Thomas Shepard Biography
For four decades, Thomas Shepard has been voice teacher and vocal coach to successful professional performers in an amazingly broad spectrum of the entertainment field: from Broadway to Rock, to the world of Opera, with everything in-between. His patience and understanding in particular of the needs of dancers have gained him a reputation with those looking to successfully round out their skills and give them the edge of the triple-threat dancer/ singer/ actor.
His work with young people (ages six to teens) has been recognized by major performing and training institutions such as: New York University (faculty for eighteen years), The American Academy of Dramatic Arts (faculty for six years), The American Musical And Dramatic Academy (NY and LA), Disney’s The Lion King’s Master Classes, the Summer Theatre Institute at Columbia University, and the Los Angeles Academy of Performing Arts, among others.
Who’s Work With Thomas?
-Telly Leung
Aladdin in ALADDIN on Broadway
-Kristen Bell
Voice of Anna from Frozen
–Javier Muñoz
Hamilton in f HAMILTON on Broadway
Services
Whether your interest is theatrical singing or rock/pop, gospel, jazz, or opera, in my studio the principles of singing technique are always stressed equally with those of vocal coaching.
Singing Lessons
Classes are tailored to meet the needs of the maturity level of each individual student…
Vocal Coaching
A VOCAL COACH is fundamentally a good piano player who is knowledgeable of the body of musical literature…
Musical Direction
As music director I work closely with the director of a production to support and enhance his/her vision of the show…
“I am first and foremost a teacher of singing technique. My background and the history of my own training and the success of my subsequent careers as a professional performer and a teacher are inexorably tied together.”
Recognition
- 1976- Present Private Voice and Coaching Studio, New York City, Los Angeles, Las Vegas Instruction in singing technique, basic music skills and ear training. Additional coaching in musical theatre techniques, basic keyboard skills, monologue and scene study, and career counselling. Past and present students working on Broadway, national and international tours, television, movies, concerts, clubs, cruise ships, and in professional rock- pop.
- 1994- 2004 Tisch CAP 21, in affiliation with New York University School of Performing Arts, New York City Instruction in singing technique in both class and private settings. Taught special summer NYU programs. Chosen as representative in Vocal Technique and Performance reevaluation council.
- 2007- Present Los Angeles Oprea Speakers Presiding over a series of presentations in the greater Los Angeles community with the goal of perpetuating the operatic tradition through the production of education and community programs for children, ethnically diverse citizens, senior citizens, other underserved audience groups, and the general public.
- 2000- 2001 Lion King and Lion King for Disney, New York City A series of master classes developed by Disney Productions to cultivate new talent and give professional experience to the juvenile and young adult talent pool. Helped develop and coordinate the new program. Taught vocal technique and coached literature choices in the series.
- 1999 Summer Theatre Institute in Residence at Columbia University Taught master classes in vocal technique and musical theatre performance.
- 1997- 2004 American Academy of Dramatic Arts, New York City Instruction in singing technique and musical theatre performance.
- 1988- 1994 Musical Theatre Works Conservatory, in affiliation with NYU, Tisch School of Performing Arts, New York City Instrumental in developing and facilitating vocal technique program. Initiated classes for non-musical theatre pupils at large in Tisch NYU. Taught both class and private voice. Coached students in performance skills.
- 1991 Jewish Cultural Community Center, New York City Developed and taught course in musical theatre performance technique for adults and young adults.
- 1988 American Musical and Dramatic Academy, New York City Taught musical theatre performance technique classes.
- 1974- 1975 Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois Instruction in both private and classes voice. Established and developed liaison function between music, theater and speech departments.
1974 Southern Illinois University Bachelor of Music Education-Voice
1975 Southern Illinois University Masters in Music-Opera & Musical Theatre
- Jack Harrold, (New York City Opera)
- Majorie Lawrence, (Metropolitan Opera)
- National Improvisation Theatre- Acting Improvisation & Musical Improvisation
- Performing Guest Artist – Elizabeth Seaton College and Centenary College
- Graduate Teaching Assistantship – Southern Illinois University
- Performing Scholarship – Marjorie Lawrence Summer Opera, Hot Springs, AK
- Floyd M. Wakeland Memorial Award in Music for “Outstanding Ability in the Fields of Choral Conducting and Vocal Pedagogy” – Southern Illinois University
Respected By All!
“If you want to make big, beautiful sounds, call Thomas Shepard today.”
Dr. Pamelia Phillips, Chair, Voice and Music, CAP21, NYU
Author of “Singing for Dummies,” pub. Wiley, 2003
Frequently Asked Questions
What is your price?
My prices are comparatively very low, considering the many years of experience I have as a NYU singing professor and as a Broadway performer, and from the many success stories my students have.
Where are you located?
In the West Village at 3rd Street and 6th Avenue in Manhattan. A,C,E,B,D,F,Q,M at the West 4th Street stop is just steps away. 1 Local is about 5 minute walk.
Can you teach virtual lessons?
Yes, either Skype, FaceTime, etc.
How often do students come for lessons?
It depends on where you are in your career. I have students in the industry that come 3 x’s a week, but ideally at least once a week to see the best results. But I’m accommodating according to each students needs.
Wow! That kind of far! Do you make house calls?
I don’t recommend house calls, I have students that drive from New Jersey and Connecticut, however for an extra fee it could be arranged.
Payment methods?
Cash, Check, PayPal, etc
How long are the lessons?
Generally, lessons are a minimum of 1 hour. Students are able to request more time for audition or rehearsal pratice.
Parking?
Are you available to teach school programs or workshops?
Yes, I even offer a 1hour private parent/child musical theatre class. A great way to bond with your child while developing true singing/ performing skills. Please see Services page.
What hours can I schedule a lesson?
I have a range of students from people in the industry, to beginner singers and voice over actors, young and old, so I have flexible accommodating hours. Weekends included.
What the process of getting started?
First is a free 15min phone consultation where I will give information on my trainings to see how I work and to understand your needs as a student. Then if both parties want to move forward, we will schedule your first lesson!
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