Vocal Coaching for Highly Sensitive Singers

Online sessions from the comfort of your home

Work with Me

Perhaps you:

were criticized for the sound of your voice

are stuck in your head and fears of doing it wrong

struggle to express yourself authentically

“used to be creative” but now feel blocked

experience tension when you sing

have a stress related vocal condition

have a history of musical trauma

are socially anxious or neurodivergent

Hi sensitive singer! Did you love singing but you stopped?

You long to sing again but you need to feel safe.

Curious to learn more?

Book a consultation

My approach is designed for deeply feeling singers.

Therapeutic

I am skilled at holding your sensitivity due to my training as a music therapist. Tears, doubts and fears are welcome. We can integrate therapeutic modalities including Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Brainspotting to help you release performance anxiety, unlock your creativity, and express new parts of yourself and voice through song.

Playful

Does the idea of singing in front of others make you freeze up? That’s your nervous system trying to protect you. Silliness can help you release perfectionism and free your vocal mechanism. Fun vocal exercises like mimicking and wordplay can distract your inner critic. We will experiment only as far as you are comfortable with.

Somatic

Traditional vocal coaching uses technical jargon that puts you in your head. Singing isn’t academic, it’s somatic. We’ll use the language of the body to help you connect. I integrate mindfulness, movement, and visualization to help you feel more present in the moment. I am trained in somatic strategies to help you feel calmer and more grounded. It is possible to feel safe while you’re singing.

Book your first session

Hi, I’m Melissa!

I have loved singing since belting out “Hero” in 6th grade choir and playing Joanne in Godspell. I attended Berklee College of Music in undergrad, but due to paralyzing perfectionism, I hid my voice in lessons, and avoided auditioning as a soloist. In my early years as a vocal coach, I was mentored by Jennifer Hamady, a voice teacher who specializes in the psychology of singing. It was through using Jennifer’s vocal, breathing and mindfulness exercises that I finally overcame performance anxiety. I also accessed deep rivers of emotion that made my singing alive and meaningful. Instead of just having a pretty voice, I became someone who sang with soul. Our work together inspired me to get my masters in music therapy to help other singers heal through therapeutic voice. In working together, I hope to guide you back to your truth, your voice, your song. You can learn more about my therapy practice at ifswitch.com.

  • Vocal Training

    Berklee College of Music

    NYVC Certified Vocal Coach

    Maddie Tarbox Teacher Training

  • Specializations

    R&B, pop, and singer-songwriter

    Overcoming performance anxiety

    Transforming perfectionism into joy

  • Therapeutic Training

    Board Certified Music Therapist

    Licensed Creative Arts Therapist

    Somatic & Regulation Strategies

“Melissa helped me get rid of my stage fright as I was preparing for a solo performance, leading a 70 member chorus. I really enjoyed her unique approach, which was technical, spiritual — and fun! She helped me get in touch with my true self. Thanks to Melissa I regained confidence in my natural voice and I’ve been performing ever since.”

~COB, Choir Member

What Clients are Saying

“Only a special person can create the space for someone to open up and sing their heart out, especially when they’ve always felt shame while doing so. It was easy to face my fear with Melissa because I felt that she had my back. She is wonderful at what she does from a technical standpoint. She’s incredibly aware, perceptive, caring, knowledgeable, and she is magic.”

~Indira Bimont, Entrepreneur

FAQ

Got more questions before we begin?

Book a consultation

  • We will meet virtually over Zoom. I can work with you from anywhere in the world!

  • My rate is $150 for specialized therapeutic vocal training.

  • Singing improves over the course of several months. The length of time depends on whether your goal is simple or complex. If you have more questions, you can book a consultation.

  • Singing is about developing muscle memory for different techniques, so coming weekly or biweekly is recommended.

  • We will be meeting for 50 minutes.

  • I teach contemporary vocal technique with a specialization in r&b, pop, blues rock and singer-songwriter styles. I am able to work with modern musical theatre but not classical singers.

  • Please come with the name of 1-2 songs that you like. I don’t need sheet music as I will look up chords and melodies. If you want full accompaniment, please bring your own karaoke or instrumental track. It’s helpful if you memorize the lyrics, but otherwise just have them handy.