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Barbara R.

Barbara R.

Fairfax Station, VA

Vocal Lessons


Studio or Webcam

40 Years

About Me

Barbara's vocals have been described as "smooth and sweet as dark honey". A folk singer in the 60's, she studied voice for 10 years (1972-82), followed by an additional 5 years of self study, and has been a vocal coach ever since. Having sung in operas and as a chorale soloist, she realized that her true love of singing was the songs of the Celtic cultures with which she grew up: this required her to learn techniques beyond classical stylings that include vibatoless lines with extensive ornamentation, much like baroque and early music interpretations. Her experience has resulted in a dropped larynx method of teaching rendering on pitch tones augmented by an intimate knowledge of diaphragmatic breathing, head voice facility, mask manipulation and harmonic familiarity. In simple terms, you will learn to sing on pitch, increase your range and volume, and sing to the best of your ability as long as you live. Barbara has been the lead singer of Iona (America's pan-Celtic band) since 1986, has sung for National Geographic Specials, and on the Voice of America. Iona has recorded 13 albums and a video, all available on the website at and has toured internationally since Iona's inception.

Barbara R. has over 40 years of music experience in the Fairfax Station area.

Barbara R. is proficient in and teaches Vocal Lessons .

Degree and Field of Study:

BA FrenchDecember
George Washington University

Award Name:

WAMMYFebruary 2006
Washington Area Music Association

What to expect in my Vocal Lessons

Beginner - Intermediate - Advanced

You will be introduced to your unique instrument, learning the fundamentals of diaphragmatic breathing, dropping the larynx and achieving access to your head acoustics and auditory nerves (for pitch control). You will increase your range, learn to control your breathing, find out how to project safely, without stressing your vocal cords (folds), and control vibrato. Because you can't see or touch your vocal instrument, we'll work with multiple visuals and concepts to explain the arcane mechanics of how to "play" it to the best of your ability for as long as you live. What's more, we have a lot of fun!



Formal Education:

BA in languages (French), 1971, George Washington University

Private Education:

Studied with Lida Brodenova (Metropolitan Opera) 1972-78. Studied with Jane White and Dawn Jones 1978-9 and Rilla Mervine (Metropolitan Opera) 1979-82.

Performing Experience:

Lead singer with Iona, seminal pan-Celtic band, formed in 1986-present. Performed with Kelly and, Celtic duo 1983-6 Performed as soloist with the Reston Chorale 1975-79 Performed with the Sokol Opera Co. 1973-78

Experience Teaching:

Private singing teacher: 1985-present Celtic festival adjudicator and workshop leader: 1998-present Voice coach for the MD Renaissance Festival: 1986-87

Lessons Locations:
  • Teacher 's Studio
  • Webcam
Availability:
Day Start Time End Time Detailed View
Mon 2:00pm 4:30pm View
Tue 2:30pm 4:00pm View
Wed 3:30pm 5:00pm View
Thu 1:00pm 5:00pm View
Fri 4:00pm 5:00pm View
Sat 5:00pm 6:00pm View
Sun 1:30pm 2:30pm View
Last updated on 01/04/2024
Map:
Points of Interest in Lower Manhattan
Video Cover Image
Review:

Vocal Lesson

My first vocal lesson was really good. Barbara R is a humble person and a really good teacher. I wish to take more classes with her and I hope I am able to achieve my goal with her. Pranav wrote on Fri, 09 Jul 2021

    Review by Jessica M.

    Barbara has a loving, encouraging and playful way about her that immediately puts you at ease. She will not only help you grow your skill as a singer, but will present it through techniques that will protect your voice and keep it healthy in the long run. I would highly recommend Barbara to anyone looking to grow their vocal experience. Barbara Ryan wrote on Fri, 05 May 2023

      Review by Gretchen M.

      Barbara is cheerful and enthusiastic and encouraging. I believe she has a keen sense of what a student is capable of, and pushes the individual to achieve their best. The lesson environment is relaxed and easy-going, but Barbara will definitely re-enforce and review important factors of posture, breath, etc. My choir director and fellow singers have noted my improvement—in range, volume, control, and richness. What better endorsement than that? I shall continue seeking out Barbara's experience and tutelage in the future! Barbara Ryan wrote on Fri, 05 May 2023

        Review by Stephan Wade, star of "Banjo Dancing"

        Barbara fills her teaching with a lifetime of knowledge, patience, and insight. Shes a delightful spirit too, making the experience fun as well as worthwhile. Her knowledge of the voice and its physical foundations reaches from head to toe. Likewise, her understanding of music and song. I am so grateful for studying with Barbara . Barbara Ryan wrote on Fri, 05 May 2023

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