PAUL ELKIN VOCAL STUDIO

IN SILVERMINE

(Norwalk, CT)

Paul M. Elkin

Voice Instructor,

Broadway Veteran, AEA, SAG, AFTRA, lecturer on Auditioning for Musical Theater, New England Theater Conference, & past member of NATS

Classical, Musical Theater, Pop, & Rock

My Studio Testimonials

Matt Newton, acclaimed acting coach and founder of MN Acting Studio in New York City & Darien, CT

Paul is one of the best singing coaches out there. He is passionate, practical, extremely talented, and holds his students to the highest professional standard. I highly recommend!

Diane Phelan, AEA performer, "The King & I" and "School of Rock" on Broadway

I studied with Paul as a young person and all through high school, then went on to create a career as a singer on Broadway. I will say that the technique Paul infused in me has been the foundation of my work and my vocal health throughout my entire life. I am also incredibly grateful to have studied with someone who really saw who I was as a person and artist; he deftly nurtured me in a capacity that gave me wings and confidence to perform at the highest level of my craft. He is one of the rarest and most special teachers out there!

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Gabrielle Carrubba, AEA performer, currently starring as Zoe in Dear Evan Hansen on Broadway

Jillian Duffy, Miss CT 2019

While I've only been working with Paul for approximately 6 months, I feel like I've worked with him for years. Not only is he a wonderful and talented vocal coach, he also makes sure you leave your lesson feeling great about yourself. I feel I have grown tremendously as a vocalist in the short time we've been together and I am truly happy and honored to be working with such a talented coach.

David Hoffman, Graduate of Greens Farms Academy, Westport, CT; presently a student at Dartmouth College

Paul completely changed my voice and gave me the confidence I needed to continue my vocal training in college. Before working with Paul, I had worked with countless voice teachers who either didn’t understand the complexity of a teenage-male-voice or had little interest in working with young kids. Paul saw me for who I was, a kid passionate about theater and bettering his voice, and treated me as a partner. He challenged me vocally and helped me to better understand the change my voice had recently gone through. Paul was supportive but honest, always telling me where he thought I could improve. Because of him, I have reached levels that I never thought were possible. Besides his talent as a vocal coach, Paul is an amazing, caring, warm person; all of his students adore him. I know I will always have Paul as an invaluable coach but also as a friend for the rest of my life.

Kyle McClellan, AEA, presently attending Columbia University pursuing an MFA in Acting

Studying with Paul was truly one of the most meaningful and impactful experiences of my life. Simply put, Paul taught me what it means to be an artist. The work ethic, discipline, and specificity I strive to bring to my daily practice were all foundational values I learned from him, and after years of being self-conscious about my voice, it was Paul’s teaching and guidance that helped me learn to love and appreciate my instrument. He has helped me and countless other students channel passion and ability into unique, individual expression rooted in honest communication and storytelling. His mentorship extends well-beyond that of most other voice teachers as well, as over the years he has helped me navigate the responsibilities, challenges and joys of a life in the arts. Paul understands that striving to be a better artist and striving to be a better person go hand-in-hand, and with him, you are getting the absolute best of both.

MaryGrace Crisci, Miss CT 1994, Talent Award Winner at Miss America

Paul is an extraordinary teacher with years of performing experience and vocal expertise. I began studying with Paul at the age of 13, and at the age of 49 still consider it a privilege to work with him. Paul is not just an amazing teacher and singer, but he motivates and inspires his students to always be the best that they can be. Everyone’s voice is unique, and he possesses an amazing gift allowing his students to grow and strengthen their unique vocal quality. Paul encouraged me to compete in the Miss CT Scholarship Pageant after college, with the hopes of getting a scholarship to help pay for my undergraduate degree. If it wasn’t for Paul Elkin, I would have never become Miss CT. Paul worked tirelessly choosing competition music, putting his heart and soul into my preparation for Miss America. I was so honored to be recognized as a Miss America Talent award winner at the Miss America Pageant in 1994. It was an honor for me to receive this award, but a true testament to Paul’s unwavering dedication and inspirational spirit.

Paul is a true teacher, and his priority is always to motivate and encourage his students to reach their highest vocal potential. I am truly blessed in my life to have been given the gift to know Paul, and to study with him. I now have a son who loves to sing, and there is no one else I would even consider having him study with but Paul.

There are truly no words to express my gratitude for the years that he has spent as my voice teacher. He has given me the confidence to go further with my voice then I ever thought possible. There is a famous quote “If you cannot teach me to fly, teach me to sing”. Paul Elkin embodies the spirit to teach his students to do both!

Susan Antinozzi, AEA performer

When I met Paul, I was working in musical theatre but experiencing some vocal problems. He understood and with some patience, help me resolve the issue. With his help, I have been able to expand my range and improve my technique. I have found work in regional theatre and opera companies and my church.

Paul has a unique background as a teacher having studied Bel Canto technique with the Maestro Francesco Riggio and at Boston Conservatory, and a successful career on Broadway and touring with regional theatres. He is enormously supportive of his students and takes sincere interest in their well being and progress. The voice is not an easy instrument to play because you can't see what you're doing and you can't truly hear yourself. Paul has the ability to communicate to a student how to find and improve their own best voice and not to imitate someone else's. Paul understands the business of being an artist and can offer great advice and coaching. He is simply the best teacher, and my very dear friend.

