Creative Freedom Coaching
for Highly Sensitive
Online sessions from the comfort of your home
Perhaps you:
were criticized when you shared your art
had teachers who were harsh disciplinarians
are stuck in your head and fears of doing it wrong
struggle to express yourself authentically
“used to be creative” but now feel blocked
fear being publicly perceived
experience tension when you create
have a stress related physical condition
are socially anxious or neurodivergent
Hi sensitive singer! Do you feel blocked in your self-expression?
You long to create again but you need to feel safe.
Curious to learn more?
My approach is designed for deeply feeling artists.
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 one moment at a time.
Playful
Does the idea of creating with or 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 self-expression. Together, we let playfulness take the lead. We will experiment with improvisation and practice trusting your instincts in the moment.
Somatic
Professional training uses technical jargon that puts you in your head. Creating 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 creating.
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 release creative blocks to performing. 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.
“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
The Meaning of You Are a Song:
There is a quote by Jaime Gil de Biedma: “I believed that I wanted to be a poet, but deep down I just wanted to be a poem.” When I heard this quote, it resonated so much with my feelings about singing. The music was already in me, not something I had to earn or prove. I help clients of all skill levels embody their music. You don’t need to be a professional singer to sing.
I am inspired by a story about a tribe in Burkina Faso that listens for the “song of the child” before it is born, and sings the song to the child every time they forget who they are or that they matter. You have a song within, that belongs to you, that is your birthright. It is my joy to listen closely to help you hear it, and sing it.
FAQ
Got more questions before we begin?
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I work with all skill levels. This includes people who wish to sing but never gave themselves a chance. I’m all about freeing the inner singer!
*I’m not a good fit for those who want help with public speaking. Check out Claire Frye instead.
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If there is a suspected vocal injury, I recommend going to an ENT to make sure that it is safe to sing. If you are diagnosed with a vocal condition, you would need to see a voice therapist or SLP to rehabilitate and retrain your voice. After that you are welcome to sing with me!
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We will meet virtually over Zoom. I can work with you from anywhere in the country!
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My rate is $175 for all 50 minute sessions.
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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.
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I recommend coming on a weekly or biweekly rhythm with some practice inbetween to build muscle memory.
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We will be meeting for 50 minutes.
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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.
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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.
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I love your kids but my style is best suited for adults. I recommend https://newyorkvocalcoaching.com/services