "Since I am a classroom teacher, I was looking for someone who was not only a talented musician, but also a talented teacher.  Richard is both.  He has a passion for music that clearly shows through his vast repertoire of songs that he enjoys playing.  It is always a treat to listen to him.  He also takes the time to get to know me as a person and this is such an important quality in a teacher.  Richard truly cares about my progress.  He sets high expectations but is patient in helping me achieve my goals.  His lessons are structured enough so that I know what to expect each time, but challenging enough so that I am constantly moving forward.  I cannot believe the amount of progress that I have made in just the few months that I have spent with Richard.   Learning how to read and play music has been my childhood dream, and Richard has been a positive, motivating force. -- Lonnie N. "The best thing I can say about Richard teaching my son piano is - WOW! My son had taken music lessons in the past and the teacher's lesson plan was so slow that my son quickly got bored and dropped out.  Not with Richard.  He is intuitive when it comes to how quickly his students can absorb and pushes my son to do achieve his potential.  In three months my son is playing with both hands, playing songs and practicing without being told. Any student would enjoy having Richard as a teacher. He is an excellent musician with the ability to share his passion." --Robyn E.    "I love playing piano and I love having my piano lesson in the daytime. I have been taking lessons for more than 3 years.  But in the last 6 months, Richard is the only piano teacher that I feel has taught me something.  He has helped me become better at reading music and I am becoming a better musician.  I know I could take a piano course at the highschool, but I like him a lot and can't imagine not being taught by him." --Nikki D. (14) "Richard is so caring and personable. We just love him. He doesn't mince words when telling Nikki she needs work in a certain area. How will a child ever learn if they don't think they have anything to work on?  At the same time, he never holds back compliments when she does succeed. When he's here, he makes me feel like Nikki is his only student because he is fine tuned into her progress and her needs. He is serious about her lesson, but light-hearted and fun. Nikki's love for the piano was waning and I was afraid she would want to quit because she never practiced. Richard has helped her renew her love and now she plays all the time!  We're glad to have met Richard, both as a person and as a teacher." --Joelle D. (Nikki's mom)

...about Dan Callaway "As a voice instructor, Dan Callaway has an excellent backround in both classical and musical theatre styles and is able to impart his knowledge of both styles effortlessly during a lesson.  Dan's vocal exercises helped to bring out the best qualities in my voice while still working on maintaining that essential connection to my breathing.  While working on technique, Dan was always mindful of keeping my breath moving and my tone supported.  His quick and well trained eye spotted any sign of shallow breathing and it was quickly worked on and corrected thus giving my voice even more freedom and depth. Dan's acting backround also lends itself well to working through either audition material or performance pieces.  Dan knows how to bring out the emotion behind the song and then to help you find your own emotional story.  Dan has never ceased to be an amazingly supportive teacher.  As an artist his easy and positive attitude provides you with  a safe place to work on your craft."  --Tonilyn Hornung, actress, singer, and voice over artist www.tonilynhornung.com "Dan is truly the best voice teacher I have ever worked with and his music theatre classes are just a blast.  I am truly blessed and appreciative of all of that.   And remember that I am old and I have studied with a lot of voice teachers.  A lot!" --Michael Tatlock www.MichaelTatlock.com "Dan Callaway has studied with some of the best teachers the world has ever known.  It's wonderful that he's passing on that knowledge.  And, it works wonders! I'm amazed at how strong and free my voice feels.  My range seemed to effortlessly expand in one hour!  What a gift Dan is giving!  I count myself lucky and happy to have Dan and his vast experience as a resource." --David Hussey, Lead Singer of the Official Genesis Tribute Band Gabble Ratchet www.gabbleratchet.com "In my first voice lesson with Dan, I learned a lot - breathing, voice placement and most importantly, to take what I already do as an actress and find the character and intention within a song. He helped me make a leap and find the connections between acting and singing. His easy manner, enthusiasm and expertise put me at ease - knowing I was in a safe place to be creative." --D. Piver "When I worked with Dan I was thrilled to learn that my voice was capable of so much more than I was giving it credit.  I have always been a "classical" singer and have never formally (or informally) trained in belting.  I was always afraid to belt too high and injure myself.  After one afternoon of working with Dan, I was belting higher than ever with no vocal strain or soreness.  Not only that, but my confidence improved leaps and bounds.  The following week I was able to approach an audition with complete power and control, knowing I could hit every note in a song I may have otherwise compromised and mixed.  I look forward to using the many "tricks" I learned from Dan in my auditions and gigs to come, and have every intention of working with him again to see what else I didn't know I could do!" --Shannon Warne www.ShannonWarne.com

