Singing and Performance

I surprised myself with my awareness the whole evening of pitch and focus. And my range seemed to sore to spiritual places... like it seemed with no effort as I kept strong focus on groundedness. Got a standing ovation at the end of the evening. Thank you muh dear. I believe you would have been proud!

I've taken three group singing courses with Miriam Goldsmith. She has a special way of creating a safe and fun environment in which to learn and perform. Her teaching principles are sound and she has a wealth of information to pass on. I highly recommend signing up for one of her classes!

Miriam's approach to vocal coaching is a wonderful mix of technique, motivation, inspiration, hard work, and a whole lot of fun. In her group classes, she creates a safe, welcoming environment that lets you explore and experiment musically, all the while learning from and sharing with your classmates. I highly recommend this class to anyone who loves to sing and wants to grow personally and professionally!

I could say that Miriam Goldsmith knows her stuff (like her knowledge of what vocal exercises work for what voices & ranges & problems). I could say that she has in her quiver some nifty tricks and techniques (like The Goldsmith Theory of Gravitational Voice). I could say that she is herself a fine singer with interesting experience (like singing in NYC clubs). I could say that her approach to teaching is nuanced (it combines planned work with exercises that respond to what students bring in on a particular night). I could say that she does what my professors in teachers' school many years ago told me (be firm, fair, and consistent). I could say that she responds to every style (she gives helpful feedback to students who sing different genres with different abilities).

But what is really interesting about her teaching is that she manages to encourage her students, to sympathize with our anxieties, to support us without cheapening her teaching--without, for example, indiscriminate praise; without, for example, running a support group. She thus also exemplifies how to put to use one's suffering and pain, with which singers seem to be familiar, and of which she herself has experienced a boatload. Don't miss Miriam Goldsmith. This could be your last chance--tickets almost sold out!

I just wanted to thank you for a great class. It was uplifting and really gave me more confidence in my music. That is where my breakthrough came from. Everyone comments on how much better I've been singing. Not pushing, more relaxed. I've always been very nervous to sing in a new place/new crowd. Friday I went to a new show. A small stage, lights, a completely different atmosphere than I've been in before. From past experience, I should have been terrified, with my knees knocking. I wasn't even as nervous as I was singing in front of the group for the first time! I think I'm gonna be a performer yet!

I have grown as a person because of my work in both private and group classes with Miriam. The largest learning has been in finding and feeling the depth and presence of myself through my voice. Miriam helped me learn how to set boundaries with my voice and to experience my own strength through my words. As a singer, I found every emotion through singing one note for an entire hour in a private session. On my own, I use Miriam's practice CD's to warm up my voice and relax my mind.

I have discovered the strength, depth, and sensitivity I hold in my singing and have begun to understand the power of bringing all of myself to performance. In addition to intense personal work, I have found a joy in singing beyond anything I would have expected - through our wonderful group class. In class, we support each other totally and have so much fun learning together.

I have certainly learned better techniques for singing - in some ways, the technical part of singing has become automatic, leaving room for the exploration of the emotion and authenticity of my own voice.

While Miriam is extremely proficient in actual voice instruction, she offers her students so much more than that. Miriam offers students the opportunity to express their depth, passion and authenticity through voice. The quality of her presence alone will invite and beckon the deepest part of you to emerge through your performance. She guides, challenges and supports students beautifully as they break through old boundaries and open their hearts through voice. The opportunity to study with her is a rare gift and a privilege.

When I took my first singing class with Miriam, my hope was to learn some basic techniques and to learn to effectively handle my performance anxiety. What I got was beyond what I could have envisioned. Miriam is one of those rare persons who possess both technical expertise and an extraordinary ability to connect with others in a way that is profoundly insightful, genuine, playful, supportive and appreciative of each student’s uniqueness. Miriam has helped me feel safe to take risks and to find my voice, which is much fuller, richer and expressive than I imagined.  I am enrolled in my third class with Miriam and my work with her continues to be a journey of challenges and surprises. I have nothing but high praise for her and recommend her wholeheartedly.