Ellen Robinson Vocal Coach

After just one private lesson, Ellen has helped me find a new dimension to singing. She got deep into the physical mechanics of how singing works, pinpointing muscles to focus on, and sharing videos of vocal cords in action. Her own voice, hearable on her website, and her career, speak for themselves. She’s a fabulous singer and teacher. I would recommend her to anyone who likes to sing.

I started working with Ellen just a few months ago. I joined one of her classes in San Francisco. I realized that years of singing incorrectly was making it painful to sing. I decided to take some private lessons with her in addition to the class. Within a few weeks, I have noticed a huge improvement in my technique and range. Ellen has a very positive attitude and encourages her students to try things and not worry about being perfect in the beginning. She has lots of tips and tricks so if the first one doesn’t work, she always has something else to try. I love her attitude and she has given me a lot more confidence than I had when I started.

Ellen is a fabulous vocal coach for my daughter, who is in musicals and hoping to attend Oakalnd School for the Arts. Ellen has tremendous knowledge of music and vocals. I am so happy we found her and hope to continue lessons for years to come.

I have been very pleased with my training with Ellen. I went to her because I had developed a ‘condition’ where when I sing for over 20 minutes my throat starts to be in pain. Through working with Ellen, I am learning that this is a product of improper technique and breathing. I am also learning how to «own my style», which has been an invaluable lesson. Additionally, I really like Ellen. She is straightforward, knowledgeable, and gets results. Getting what you pay for today is a breath of fresh air– I absolutely recommend her.

I’ve had the pleasure to work with Ellen over a course of three years, lighting her Anything Goes Chorus.
Both in my personal interactions and observations, Ellen exemplifies the best qualities of a leader. She’s approachable and balanced in her encouragement that results in getting each vocalist to shine. In my experience lighting for her, she has been welcoming to ideas and collaborated on a vision. She’s understands the need for individual attention as well as the overall needs required for the success of the group. I wouldn’t change anything about her!
Thank you for anther great year!

His 12-​year old cousins started dancing on the stairs; they can easily get hurt. Charles walked toward them, duty bound and full of angst. All of a sudden, looking down at them, he was 15 once more. He was in the M1 building of his high school, singing with his choir mates, beaming at the choir teacher in unison.
He doesn’t just remember it, for he is fully there in the moment, in person, breathing the very air. AGC brings all lovers of choir and singing back to those sort of nostalgic days.
People who have been a part of formal singing and still actively pursue it, know that music will always be a part of their lives. It’s everlasting and doesn’t disappoint.
«Shortly before my 16^th birthday, that lucky star called choir, was due,» Charles began. «Even in the darkness, even in the night, it showed me the neverending gift that circles back again: Singing.» He peered onward, a slight smile on his face as he spoke. «Some years later, I discovered Ellen’s fabulous Anything Goes Chorus (AGC).»
«Ellen makes singing possible in her SATB-​style choir, which was something I was a part of in high school, something I’ve been deeply fond of and always missed. It’s a place of belonging… a place that provides meaning. A place where you can walk on with hope in your heart. A place of connecting.»

I have been a member of one of Ellen’s choral groups, the Swingshift Singers, for 10 years. I consider myself a «shower singer.» Ellen can get a roomful of beginners to sing harmony together on the first day. And it is great fun to sing with a group of people.
Ellen is a superb teacher. She is able to convey a great deal of what can be confusing information in a very understandable way. She teaches us good technique for breathing and singing so that we can make our best sound and not damage our vocal cords. Her own musical knowledge and abilities are extensive, so she can use varieties of approaches and give varieties of examples.
I leave our classes feeling great and full of energy.

It’s a great pleasure to practice and perform in the Anything Goes Chorus that Ellen directs. She is serious about teaching us to sing the music well, and makes our practices fun.
Her private lessons are immensely helpful. Ellen understands the process of becoming a better singer and has many strategies to help make that possible. She is supportive, patient and enjoyable to learn from.

Ellen’s Swingshift Singers meet on Thursday mornings in Oakland. It is my favorite time of the week. The women are friendly; the atmosphere is cohesive; and Ellen’s instruction is excellent. She is teaching us how to sing 3-​part harmony, but in a totally non-​pressured way. We have FUN! The songs Ellen selects are always upbeat.
If you like music and like to PLAY, this class is perfect!