...about Forbsey “I have personally known Forbsey when I sought her vocal coaching services as a finalist on ‘Idol’, but I’ve been aware of her from a young age as the gold selling writer of one of my favorite songs 'I've Got The Vibe'.  As a kid, I had the fortune of performing in Disney Land and 'I've Got the Vibe' was one of the songs we performed as it was hot in the charts. I was most excited because I loved the song!   A few years later I was seeking a vocal coach to assist me with technique and my singing skills  Forbsey has a fantastic reputation and I had heard of her from others in the industry. I was most excited when she accepted me as a student into her busy stables. Her vocal technique and all round education in music, the music industry and the psychology of a performer made my journey much easier. She coached me through vocal issues and offered advice, based on her years of experience, on my business decisions.  Forbsey coached me on my first single with Sony/BMG and really contributed to a slick vocal performance, preparing me for the studio. Having someone who has lived the life and had success in the music industry has been invaluable in my experience.”   --‘Idol Finalist’ - Shane Jenek / PKA Courtney Act “I had about 4 or 5 singing teachers before I found The Vocal Mechanic – Forbsey. It quickly became apparent that I had been paying each of these teachers to play piano while I had a sing-a-long. They all told me that I wouldn’t be able to hit the high notes that I wanted because I hadn’t started singing when I was 4. I believed them.   Then I met Forbsey…I was a little intimidated as she gets stuck into it, the very first lesson, no mucking around.  She told me that I would be able to hit the high notes without all of this red faced pushing and preparing for battle. I leave her lessons feeling more confident and genuinely excited about where I am and where I’m headed. She also covers areas such as stage presence, song writing, record industry info and stage blunders- we all make ‘em but it’s how you deal with them that matters.   This lady has been my mentor for over 10 years. She has helped me immensely when I was living in London dealing with management contracts. We even did a few lessons over the Internet when she was working in Africa. I couldn’t recommend Forbsey more highly. She rocks!”  --Alice, 27 / Bondi, Australia  “The very first lesson with this lady was just incredible. She had me pulling high, effortless sounds that I had never been able to reach before. Forbsey has this talent for explaining things. Right away, the light bulb went off in my head, no confusion and then I knew what to do. Her program is like nothing else that I’ve experienced and I’ve seen 8 different teachers. I continue to get heaps out of every session. Don’t waste your time or money going elsewhere.”  --Jessica, 28 / Los Angeles “Being a Metal drummer for most of my early years I had always harboured a desire to front a band as a vocalist and I knew I had the charisma and determination to achieve this end goal. All I needed was a professional vocalist that could give me objective criticism about my abilities and help me hone my skills and become the front man I knew I could be!   Given my musical background, namely in the Metal genre, I was particularly nervous about what to expect when I booked my first lesson with Forbsey. Was she going to make me sing scales to an old, dusty piano? Make me sing “Mary had a Little Lamb”? Rap my knuckles whenever I didn’t get everything perfectly in key?   Forbsey was none of these things, she was young, beautiful, energetic, enthusiastic and really focused about you as an individual. Most importantly she didn’t try and change me, she embraced my style and straight away made me feel at ease. Her extremely practical approach makes the lesson fun! Nobody wants to stand around singing scales all day! Instead YOU choose the music YOU would like to sing and Jenn puts it into practice during the lesson using it as a tool for training.   She’s a professional in every capacity, her work ethic is lethal, she has been working within the music industry for years and has written hit singles in this time, she is a motivational guru and an amazing singer to boot! There is so much I have learned from this woman that goes above and beyond the usual singing lesson, from how the music industry really works to on-stage performance and live technical issues.   I highly recommend Forbsey (the pocket rocket) to all you kids out there that want to follow a career as a vocalist, no matter what your background is. This girl has it all!! A big Metal horns up to my favourite and only singing teacher.” --Jimmy, 28 / Sydney, Australia “I had never had a lesson in my life. I was getting married in a few months and wanted to sing a love song to my wife at our wedding reception and Forbsey was highly recommended.  I explained what I wanted to do over the phone and on the 1st lesson, we met and she made me sing it like I had planned in my head. Urgh.. not good. In 6 weeks, this lady had my voice in shape, my head aligned, how I moved, where my eyes were looking -- every detail covered.  I feel like that first lesson, I must have looked like an apology waiting to be said but the performance on the day, well I felt like one confident superstar! My family still comment on that moment.  Couldn’t have done it without her.” --Adam, 35 / London “Forbsey knows her stuff. It’s been difficult to find a teacher that really gets the rock Industry and doesn’t want to turn you into Barbara Streisand but I’ve found her!  My practice sessions are all mapped out and I’m getting stronger and more confident on a daily basis. My band love me, my management love me, I’m nailing my performances and I’m loving this new found confidence. She’s like a personal trainer for your voice and your head.”   --Nigel 25 / Los Angeles

