Sabella Voice Studio

Voice Lessons/Workshops

“A leader in online delivery of voice lessons since 2007“

“The more I encounter other voice teachers, the more I realize what an exceptionally gifted instructor you are.” – Eleanor England

(Due to David’s international touring schedule, ALL lessons and workshops are offered ONLINE,

using the latest synchronous technologies)

David Sabella has been a leader in the delivery of online lessons since 2007. During the pandemic of 2020, he was called upon by the National Association of Teachers of Singing to conduct online workshops and master classes, helping thousands of teachers across the US learn how to deliver online lessons efficiently and effectively.

Most recently (since the pandemic of 2020), “peer to peer” Internet technologies have made significant improvements, making it completely possible to have a professional voice lesson LIVE online (in real-time and in synch) from a remote location, no matter where you live or where your professional engagements may take you.

Whether across town or across the globe, students experience a seamless and synchronous voice lesson using a combination of advanced yet simple-to-use technologies.

What you need for online lessons

A COMPUTER: with WiFi or Ethernet access (Ethernet best).
A Webcam: separate, or built into your computer. (high definition best).
A MICROPHONE: separate, or built into your computer (separate best).
HEADPHONES: wired preferred, not Bluetooth.
Internet Midi: this is a program that connects our two computers together, so that the sound of what I play on my keyboard comes immediately, directly, and without any latency, through your speakers, or through your keyboard.

If you happen to have an electric keyboard this program will re-create the experience of me, playing your keyboard in your room, and you singing along to live music. If you don’t have an electric keyboard, then the sound will simply come through your speakers in the same way.

Get Internet Midi here -> http://timewarptech.com/shop/music-software-apps/software/internet-midi/

My Studio is fully equipped with:

  • High Definition Video Camera
  • Professional grade dynamic microphone and Audio Interface
  • A Casio PX-s1100 digital piano, connected to YOUR computer or keyboard through Internet Midi.
Of course, you can make upgrades to any of the suggestions above. If you would like more information on upgrading this basic set up, please email David.
If you have any sort of audio equipment left over from the pandemic, probably you are already well equipped.

It’s easy to connect:

No matter, your current level of technology, it is extremely easy to connect and have a synchronous online lesson. In our sessions we will use:
  • Zoom – for video
  • Cleanfeed.net – for high Fidelity, low-latency, audio transmission, and recording.
  • Internet Midi – for the transmission of piano sound from one computer to the other seamlessly, without latency.
  • Headphones: to close the audio signal, making it a one-way transmission for each of us, reducing latency. (if you computer doesn’t hear my voice and my computer doesn’t hear your voice, it all goes much faster.)
With these technologies in place, the lesson occurs normally. I play the scales and you sing along to the keyboard (or keyboard sound coming out of your speakers). I can also accompany you in a song and have thousands of song and aria accompaniments already played in as midi files. Internet Midi will play these files on your keyboard (or your computer) and you will sing along as if I were in your room!


WITHOUT A DOUBT, YOU CAN DO THIS.
LET’S SING!

Live-In Peerson lessons are scheduled around the globe, according to David’s availability and location.

Check out David’s touring and performance schedule to set up an on-site lesson when he is near your town!
Please email him directly at david@davidsabella.com for more information.

…an Extraordinary Teacher…

David is an extraordinary teacher with an expansive knowledge of vocal technique, musical styles and the entertainment business. Although he is an invaluable asset to any actor preparing for an audition or a full-fledged production, his greatest contribution is his ability to empower each student with a solid foundation based on proven techniques designed specifically for the individual instrument. For me, he developed a specific resonance strategy, reinforced with daily exercises and challenging musical selections, all of which can be incorporated into my audition repertoire, targeted directly to my unique vocal instrument. As a result, in less than seven months of study, I booked my first Equity lead role in a musical: Proteus in Two Gentlemen of Verona. When rehearsals began, I felt free and confident with my voice and was completely able to meet every single musical challenge that presented itself. In addition to his expertise, he is patient, kind and absolutely committed; all the makings of an exceptional teacher. I cannot recommend him more.

– Noel Velez – 

Studio Policies & FAQs

What should I bring to my first in-person lesson?

  • Please read this entire page and then fill out and submit the Client Intake Form below, prior to attending your first lesson.
  • Please come to your appointment in comfortable, full range of motion clothing. If necessary you may bring a change of clothing with you to change into. No binding or tight clothing please.
  • Please bring an audio recording device – recent smart phones are suitable for this purpose.
  • Bring sheet music for the song(s) you wish to work on.
  • Head-shot and resume, if available.
  • Please walk in with a “ready to learn” attitude. And please don’t be nervous. We are here to help YOU!

Payment Policy

Cash, Credit/Debit, and many forms of digital/online payment such as PayPal, Square, Venmo, and Zelle are accepted. No Personal Checks please. Lessons must be paid for prior to the start of the lesson. You may pay for a single lesson or set up automatic recurring payments online HERE.

Cancellation Policy

Professional cancellation is 48 hrs in advance of your session. Appointments cancelled without 48 hr notice risk being charged the full appointment fee. However, you are always offered a makeup lesson, no matter when you cancel, even when the cancellation is without notice.

If you already have a regularly scheduled lesson, your makeup class is the second session in any given week. If you come to class every other week, your make up session can be on your “off” week, or an addition lesson in your “on” week.

If a make-up class cannot be scheduled within two week for an appointment cancelled without 48 hours notice, the student must be responsible for the entire fee.

Physical Touch Policy

During the course of study I may need to touch you at various points on the body (including and not limited to, upper and lower abdomen, upper and lower back, pelvis, head, neck, and torso.) I will always endeavor to ask your verbal permission beforehand. Additionally, please indicate your acceptance of this policy while filling out your New Client Intake Form

Inclement Weather Policies

LOCAL (on site)

When/If local school district suspends the public school system or public transportation, then all LIVE & In Person lessons will be delivered ONLINE.

Online Lessons

All regularly scheduled online lessons remain as scheduled unless there is a power outage for either the client or instructor. If power remains but inclement weather disrupts the transmission of an online session, then the sessions is cancelled without penalty.

Transfer to Online

In addition to the Inclement Weather policy stated above, you may always choose to have your lesson delivered ONLINE. Just let me know, even if it’s right before your lesson.