Frequently Asked Questions

[su_spoiler title=”Why take voice lessons if I’ve already been told I can sing?”]Natural talent is a very good place to begin, but natural talent can only take you so far. In order for natural talent to reach its fullest potential it must be examined, its various parts isolated and developed. Then all of the parts must be brought into coordination in a way that maximizes the potential of your instrument. Throughout this process it is also critical to identify bad habits that limit your ability and replace them with habits that serve to complement your natural gifts.[/su_spoiler]
[su_spoiler title=”What can I expect from my first lesson?”]Our first lesson is an Initial Fit Lesson. We get to know you, assess the voice and you’ll learn some powerful exercises to make you a better singer, even if we don’t continue training together. You will learn the foundation of this vocal technique and how it can strengthen your voice and performance. We will start to cover the vocal exercises you will be working with in the coming weeks.[/su_spoiler]
[su_spoiler title=”What can I expect from ongoing lessons?”]For the second lesson we continue with the vocal exercises. You will have the exercises I recommend on MP3 and a booklet to work with. In ongoing sessions, we’ll begin with the exercises and move into singing music you’d like to work with, as well as music that I recommend.[/su_spoiler]
[su_spoiler title=”How soon can I expect to see results?”]I encourage students to look at their progress gradually, since changing vocal habits is a process. You may notice some changes after 2-3 weeks, or it may be 2 -3 months before you really notice any changes.[/su_spoiler]
[su_spoiler title=”What is the Blaylock Vocal Method?”]I am a Certified Voice Teacher of the Thomas Blaylock Vocal Method. It is a systematic approach to vocal development and you will work with an exercise booklet and recorded exercises. This technique is revolutionary. It can teach you how to find and maintain a clear and fully resonant sound every day (either speaking or singing). When your voice is “under the weather”, you will learn how to work with it so you don’t have to stop using it to let it heal.[/su_spoiler]
[su_spoiler title=”Is your main focus on technique or do you work on artistry also?”]
The first two lessons will focus on technique entirely, but after that we will do a combination of exercises and songs. I focus on balance; a balance within the lower and upper registers of your voice (achieved through the exercises) and a balance of technique and artistry. I will shift what we’re working on in a lesson, depending on your goals. If you have an upcoming audition or performance, we will focus more on preparation for that and less on exercises. It all depends on what you need.[/su_spoiler]
[su_spoiler title=”Where do you teach?”]
We teach from my studio in SE Portland, at 23rd & Hawthorne Blvd.[/su_spoiler]
[su_spoiler title=”Do you teach children?”]
Yes, I start working with children at age 3.5. Prior to age 3.5, I recommend toddler programs like Music Together and Gymboree.[/su_spoiler]
[su_spoiler title=”What styles of music do you teach?”]
I teach all styles of music: classical, musical-theatre, jazz, pop, folk, country, R&B, etc. If you can sing it, I can teach it. [/su_spoiler]
[su_spoiler title=”Do you work with the speaking voice as well as the singing voice?”]
Yes, definitely. I use the same exercises for developing a speaking voice or a singing voice. If you are having any problems with your speaking voice, I recommend this technique to help you achieve a clear, resonant sound and a strong connection to your breathing.[/su_spoiler]
[su_spoiler title=”Do you work on audition preparation?”]
Yes, having over 25 years of experience with auditions has given me insights into how to best prepare for them. If you want to work only on audition material for a limited number of sessions, we would skip the technique and focus on your immediate goals.[/su_spoiler]
[su_spoiler title=”What is the difference between a voice teacher and a voice coach?”]
A voice teacher is someone trained in vocal technique and vocal artistry. A vocal coach is focused primarily on vocal artistry and working with various languages. A coach works minimally with technique and primarily with artistry/languages.[/su_spoiler]

Always a fun evening and look forward to more events by Deanna!

Nice show, singers were good and energetic

Fun for the young & the young at heart!!

A hearty BRAVO to the ensemble

I was shocked how good it was! All the performers have amazing voices! It was so well put together AND so professionally executed, even though you can’t get much h farther “OFF BROADWAY” when the lights went out and the curtain went up ( okay, there was no curtain ) you could imagine you were… Read more “A hearty BRAVO to the ensemble”

H.T.

It’s a very fun show with great music. Had my toes tapping and I was singing along the whole time!

My husband and I brought our kids ages 11 and 13 and afterwards my son told me he thought it was really good. He said he was impressed to see veterans stand in the audience and be thanked for their service. He said the music in the songs really told a good story of the… Read more “”

Good selection of music for this time period. Voices fit the style. Entertaining show of the 40’s that we don’t often get to see in Portland. Thanks for doing a patriotic, yet historical show. Hope people who are interested in this musical time of our past will go and take their children/grandchildren so that this… Read more “”

Very entertaining good musicals enjoyed it extremely well put together will be back to see this group again

Enjoyed the music and the memories it brought back. Love the 60’s.

My wife and I share a great affinity for the Broadway musical stage and were fortunate enough to personally witness many performances in NYC. And we have been to several of these programs at the IOOF hall, each of which we found to be enormously enjoyable. The performance, the enthusiasm and the curation of the… Read more “”

Deanna’s portrayal of the tragic Clooney had me in tears

This afternoon I went to see “Tenderly,” the story of Rosemary Clooney, with Deanna Maio as Clooney and Mace Archer in a half-dozen roles that he adroitly jumps among at will. It is playing at the Samaritan Lodge in Milwaukie, which is a MUCH better venue for this company. Of course, Clooney’s story, institutionalized and… Read more “Deanna’s portrayal of the tragic Clooney had me in tears”

The show was great. Loved the music, the comedy and of course, the cast. They were amazing!!!

Fabulous performance! Would highly recommend it. Keep them coming, Deanna!

C.B.

A new Musical Theatre Group got off to a great start with beautiful voices that blended perfectly. The fast pace kept our 5 and 7-year- old grandkids focused the entire time.

My daughter who is 18 has always been a Disney girl. So I surprised her with a mother & daughter date! We were pleasantly surprised by the amazing performances and how wonderful they sounded. Thanks for a fun memory in our memory book!

This music is more than just nostalgia…. it informs the evolution of a national myth that was wonderful to experience and an innocence which is hard to find in contemporary music and theatre. The singers were superb in an accessible way, reminding us that it is not necessary to dance with the “stars” to find… Read more “”

Enthusiastic cast made for a great evening.

Talented singing and acting performing songs from the 40s, a time when America stood together united. Great voices, acting and comedy interspersed!

great show, all the singers were good

Very cute! Actors put out a good performance!

What a perfect way to spend the afternoon with my 2 grandsons! They were singing and dancing to almost every song. Thank you Deana and members of the show for a memorable time.