You Belong Here
we're not just a voice studio, we are a community.
Studio Sostegno is a voice studio for serious students. My name is Carol Perry and I have been teaching voice since 2009. My studio, from the Italian for "support," is dedicated to long-term preparation and voice building for the next level singer.
In the studio one-on-one, we focus on total voice building. I use a holistic approach to foster curiosity and burgeoning independence, and we make learning about our voice fun, empowering and engaging.
We also believe in supporting one another and celebrating other studio members' successes as our own.
Many of our members have gone on to major in music at the university level, and have been well prepared for the rigors of obtaining a music degree.
Our studio is a community that stands up against all forms of hatred, bullying, racism, misogyny, homophobia and transphobia, and ableism. We accept all singers of all experience levels, gender identities, and ethnic backgrounds. We believe in using music to connect with, validate, and celebrate what makes us all different.
Everyone is welcome here.
Singing Is A Skill
you need a teacher you can trust
Singing is the only talent we as a society think you must be "born with" to be successful. This is not true. No athlete ever came into the world already qualifying for the Olympics, so why do we create such a ridiculous and unattainable expectation for the human voice?
Let's think this instead: Singing is a skill. It must be learned, practiced and challenged, just like anything else. Approaching voice in this way lowers the intimidation factor while elevating accessibility.
Teaching voice is about providing the environment and tools students need in order to think critically and make progress. You don't need talent, you need trust.
Because our voices are in our bodies, singing feels more personal than other instruments. I get that. This is why I train the whole person, not just the voice. With this method I see people of all ages develop their skills as singers, performers, and human beings.
I love to be the long-term person in my students' lives as they develop and get to know their own instrument.
What Is NATS?
I regularly teach master classes in my community through my membership with the National Association of Teachers of Singing
Spring Sing!
Our annual studio recital takes place each May to show off the year's hard work
Competition
Students compete and win monetary prizes year-round through NATS
"Carol has been our daughter's voice teacher for nearly four years. She is enthusiastic and fun, while also encouraging responsibility and commitment. Over the years we have watched our daughter's confidence grow as her vocal technique and understanding of music theory has matured under Carol's guidance."
Gina, studio parent
Carol recently completed certification in The NeuroVocal Method by Meredith Colby, so she had me try some stuff she learned and use the techniques in my old rep. So I started singing, and I stopped, because I could not believe how easy it was to sing. I was on the verge of tears, it was like an out-of-body experience. It was so weird, but it was so amazing.
Nicola, current student
"I entered Studio Sostegno as a senior in high school. In each lesson Carol helped me achieve proper vocal technique: we spent time working on breath support, diction, and improving my overall sound. She helped select repertoire that improved my technique and prepared me well for college auditions and in the other genres of music I enjoy. I'm now a voice major and music education student at The University of Michigan, and I feel confident and prepared for this next step!”
Cinderella, 18
"I took a break from voice lessons but I returned because I wanted to build confidence in myself and improve my voice. Something I've learned from Carol is how to practice with warmups, and vocalises before working on repertoire.
Learning the importance of that structure was really good for me. It helps to have a plan, and it's amazing what your mind can do, just when you think about what you're going to sing before you sing it."
Lilly, current student
Carol gave me the confidence to go to the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) competitions and give it a shot. I ended up competing in all three levels (Districts, Regionals, and Nationals) and winning first prize at all three.
None of this would have been possible if I hadn't been given that extra push and knowledge, so thank you very much!
Errol, Sostegno Alum, Boston Conservatory BFA Class of 2024