Anne Connors, AEA/SAG/AFTRA performer & entrepreneur: Diamondpointes by Annie: www.anne-connors.com

I’ve been a professional dancer/actress/singer for over 40+ years and I’m in 4 performing unions. I’d never studied voice even though I have done over 100+ jobs in Movies, Television, Commercials, Broadway, Off Broadway, National Tours, Industrials, Regional and Dinner Theaters. I met Paul about eight years ago. This was the best thing I’ve ever done for my career. Paul said I was right for roles like Mame, Dolly, and Norma Desmond to name a few. Since working with Paul I’ve had a great opportunity to perform all those roles plus many, many more. Paul has prepared me for every big role I’ve had since and I couldn’t have done it without him. I thank Paul Elkin every time I sing a song today because he gave me the confidence and the tools I needed to grow as a performer!

Christopher Behmke, AEA performer

I owe a great deal of my professional career to Paul. He helped me develop a vocal technique anchored in Bel Canto that has carried me from my teenage years all the way through into my full vocal maturity. It has been the basis for excelling with a legit sound, singing healthily with the rigors of a full performance schedule, and building a more contemporary sound that is foundationally solid and sustainable. He has the perspective and experience as an elite Broadway performer and singer and the wisdom of an experienced teacher. He is an excellent communicator, has high standards for both himself and his students, and he is a person who truly cares about the growth and best interest of his students. I cannot recommend him highly enough.

Stephanie Stiefel Williams, AEA performer, Miss CT 1991, and co-founder of Legacy Theatre, Stony Creek, CT

I have worked with Paul since 1988 and have referred many successful performers to him over the years. What makes him fabulous as a teacher is that he finds a way to make sound vocal technique relatable to each singer. In doing so, he improves every voice. Whether he is working with classical vocalists or Broadway belters, beginners or professionals, he makes good singers better and great singers greater.

Mia Scarpa, AEA performer

Paul’s teaching methods bring out the very best in each unique voice. Unlike most teachers, none of his singers sound alike and he creates a well-rounded singer in each and every student. I continue to learn and grow with him after more than twenty years under his guidance. From classical music, to broadway, to pop, I feel prepared for anything and everything because of his broad knowledge and attention to detail. He has also looked after my vocal health and helped me to recover from incredibly taxing vocal challenges as a result of difficult contracts and vocal fatigue. His warmth and encouragement only add to the many amazing gifts he offers to his students.

Frank Calamaro, AEA performer

I studied with Paul for 7 years. I first came to Paul's studio after losing my voice at an opening night performance, of an 8 week regional production of "EVITA" (Che). Paul not only helped me adjust to complete my first week of performances, but coached me on how to break some bad vocal habits, I had acquired over the years. I have not had a similar issue with my voice since that time, even with getting colds.

Working with Paul has made me a better technical singer and performer. Since studying with him I have worked in several regional productions across the USA as well as 2 North American Tours ("VICTOR/VICTORIA" (Toddy) and "FIDDLER ON THE ROOF" (Tevye), and several engagements in NYC most notably with Jason Alexander and Tovah Feldshuh and Chip Zien and Christine Pedi in 2 separate productions of "TWO BY TWO" (Shem) directed by Martin Charnin.

I highly recommend Paul as a voice coach and teacher. He not only helped me become a better technical singer but also a performer, because he himself is an accomplished singer and performer. I wish Paul was closer so I could resume my lessons with him.

Megan Leigh Hong, Featured soloist on Princess Cruise Lines

I feel like my life began when I had my first lesson with Paul. My entire career I have had professionals in all areas of music tell me how unique my voice is. One vocal coach at the Boston Conservatory of music even studied me to see if I sing like a tenor because I was trained by one!

Paul Elkin welcomed me into his family of amazing artists, at 12. He made me realize I could do it, he helped me find my voice. I believe it is because of Paul I have had such a long career. I’ve seen the world, and I know he gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams. And the tools for longevity!

From the minute I started working with Paul I knew I had found my perfect teacher. He knows where I am as a vocalist and how to help me get to the next level. He really understands the male voice and the changes with maturity. He has been able to explain to me different techniques to make slight adjustments that make a huge difference in my vocal quality. In just a few months he has helped me successfully audition for a show, put together my college audition pre-screen materials and improve my voice. I have confidence that my voice will continue to expand, and it is exciting. Paul is an inspiring teacher. Always kind and positive. I feel extremely fortunate to have found him.

Owen Lawrence, Senior at Greens Farms Academy, Westport, CT

Eddie Leavy, Actor/Singer, Currently appearing in NBC's "AP Bio" as Anthony Lewis

I could not have asked for a better foundation as a singer than with Paul Elkin. Paul gave me the technique, repertoire, and confidence to reach my full vocal potential. From navigating college auditions, to mastering roles in various contemporary and golden age musical theater productions, Paul always had the insight to make me the best singer I could possible be. To this day, I use so much of what he taught me, and will carry his knowledge around forever. I am beyond grateful to have had him as a teacher.

