Best vocal coaches in New York: Top 1-on-1 singing tutors, costs & how to choose

New York City isn’t just the city that never sleeps; it sings too. Singing is one of the most expressive and universal forms of art.

Think of the emotional pull of Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You,” the raw simplicity of John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” or the patriotic impact of “The Star-Spangled Banner”, these songs showcase how a voice alone can move millions.

Whether it’s opera, jazz, pop, or musical theatre, the human voice has the unique ability to convey emotion, connect with an audience, and tell powerful stories, no instrument required.

At its core, singing blends technique and emotion. It involves mastering breath control, pitch, tone, and diction, while also channeling creativity, confidence, and personal style.

And beyond the stage, singing offers powerful benefits: it improves mental well-being, strengthens memory, enhances posture and breathing, and even boosts self-esteem.

From the bright lights of Broadway to intimate jazz clubs in Harlem and top-tier conservatories like Juilliard and Manhattan School of Music, NYC has a vibrant vocal scene for singers at every level. 

Whether you are a professional who dreams of performing, an intermediate prepping for auditions, or a beginner who wants to sing your heart out at karaoke night, working with the best vocal coaches in New York can help you hit the right notes.

Discover the best voice teachers in NYC, how singing lessons actually work, how to find your perfect coach, and what lessons cost, all in one powerful guide.

5 Best Vocal Coaches NYC (2025)

• Victoria Frisher – Specialist in music theory and ear training
• Presley Duyck – Berklee Graduate with a degree in interdisciplinary music studies
• Thomas Gerrelli – Professional singer since age 16
• Sage Bava Melcher – Music lessons in piano, guitar, singing, composition and songwriting
• Bruno Elisabetsky – Professionally trained in both vocals and guitar

Why work with a singing tutor in New York

New York has shaped some of the world’s most iconic vocalists like Lady Gaga, Christina Aguilera, and Beyoncé, all of whom honed their talent through personalized vocal training. 

Whether you’re chasing a Broadway callback, prepping for America’s Got Talent, or uploading covers to YouTube, working with a dedicated tutor can give you the edge you need to stand out. 

Here’s how personalized New York vocal coaching can support your journey:

• Customized vocal warm-ups and exercises designed by tutors to help you get into top NYC institutions like Juilliard and the Manhattan School of Music, where only the best make the cut.
• Real-time feedback to refine your tone, pitch, and style for high-stakes NYC auditions, where one note can make or break your chance.
• Confidence-building in a supportive space, ideal for rising performers who want to own the stage, whether it’s a SoHo jazz bar or a Midtown theatre.
• Flexible scheduling that fits around your packed NYC calendar, from open mics to school rehearsals and subway commutes.

How to choose the right singing tutor in New York

Finding the right singing tutor goes beyond just qualifications, it’s about choosing someone who truly understands your voice, your aspirations, and your preferred way of learning.

Here’s what to consider when selecting your ideal singing tutor in NYC:

• Experience with your level: Whether you’re gearing up for The Voice NYC auditions or preparing for an NYU Tisch vocal exam, choose a tutor who can train you at your pace and goal level.
• Style match: From Broadway ballads and jazz improvisation to pop showstoppers, classical arias, and musical theatre anthems, NYC audiences love versatility. Find vocal trainers who can help you master the styles that thrive in local open mics, theatre showcases, and downtown jazz clubs.
• Format: NYC’s hustle never stops-from subway rides to side gigs. Whether you prefer the energy of in-person lessons or the convenience of flexible online sessions, choose a tutor who can fit into your busy schedule, helping you keep training without missing a beat.
• Flexibility: Choose a voice coach who offers trial lessons and can adapt to your changing calendar, auditions, or last-minute gigs.

Pro tip: Wiingy vocal coaches in NYC are expert-vetted, offer free trials, and specialize across styles and age groups. Connect with a tutor now

Top-rated singing tutors in New York

Looking for someone in New York who truly understands your voice? Wiingy connects you with standout 1-on-1 singing tutors who bring experience, expertise, and proven results with students of all ages and levels. 

Let’s go through the list of best vocal coaches in New York and find out what makes them stand out

1. Victoria Frisher – Best for music theory and ear training

• Specialties: Music performance techniques, ear training, music theory
• Qualifications and experience: Professional singing tutor and singer with a master’s degree in music, Professional qualifications as a pop lead vocalist, ensemble vocalist, voice coach in higher education, and music arts manager, over 15 years of performing practice, extensive studio work, and more than 9 years of teaching experience
• Ideal for: Students of all levels seeking a structured and systematic approach to vocal development

What makes Victoria stand out?