...about Sharmila Guha "Sharmila's vast knowledge of music and singing as well as the numerous creative techniques she employs has enabled me to sing with confidence and see definite progress in my skills.  I never thought I would enjoy singing this much!  It has brought a new and very welcomed aspect to my life." --Tom P., 45 "I got to know Sharmila singing in the chorus of 'I Pagliacci'.  Let me assure you that she can perform as well as teach!  She invited me to a jazz gig, and after enjoying many gigs, my desire to sing jazz got stronger and stronger.  But jazz is sophisticated, and has rules.  How was I going to learn the ropes?  I was talking to Sharmila after a gig once and she said she was teaching at Lori Moran Music Studio and would be happy to teach me Jazz 101.  The rest is history: I'm taking classes in jazz theory and singing with Miss Sharmila, and I leave every lesson feeling like a cool million dollars!  She's already "hipped" me to many little things I saw her and others do that I didn't understand, and I can see light at the end of the tunnel.  What are you waiting for?  Call her now." --Sherry H. "Sharmila is a great voice instructor. I was a beginner when I started and had no previous experience. Through Sharmila's patience, encouragement, and great communication skills, my voice improved overtime. I had better breath control, increased range, and more confidence. I'm happy with my progress and look forward to becoming better, I would recommend Sharmila to beginners wanting to start and advanced students looking to improve. Thanks Sharmila!" --Danny Tang "To find Sharmila was a big coincidence. I was searching for a good teacher to take jazz lessons [while on holiday in Los Angeles]. When I found a teacher, he recommended me to another, and the other recommended me to Sharmila. What an experience! Personal and professional. Patience, devotion, comprehension and sensitivity. The perfect mix to an ideal teacher." --Lidia Martinez, Spain

...about Kimberly Harrison “Thank you for being such an amazing teacher. You are the best teacher I’ve had in L.A. because you not only teach music... you teach life. I always look forward to our lessons and you have inspired me in so many ways! Keep being amazing!” --Fallon Goodson, actress, Los Angeles, CA “Kimberly is a rare teacher. She has the capacity to guide me into a profound understanding of the subtle intricacies of voice production. With clear, precise, and gentle directives I found I was suddenly engaging parts of myself that I never knew I had. I was able to discover an ease and fluency in my voice that I had only dreamed of before.       She has developed a series of exercises that deconstruct how I place my intention in the intricate structures of my tongue, my vocal chords, and all my resonating chambers. I am now keenly aware of the many possibilities of how I activate what is needed to sing. She calls her exercises “Vocal Functions.” With Kimberly’s attuned and careful guidance, I have found my way into understanding the process of voice production that has allowed me to find an effortless power.       I feel the process is essentially spiritual in that she is teaching me how to move my mind to awaken unaware parts of my breath, my vocal chords, my tongue and my head resonating chambers to consciously be able to produce a musical, clear, connected and satisfying vocal expression. She creates a positive caring environment and has a way of catching you in the correct placement and the correct effort so you can find your way back yourself to the power and expressive beauty of your own voice.”  --Ruth Gould-Goodman ~ author, California Licensed Acupuncturist, and teacher of consciousness through body expression “This work has enriched my life. My voice is stronger, I’m more confident, and I’m actually singing! I honestly didn’t think I could. Singing seemed so complex and indecipherable before, and now, somehow, its been magically simplified. And unexpectedly, my business calls are going better than ever. People have even asked what I’ve been up to - that I seem ‘different’ somehow. Undoubtedly Kimberly is a talent, a delight, and a real joy.” --Don Fein ~ sales, Los Angeles, CA “When I plan to attend your Friday class, I can't wait for our happy time together.  I love to be around you! It was a thanksgiving calling for me to get to know you! I enjoy class a lot. It is not like any other singing class. I feel it is truly fun, participative, and you are really passionate and fun to be with. Please come to sing your heart out with us. Hope to see you there, really a fun group of people, supportive, kind and we have good times. I enjoy so much our class!!!!!! Thanks, Kimberly for your unique way of teaching..........” --Li Jiang, engineer, Long Beach, CA “You ROCK!  That's all I gotta say. YOU are going to do amazing things with your work and help many along the way. I see this in only some - your gifts are huge and you WANT to share them with the world and you will in many magnificent ways. This I KNOW.” --Lisa Sahakian ~ Yoga Practitioner, Health Educator, Singer "I have sung professionally for years.  During that time, I studied with some wonderful teachers and singing coaches but I can honestly say, I've never worked with anyone as talented as Kimberly Harrison.  She has more understanding of the voice and the hot house flower ego in possession of the voice than anyone I've ever worked with.  Kimberly is the best." --Peter Schuyler, singer, writer “I could write a positive note a week for Kimberly.  What can I say about the person who has helped to open the closet door where my inner singer was hiding?  She is a vocal coach who has the technical knowledge, professional experience, and intuition to bring me out into a whole new world.  Each lesson is so full of interesting things to learn and experience.  I thoroughly enjoy.  Time flies when I’m having so much fun!” --Janice R.

