Private Lessons
VOICE TRAINING AND VOCAL COACHING: by Sandi Hammond
"Sandi understands the mechanics of producing an outstanding vocal sound. I highly recommend Sandi to anyone who desires to improve and enjoy their singing voice…"
Jayne West , Longy School of Music
"In 3 lessons Sandi helped me to open up my voice and avoid straining it on stage. My singing is much easier and more comfortable now."
Current student, performing songwriter,
male, age 24
"I hadn't sung since the 3rd grade when a teacher told me I was tone deaf. I really wanted to learn to sing. Sandi walked me through the very scary first few lessons. She helped me learn to hear pitch accurately, to sing correctly, and soon I had memorized a song- on pitch, while having fun! "
Former student, female, age 43
Voice Lessons: What We Cover
Level I: Beginner (the basics, and also an excellent review for the professional)
Breathing
Alignment
Technique building
Vocal health
Range development
Musicianship
Goal setting
Level II: Advanced
Speaking voice
Sight reading
Musical auditions
College auditions
Competitions/Contests
Repertory Development
Microphone technique
Band/songwriter vocal coaching
Studio coaching (recording sessions)
Performance Background and Training
Sandi Hammond began singing professionally at the age of 11. She wrote her first pop song in junior high and, in her late teens, performed with several professional choral groups at Tanglewood, Symphony Hall and Carnegie Hall. She earned her music degree from Earlham College, and has studied privately with Joan Heller, Sharon Daniels, Richard Morrison, Patti Thom and Jayne West. Sandi, an eclectic and creative artist, has been known to sing Mozart arias in a jazz-samba style, as well as play folk songs on guitar, or sing gospel harmony with a trio. She is the soprano soloist at Centre United Methodist Church of Malden, performed original and popular songs as well as jazz standards on the radio and in nightclubs. Sandi has received press accolades and continues to write songs, record and tour. Rubbergirl, Sandi's first CD, was released in 2000 on Aspire Records and she has performed on WGBH, WERS, and WUMB radio, as well as prominent venues like Johnny D's, the Somerville Theater, and The Living Room in New York City. Sandi is a featured artist on the acclaimed RESPOND compilation CD (Columbia Records).
"Gorgeous voice…a melodic, keyboard-based folk-club singer who exists far beyond what's normally thought of as folk…" - Boston Herald
"Sandi has a strong and unique voice which lends itself to the gospel genre. . ." - GazetteNET/the Daily Hampshire Gazette
Teaching Background
Sandi's undergraduate music degree focused on choral conducting and music history; her thesis compared methods of teaching children musicianship through singing and ear training.
Sandi has taught hundreds of voice lessons. She has studied voice privately for over 15 years herself and continues to study privately now. In addition, Sandi developed a vocal problem in 2002 that required her to seek out vocal therapy to improve the use of her speaking voice. This experience makes it possible for her to bring a more complete understanding of the vocal apparatus to her teaching. Sandi sees the speaking voice as a training "platform" for the singing voice.
Sandi will travel in the greater Boston area occasionally for private lessons, though she requires compensation for travel time. If interested, email or call to schedule an appointment.
Whether you have professional aspirations or you just want to have fun, Sandi can help you gain the skills you need. With a thorough grounding in classical technique, Sandi understands the importance of applying a variety of styles to a solid technique. Sandi will show you how to apply the principles of healthy vocal production to every style of music while avoiding the pitfalls.