Michael Mayer possesses a great talent for singing and for teaching
with a discerning diagnostic ear. His vocal and teaching talent is
exceptional and he has a great understanding of Old World teaching. Mr.
Mayer's understanding of the Swedish/Italian School has prepared him as
one of the finest vocal technicians anywhere."

David L. Jones... International Vocal Pedagogue

"Working with Michael Mayer was inspiring for both myself
and my students. Michael captivated the attention of my
high school men's section for the entire class period and
then some... His instruction was motivating and thought
provoking. My men continue to talk about his ideas and
have been sharing them with the rest of the choir. He
really connected with my students answering their
questions about their voices. I look forward to working
with Michael in the future."

Amy Butzen
Vocal Music Director
St. Louis Park High School
St. Louis Park, MN

 

Over a three year period, Michael Mayer, through his excellent pedagogical skills and patient work, provided me with vocal fundamentals from which I have benefited immensely. My voice is now able to do things which before I could only imagine doing. I have received comments from professional singers and musicians alike on how clear and ringing my voice has become. This technique is incredibly effective and will help anyone wanting to strengthen and perfect their vocal instrument!
Basel Sarweh, lyric baritone

I became one of Michael Mayer’s voice students in July 2004 after many years of intermittent vocal problems. Initially persistent symptoms were misdiagnosed as pathology by my family doctor. He referred me to an Ear-Nose-Throat Specialist who claimed that my vocal cords were “extremely healthy". Based on that observation I assumed that the vocal technique I had learned was correct, and I continued with it for several years. Symptoms persisted such as chronic sore throat with a painful rawness in my soft palate and pharynx. Sometimes even speaking was very uncomfortable. In November 2004, I requested a referral to another Ear-Nose-Throat Specialist. Again my vocal cords were diagnosed as “very healthy”. He thought perhaps I suffered from a type of oral syndrome and referred me to an Oral Specialist. The Oral Specialist said that I had no oral syndrome and prescribed an oral steroid spray to relieve my pain. However, after reading of the side-effects of steroids, particularly on the vocal cords, I began to search for options through other professionals and my own research. I then contacted a speech therapist who was not accepting new patients and so referred me to a very reputable Ear-Noise-Throat Specialist. Because her first available appointment was four months away, I sought out another speech therapist who gave me some pointers, but offered no explanation of the anatomy of the voice. On my long-awaited appointment, the last Ear-Nose-Throat Specialist took a few minutes to examine me and said, “Congratulations. You have the nicest vocal cords.” Because her kind remark did not address my symptoms, I asked for a referral to a voice specialist. It was through that link that I met Michael Mayer. In the first two months of lessons with Michael, I sang without any discomfort at all. In the last year, my voice has become freer and I am able to sing more than ever before. Rarely, do I experience any of my past symptoms. Michael has a gift and passion for teaching voice. He listens patiently and intuitively to an individual’s vocal strengths and weaknesses, analyzing areas for development or correction. He shares his in-depth knowledge eloquently and sincerely. Every lesson with Michael is a positive learning experience. His approach proves to be more effective than any other voice professional’s, including medical, that I’ve encountered. I would recommend his expertise to anyone at any level of vocal development. 

Kathleen Donovan, Montreal, Canada

8/25/2005 I had been singing for over twenty years, Oratorios, Cantatas, the occasional wedding, then I suddenly stopped. Reason being I had a good voice but it wasn’t getting me places. I had  “voice Teachers” but they didn’t do anything for my voice. In December 2003 I was asked to sing  at an Easter program at the Bronx Baptist Church so I frantically began searching for a good voice teacher. That’s when David Jones at Voiceteacher.com recommended Michael Mayer as one of the best teachers he knew. Well, today I am still singing, my technique has improved and my sound is so much richer than it ever has been: Michael taught me how to sing efficiently and effortlessly. By that I mean not straining to reach high notes and breathing effectively. Michael taught me concepts and technique based on the concepts of William Vennard. To me Michael was a vocal coach and voice teacher combined. His patience and generosity in sharing his knowledge, in my book, makes him the best vocal teacher I ever had Unfortunately for me Michael moved back to Minnesota where I am sure he’ll have a similar impact on those wishing to improve their quality of singing.

 Neville Hemmings, White Plains, New York