Victoria employs a hands-on, practical teaching methodology that focuses on developing vocal tone, diction, sound production, and breath control.

She tailors lessons to each student’s unique voice, ensuring progress is both enjoyable and rewarding.

Students describe her as empowering and motivating, helping them improve their vocal technique while building confidence in their performance.

Want better breath control and vocal tone? Train your voice with Victoria for rock-solid technique.

Victoria recently helped Jessica overcome challenges with vocal speed and clarity through personalized 1-on-1 lessons.
Read Jessica’s full story here to see how targeted vocal coaching made all the difference.

2. Presley Duyck – Best vocal coach for interactive assessments and support

• Specialties: Melody & pitch, sight singing, music production & recording, improvisation & composition
• Qualifications and experience: Berklee College of Music graduate with a degree in Interdisciplinary Music Studies, over 11 years of private vocal training, two years of teaching experience, and multiple award nominations for work in musical theatre
• Ideal for: Aspiring performers and students interested in a personalized and student-centered approach​

What makes Presley stand out?

Presley brings a wealth of industry knowledge and hands-on expertise into each lesson. She offers a collaborative, interactive learning environment where she adapts her teaching style to suit every student. 

With performance assessments and theory quizzes, Presley tracks progress and offers personalized suggestions for improvement, ensuring a tailored experience for each student. 

Students describe her as encouraging and supportive where they can comfortably explore their voice, improve their skills and deepen their connection with music.

Struggling with pitch or sight singing? Presley’s singing lessons are your go-to for performance-ready vocals.

3. Thomas Gerrelli – Best for beginners looking for interactive learning

• Specialties: Music theory, rhythm & beat, music performance techniques, melody & pitch
• Qualifications and experience: Bachelor’s degree in Commercial Music, professional singer since age 16, with extensive research and adaptation to different techniques and styles
• Ideal for: Singing for beginners, kids and all levels, including those with ADHD, ASD, learning disabilities, anxiety, or stress disorders​

What makes Thomas stand out? 

Thomas tailors lessons to each student’s unique abilities and interests. He uses interactive tools like metronomes, DAWs, and ear training software, Thomas helps students develop both technical skills and a deep connection with music.

By evaluating each student’s musical abilities and interests, he incorporates improvisation and composition exercises to spark creativity and ensure that each session includes adequate warm-up and cool-down time to use the voice properly and safely. 

Students describe him as adaptable and inspiring, appreciating his ability to make learning fun and effective. New to singing? Thomas’s vocal lessons make it fun, structured, and beginner-friendly, especially for kids or nervous starters.

4. Sage Bava Melcher – Best for composition and improvisation

• Specialties: Ear training, music theory, project help
• Qualifications and experience: Masters in Contemporary Performance/Production from Berklee School of Music and jazz piano diploma from Eastman School of Music
• Ideal for: Students interested in a creative and interactive learning environment​

What makes Sage stand out?

Sage’s teaching philosophy focuses on creative strategies nurturing a passion for music. Through improvisation and composition exercises, she encourages creativity and helps students develop their own unique musical style. 

Sage incorporates digital music production software to teach theory and composition, crafting personalized lesson plans that cater to each student’s needs and goals.

Students describe her lessons as creative and engaging, with a focus on making learning both fun and educational. Dream of writing and singing your own songs? Work on your vocal skills with Sage to unleash your creative voice.

5. Bruno Elisabetsky – Best for a practical learning approach with music theory and ear training

• Specialties: Ear training, music theory
• Qualifications and experience: Master’s degree in vocals and a Degree in Performance in Guitar 
• Ideal for: Students of all levels seeking a fun and engaging learning environment​

What makes Bruno stand out?

Bruno specializes in teaching students of all levels, using a methodology rooted in empathy, engagement, patience, and support.

He believes in practical learning that allows students to build a strong foundation in music theory, creative expression and ear training supporting their specific musical goals. 

Bruno uses performance assessments and theory quizzes to track progress. Each lesson is personalized to the student’s preferred genres and instruments, ensuring a tailored approach to theory and practice.

Students describe him as patient and supportive, with a gift for making complex concepts easy to understand while keeping lessons fun and engaging.

Want to sing in perfect harmony or ace your music theory? Bruno’s vocal coaching will get you there.

Want to explore more options? Check out all our expert singing tutors in NYC on Wiingy – offering free trials, flexible formats, and vocal coaching tailored to your voice!

Inside a 1-on-1 singing lesson: 3 real student stories

Wondering what progress really looks like? These stories from real Wiingy students show how the right vocal coach NYC can unlock your voice and your confidence.