...about Megan Hook "From my first lesson with Megan Hook I felt very comfortable and supported.  I was given space when needed in my lessons but was also challenged.  I really appreciated that my lessons were tailored for me.  I could hear and feel the improvement in my singing after each lesson, which was exciting.  I couldn't have asked for more in a voice teacher! Megan's talents, expertise, and kind spirit make her a true rare find."  --Janelle, Seattle, Age 27 "I have had the pleasure of taking voice lessons from Megan Hook for the last two years. Her lessons are structured and focused but very low key and fun.  From the very first lesson I was comfortable and relaxed, which I think is a testament to Megan's personality and "vibe." She is great at coming up with different ways to explain the same concept or different exercises to try until you find one that "clicks" for you. She is always on the lookout for something new to try and is continually working to expand and improve her teaching skills. She also utilizes information she gathers from other activities in her life, like yoga, by adapting methods that might work for vocal training. She is extremely patient and very supportive. I have truly enjoyed my lessons with Megan and feel that my voice has improved quite a bit after taking lessons with her." -- Mary T.  "The prospect of going through my life without singing a song seemed so desolate that I forced myself to find a teacher. I was fortunate indeed to find Megan. When I first came to Megan, the sound of my own voice disgusted me. I would rather have addressed the United Nations than stand and sing a song. Now, thanks to Megan, her skill, her care, her unfathomable patience, I can sing. I like my voice and all the beautiful songs are mine to have, to sing, to enjoy. The singer inside me that I thought was dead, is now alive. Thank you." --Roger B., Age 62 "I studied with Megan for almost 4 years in preparation for majoring in music at college. The first thing I noticed about her teaching is that Megan really makes you feel welcome to singing and her studio. She works hard on getting to know your unique voice so she can give the best possible advice for you. Megan tailors lessons to each individual person in her studio, and addresses each person's needs in a way that is most effective for that person. She focuses on teaching people to sing without tension and with proper breath support, because that is what will ultimately enable you to have a long and successful vocal career."  --Maia "I had the privilege of working with Megan Hook for over 6 months on voice, and had results in that very short time. Megan is professional, instructive, fun, and one of the best teachers anyone could ask for. If you're a parent of a child or an adult who decided to refine their natural talent a little late in life, she is one of the best to learn from. Her techniques are original, creative, as well as helpful, and she has an endless reservoir of patience. Best of all though she is confident in your talent and will always strive to make you do your best." --Hanna C.

...about Suzanne Lukather   "Our daughter, Mary, has taken voice lessons from Suzanne for two years.  Through her association with the Music Studio, Mary made her professional debut in Baz Lurhman's "La Boheme" at the Ahmanson in 2004, as well as at The Disney Concert Hall with the California Philharmonic's Childrens Chorus. An accomplished singer and performer herself, Suzanne has the ability to teach vocal technique to young people that is inspiring and highly effective. Suzanne's enthusiasm and professionalism provides a wonderful role model for her students." --Dr. and Mrs. Michael Regalado "Suzanne Lukather is one of the best kept secrets in the business. A wonderful teacher, she helped me shed some of the bad habits I acquired along the way and focus in on my own true voice. The breathing exercises are exhilirating and easily translate in performance. I'm so thankful she has decided to share her knowledge of vocal technique and love of music." --Terrie Richards Alden, Concord Recording Artist Click here to visit Terrie Richard Alden's webpage. "I believe that my training with Miss Lukather is the reason I was accepted to LACHSA." --Annakate Blackford "Suzanne has been able to adapt her style of teaching to meet my specific needs. She has demystified the theory aspect of learning piano by breaking down the elements into easy-to-grasp concepts. I feel I am growing immensely under her tuteledge." --Timothy Naux, Songwriter "Since our granddaughter started taking singing lessons with Suzanne Lukather, not only has her voice developed beautifully, but she has also had the opportunity to audition and perform in a variety of circumstances.  Suzanne has continued to be very involved in all her students' growth.  We feel it to be a great privilege for Mia to have her as a voice teacher." --Mr. and Mrs. John Logg "I began studying with Suzanne with a goal in mind.  She helped me to accomplish that goal.  Because of her time and effort, I was able to prepare for the audition which led to acceptance at Idyllwild Arts Academy.  Suzanne is a wonderful teacher and singer.  She uses her experience as a professional singer to teach you how to use the most important parts of your instrument - your mouth, ears, posture, diaphragm - and your mind." -- Danielle Demianew, 16 years old