Valorie Abate Porto, Miss CT 1992, Talent Award Winner at Miss America

I consider myself lucky to have worked with Paul Elkin. Paul is an extremely talented musician and master teacher. Paul’s Broadway experience and professionalism shines through in his teaching style. I was honored to have Paul coaching me on stage at the Miss America Nationals.

Paul’s vocal studio provided me with many vocal performance opportunities and experiences where I was able to grow and expand as a musician. I am grateful to have such a passionate, professional teacher and friend. Paul has a unique ability to tailor his teaching to each individual student. He knows how to make every individual shine in their best light from classical to broadway to pop music. Paul Elkin's vocal studio afforded me the opportunity to perfect my vocal skills and be successful in winning various music competitions and awards including the non finalist talent award at Miss America.

Tamara Spiewak Toub, AEA performer, played young Cosette in "Les Miserables" on Broadway

My voice and I grew up with Paul Elkin as my teacher, fan, and friend, and decades later we remain in touch. I started taking lessons with Paul when I was a little girl in the professional theater world, and we slowly went from simple scales and "Maybe" from Annie to more complex vocalization exercises, more mature Broadway tunes, Italian art songs, and the Queen of the Night arias. In the process, he taught me about changing the shape of my mouth and throat, placing notes appropriately, and breathing well. He gave me opportunities to perform with him and his other students - often at events supporting local community organizations. For decades, as I have auditioned for shows ranging from school productions and community theater to professional regional, tours, or NYC gigs, Paul enthusiastically helped me prepare for the auditions and practice for roles I had gotten. Then, he showed up to applaud me from the audience. His confidence in me was contagious. His pride in me and so many of his students is palpable.

Paul knows music. He knows how the human voice works, and how it is affected by biology and experiences. He could tell during warm-ups if I had been working as a camp counselor all day, if I had been doing cardio exercise before my lesson, or if I was sick. Paul knows languages. He could teach me to pronounce the German and Italian lyrics and how best to place the vowels in my voice. Paul is a pianist and a singer - he can accompany his students during lessons and performances, and he can teach from experience as an accomplished and talented singer. Paul knows show business - he knows the worlds of Broadway and talent/scholarship competitions (especially Miss America), and can share stories, experiences, and expert guidance with students choosing to pursue paths in those worlds. Paul knows people. He is able to work with children, adults, casual singers, professionals, divas, newbies, experts, and more. And he supports his students on their terms - whether they are going down professional performing paths, competing with their singing talent, or singing as a side project. Paul is a multitalented mentor and friend, and I am honored to support him!

Katrina Holden, soprano AGMA pefermer

When I began studying with Paul at age 16, I was singing musical theatre and was just being introduced to the Classical repertoire that would become a mainstay in my career. Paul gave me a solid foundation in technique, beginning with addressing the mechanics of breath in our very first lesson. This is truly rare in voice studios today and so vital for projection and vocal longevity.

I still perform quite a bit of crossover and am able to access Paul’s wisdom on belting, mixing, and singing “legit”, all in a balanced and healthy way. But what I perhaps took away most from Paul’s studio was his warm presence; his encouragement and genuine concern shaped my young life in the most positive ways."

Dana Hillman, Miss Connecticut 2007, Talent Award Winner at Miss America

I began vocal lessons with Paul when I was 11 years old. He came highly recommended by a personal role model of mine and with my family’s support, we immediately reached out to schedule my first lesson. It was the beginning of over a decade of weekly lessons. I started as an eager and quite awkward young lady. Paul’s instant warmth and passion for his teachings catapulted me into a world of theatre and pageantry. Paul’s true ear (and eye) for detail guided me on a journey of self-discovery and self-awareness.

With Paul’s unconditional positive regard, I grew not only as a vocalist, but as a young lady aspiring for life on the stage. I began auditioning and performed in several productions including Maria in West Side Story, Belle in Beauty and the Beast, and many more. I went on to compete for the title of Miss Connecticut and represented my state at the 2008 Miss America pageant LIVE on ABC where I was awarded the preliminary and non-finalist talent award for my vocal performance. Paul has played a huge role in my life and I am forever grateful for his teachings.

Rishi Mutalik, AEA performer, also appeared in PBS performance of Camelot from Lincoln Center, NYC

To say Paul has changed my life would be an understatement. There is simply not a better teacher or mentor to be found. In my many years studying with Paul, he has helped me soar as both a vocalist and a performer. He is unmatched in both his technical understanding of the voice and his encyclopedic knowledge of different styles and forms. He has shown me how to grow and develop my instrument while also introducing me to new techniques and repertoires. He has given me the tools to find specificity and character within songs and has equipped me with the confidence to go into any audition room or onto any stage.

As a person, Paul is warm, encouraging, and generous. It is so vital to have a teacher who understands you and how to nurture your creative spirit. Paul does this and I have taken every lesson he has taught me into my professional career. If you are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to work with Paul Elkin, I implore you to seize it. I derive so much joy from singing and that is because of him. I truly owe him everything.

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