Voice Lessons
Voice
Private voice lessons provide focused, one-on-one instruction, while guiding students to develop their unique voice at their own pace. Private lessons establish solid foundations in theory, repertoire and technique and tone. Students are exposed to a variety of musical concepts and skills while being inspired to achieve their goals. We offer private music lessons as well as more advanced training in our Conservatory Vocal Track. Please feel free to see our Tuitions and Fees page.
The basics of voice technique are applied to each area of study including opera, music theater, or modern pop music. Learning proper vocal techniques will help to control your singing voice. In traditional terms, this way of singing will help to create a clear and effortless tone. Above all, our teachers use a combination of Bel Canto, High Resonance and Vowel Altering techniques to forge beautiful singing.
Studio
At the Resonance School of Music, we welcome all types of singers. It is our goal to use a combination of traditional and music theater repertoire to help vocalists master their individual techniques. With this they can apply those techniques to whatever music they choose.
There are many opportunities for our vocal department students to perform throughout the year. In addition to performance workshops/masterclasses, we hold recitals twice a year to prepare students for their auditions and performances.
Resonance School has had successes in the area of Vocal Teaching and Coaching. Our students have been on Broadway, Television, and Radio. They can similarly be seen throughout the year performing in professional and local theatres across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.
Voice Instructors
Bill Deal
Bill Deal offers a unique blend of a lifetime of experience as a performer, music arranger and producer, and over 30 years as a voice and piano teacher. As a child actor and singer, Bill played sidekick to local TV cowboy Rex Trailer and appeared on local TV shows with Chief Halftown and Sally Starr. As a Columbia Records recording artist, Bill sang on the Merv Griffin show and was a popular and frequent opening act for Rodney Dangerfield at Dangerfield’s in New York City. Bill and his wife Ro shared the stage for many years as a dynamic singing duo.
Bill studied piano and pedagogy with Irving Freilich at The Julliard School, studied voice with Dr. Howard Haines at Combs College of Music, and earned his music teaching certification from the Pennsylvania Department of Education while serving as the voice department chair at the Neapauer Conservatory of Music. Bill earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from LaSalle University and worked as a music therapist. He is especially skilled at teaching students with learning or physical disabilities. Bill was recently recognized as the Teacher of the Year by the Private Music Teachers organization.
As a record producer, Bill launched voice students Heather and Jennifer Kinley into their Nashville career and was proud when the Kinleys were named Top New Duo by the Academy of Country Music. Stephanie Mills and Calista Flockhart are also among Bill’s former students. Bill served as music director for Schmidt and Jones for their Broadway production of Celebration.
Bill Deal is equally at home on stage, teaching, or part of a creative team.
He loves what he does.
Barbara Toombs
Meet Barbara Toombs, a seasoned voice teacher with over three decades of experience dedicated to nurturing the musical talents of aspiring vocalists. With a passion for music that burns as brightly today as it did at the beginning of their illustrious journey, Barbara is a true maestro in the realm of vocal instruction.
For more than 30 years, Barbara has been the guiding force behind countless voices, helping students discover the full range and potential of their vocal abilities. Their teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that music transcends mere notes and lyrics; it’s a language of emotions and expressions. Barbara brings this philosophy to life in her lessons, fostering a nurturing and creative environment where students not only learn technique but also unleash the depth of their musicality.
As a passionate advocate for the transformative power of music, Barbara has honed her skills to impart not just the technical aspects of singing but also the soulful artistry that sets great vocalists apart. With Barbara as your guide, you’ll embark on a musical journey that not only refines your voice but also ignites your passion for the extraordinary world of vocal music. Join Barbara and let your voice soar to new heights under the guidance of a true master of the craft.
Gwen Hasheian Norton
Gwen Hasheian Norton is delighted to join the teaching staff at the Resonance School of Music in 2024 as a voice and piano instructor. Gwen hails from Salem County, NJ and began her music training in the Pennsville Public School District. Vocal studies progressed at Rowan University with Dr. Eugene Thamon Simpson, the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia with Bill Shuman and post-graduate studies under the tutelage of Laura Brooks Rice at Westminster Choir College. Gwen holds a doctoral degree (EdD)_from West Virginia University in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy.
Dr. Norton’s formal educational journey was greatly enriched by a performance internship at the Curtis Institute of Music and an opera apprenticeship at the Juilliard Opera Center. She is committed to being a life-long learner for as long as possible!
She has performed and covered various leading and supporting roles during her career as a dramatic mezzo-soprano with the Merola Tour of the San Francisco Opera, Chicago Lyric Opera, New York City Opera, Dallas Opera, Opera Company of Philadelphia, Santa Fe Opera and La Piccola Scala Opera of Rome, Italy, among others. Over the last three decades, Gwen has received awards and prizes from the Mario Lanza Foundation, Marian Anderson Foundation, Luciano Pavarotti Foundation, Giargiari Bel Canto Guild, and the Northeast Regional Council of the Metropolitan Opera.
Her teaching experience in the areas of vocal and instrumental music has included students of all ages and stages throughout the tri-state area. It has been an absolute privilege to work with ensembles of all types and sizes, as well as solo performers and she plans to continue her teaching in these domains.