Student story # 1: “From breathy to bold” – Ethan

Ethan worked with Eric, an expert singing tutor at Wiingy to improve his vocal dynamics and build confidence while singing emotionally rich songs like “Amazing Grace.” Together, they focused on clear diction, proper breath support, and vocal projection without strain.

Student story # 2: “Finding power in the quiet” – Oliver

Oliver worked with Samara, a top-rated singing tutor at Wiingy to improve his low notes and emotional delivery in songs like “Cry Me a River.” With exercises focused on core support, diction, and expressiveness, Oliver gained more vocal control and confidence.

Student story #3: “Unlocking my high notes” – Sophia

Sophia struggled with high notes and breath control. Reagan, a vocal coach at Wiingy, helped her understand airflow and vocal placement, allowing her to hit high notes with stability and confidence.

Singing lesson costs in New York

Vocal lessons in NYC can vary widely in cost based on experience, format, and goals. Here’s a breakdown to help you budget smartly-no matter where you’re starting from.

Option	Price range	Format	Best for
Budget-friendly voice trainers from Wiingy	$15-$40/hr	Online	Beginners, casual learners
Mid-level New York vocal coaches	$50-$150/hr	In-person or online	Intermediate singers, audition prep
Celebrity/high-end New York vocal coaches	$150-$300/hr	In-person or online	Professionals, high-stakes auditions

Looking for an experienced yet affordable vocal coach in New York?

Wiingy offers a wide selection of expert-vetted singing tutors in NYC who can help you improve pitch, build vocal confidence, and develop performance-ready skills, whether you’re into Broadway, pop, jazz, or classical.

Whether you’re a beginner on a budget or prepping for a big audition, Wiingy’s personalized 1-on-1 singing lessons are tailored to your goals, schedule, and price point, starting from just $15/hr.

Note: Wiingy offers a free trial, no contracts, and flexible scheduling, making it easy to try out a vocal coach risk-free.

Online vs in-person singing tutors in New York

Both online and in-person New York vocal coaching have their perks. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide what suits your voice-and your lifestyle-best.

Format	Pros	Cons
Online	Flexible, affordable, access to wide range of good vocal coaches	May lack physical cues and instant feedback, requires stable internet
In-person	Great for performance coaching, hands-on support	More expensive, less schedule flexibility

Both online and in-person vocal coaching have their perks, and the right choice depends on your lifestyle, goals, and how you learn best.

For example, if you’re a working professional juggling a hectic schedule, online lessons might be perfect for squeezing in practice between meetings.

But if you’re preparing for a stage performance or need hands-on guidance with breathing and posture, in-person coaching could be more effective. The best part?

With platforms like Wiingy, you don’t have to choose just one. You can switch between formats depending on what suits you at the time.

Whether you’re warming up at home or belting it out in a studio, you’ll find the best singing lessons in New York tailored to your needs.

How to get started with a singing tutor on Wiingy

Ready to take the leap? Getting started with a voice coach is easier than you think. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Browse singing tutors in New York
2. Book a free trial
3. Start singing with someone who understands your goals

Interested in learning more than just singing?

Singing is just one part of your musical story. Many Wiingy students explore additional instruments to strengthen their skills, boost creativity, or prepare for performance opportunities.

For instance, learning piano alongside singing helps improve pitch accuracy, harmony, and music theory, making it a go-to for those composing songs or preparing for conservatory auditions.

You can explore some of the best piano teachers in New York here.

Adding guitar can be perfect if you love acoustic sets, want to perform solo at open mics, or simply wish to accompany your voice during practice sessions.

Discover the top guitar teachers in New York who offer flexible 1-on-1 lessons suited to your goals.

Even the violin can beautifully complement your singing by training your ear for pitch and intonation. It’s ideal for those drawn to classical, orchestral, or even folk styles. If that’s your vibe, check out the best violin teachers in New York.

Whether you’re prepping for Broadway, uploading covers to TikTok, or writing your own music, combining vocals with another instrument can deepen your artistry.

With Wiingy, you can explore piano, guitar, violin, theory, and more, all with expert 1-on-1 tutors who tailor lessons to your needs. Why stop at just singing when you can become a complete musician?

FAQs for singing learners in New York

Conclusion

New York City is full of rhythm, melody, and opportunity, and there’s a place in it for your voice. Whether you’re just starting or trying to level up, working with the right singing tutor can help unlock your potential. Ready to find yours?

Start learning today with top-rated singing tutors on Wiingy, NYC’s go-to platform for flexible, personalized voice lessons.