...about Sam McElroy "Since working with Sam, I feel my technique has improved dramatically. Sam breaks down the components of singing in a unique, colorful way, and his teaching techniques have caused me to approach my voice in a whole new light. He also cultivates a great appreciation for singing as an art.  His great experience and skill as an opera singer is clear in his teaching method and in the variety of repertoire that he recommends.  In addition to being a skilled teacher, he also demonstrates a deep concern for each individual student." --Jackie R., student at UCLA

...about Lori Moran "I have felt absolutely comfortable recommending Lori to my high school students, and have even studied with her myself.  Singers today need to understand classical and pop styles of singing, and Lori can teach them all, whether it is operatic, belting, or the mix." --Joel Pressman, Music Department Chairman   Beverly Hills High School "Lori has a wonderful way of explaining the intricacies of the voice.  In my opinion, the hardest part of singing is that most of the adjustments you make are internal, and therefore can't be physically demonstrated.  Lori is unique in that she helps the singer to visualize what they want to achieve, and allows them to connect that image with the physical action that they want to produce.  I've made more progress with Lori than anyone else, because she is able to pinpoint what I need to work on, and tell me exactly how to do it." --Rachel Dubois, student at Yale University "I started piano lessons to better my overall musicality and because I had always had an interest in theory and reading music as a singer/songwriter.  Lori Moran really got to know me and my personality and chose the perfect method of teaching to suit my needs.  After only four lessons I felt like I was able to play at a basic level that made me want to keep learning!  She is so patient and knowledgeable and I have had such a wonderful experience with her.  I would urge anyone interested in piano or vocal lessons to take from Lori Moran; she is incredible!" --Sarah Cardenas, singer/songwriter   Click here to visit Sarah Cardenas' website "In just the short time that Lori has worked with my daughter, I have seen a clearly noticeable improvement in her singing range and style.  But I am more appreciative for something Lori has somehow given her - higher self-esteem and motivation.  Prior to coming to Lori, she had "lost her jingle".  Lori's teaching has resparked her self-esteem, given her more confidence, and made her much more happy." --Mr. Joel Springer "For three years now, I have been referring my students to Lori Moran Music for vocal lessons.  Lori Moran is a highly trained, excellent voice coach.  She is a wonderful teacher, adored by her students.  It is comforting to be able to contact Lori when my students are working on specific songs for our musical productions.  She works with them to prepare for auditions as well as after they are cast into roles.  I appreciate the fact that the studio guides students to understand both classical and pop/musical theatre styles of singing.  Students are taught to link their chest and head voices with fluidity.  I highly recommend anyone who is looking for voice training to Lori Moran Music Studio." --Shanti Belasco, director and owner of Belasco Theatre Company "I have been studying with Lori Moran for over a year.  I think the most amazing thing about her is the way she inspires her students to perform to the best of their ability.  She truly believes in each and every person she teaches and continues to push them to get out there and share their talents with others.  I recommend Lori to anyone who is looking for a teacher to bring them to the next level." --Lauren Ditsky, actress/singer   Click here to visit Lauren Ditsky's website "Lori Moran is a wonderful teacher.  After only being with her for a short while, I've already learned so much.  I feel like I really learn something new every lesson." --Ayelet Firstenberg, Musical Theatre program at University of Miami "Lori's enthusiastic love of music shines through in every lesson.  She is positive, professional, and patient!" --Amy Powers, lyricist

...about Lisa Smolen "Lisa has definitely been the greatest teacher that I could have asked for. I feel like everything that I learned about music theory, intonation, breathing and just getting my fingers in the right places has become what it is now thanks to Lisa. Now, I can easily play anything that is put in front of me, because she taught me scales, rhythms and all kinds of techniques that have helped me become an oboist. Definitely a miracle worker, and I'd definitely recommend her!"   --Caleb S. (17)