Welcome to my "Voice" Page!

Timothy Simpson, Tenor Resume

Requirements for Voice Lessons (The serious part)

I have changed my requirements for students who would like to take lessons with me because I feel it important that the student be clear as to what I expect of them when they come to take from me. 

• Understand that I teach voice for singers interested in singing classical music.
  • I believe that studying in this way is the healthiest.
  • Classical Voice is what I have always done so it is what I know the most about.
  • If you wish to study for other types of music that is fine but know that I don't teach other styles.
• If you do not, or cannot, or don't have time to practice then it isn't worth doing...
  • it wastes my time and your money.
• I charge a flat rate of $50 per hour.
  • I don't accompany because I want to concentrate on your voice.
  • You are welcome to bring an accompanist with you to the lessons of your choice.
  • I can arrange for an accompanist to be present at appropriate lessons.
    • Accompanists must be paid for their time in lessons.
• I require a minimum commitment of 3 months of weekly lessons, or 12 lessons.
  • If paid in one payment, or at the beginning of each month, then there is a $100 rebate or $500 for 12 lessons.
  • When lessons must be cancelled I require to be told 1 day before the lesson.
  • Lessons can be cancelled on the day of a lesson due to illness. Please don't bring illness with you to your lessons.
  • Make up lessons can occur within the 3 month period or within a month after.
• Payment will not be refunded without a reasonable cause.

My philosophy of payment comes from taking lessons myself for many years. If I made different prices due to personal circumstances, age, or any other consideration it wouldn't be fair to those who pay full price. They would be essentially paying for my time with you. I have to put a price on my time.

What I offer

• 20+ years experience as a professional opera singer singing leading tenor roles in operas mostly in German Theaters.
• Sang 70+ operas, mostly leading roles, as well in operetta and musicals.
• Worked with outstanding...
  • Voice teachers
  • Coaches: Musical and Languages
  • Directors
  • Conductors
  • Singers
• I am fluent in German
  • Have a good working knowledge and experience with French, Italian, Latin.
• Masters Degree in Music Performance and Literature from the Eastman School of Music
• Bachelor Degree in Music Education and Performance from Western Kentucky University
• Member of the AGMA Apprenticeship Program of the Chautauqua Opera
• Member of the International Opera Studio of the Zürich Opera in Switzerland.

What to expect

• We will sit down and set up a plan for your development so you know where you are going.
• We will spend time working with exercises designed to ...
  • stabilize your support (breathing)
  • engage your resonances (placement)
  • train your vocal cords to react freely and precisely with scales and arpeggios
• We will be working in all languages (English, Italian, French, Latin, and German) beginning with Italian and English.
• You will be given a list of songs to work on.
• There will be a studio recital at the end of each quarter (if not more often)
• I encourage you to sing in front of other students in your lessons as that will help make you more comfortable singing in front of others.
• You will be required to memorize and understand the songs you sing. Of course I'll help you out, but there is Google where it is all available to you.
• We will have a lot of fun.

I believe it is the job of a voice teacher to develop an honest working relationship with their students. Of course I will always be encouraging and positive, but expect also that I will treat you like a grown up and tell you the truth so we can move you forward and not just say everything is fine and not get anywhere.

What I do not know

I don't know whether you will or can be a superstar.

I will always teach you as if you will and can be a superstar.

Yes this all sounds rather serious and ... it is. Why?

Because I can't help be anything but serious about it. I was a serious student of music and very serious about my art. All of my success came to me because my teachers and mentors pushed me to be the best I could be. I believe that I am a great teacher, which means I am also a hard teacher, however I am a very nice teacher.

6 Years or 10,000 hours: The time required to become an opera singer.

They say it takes 10,000 hours to become a master at anything. Divide that by 6 years = 1,666 hours a year = 140 hours a month = 35 hours a week and only one hour of that is your lesson.

Now, this doesn't mean you spend 10,000 hours just singing, it includes studying music, practicing languages, learning texts, and rehearsing.

Perspective: I started voice lessons at the age of 20 I believe. I graduated from Eastman at 26 and started my career at 28. I started late, and even then I didn't have all of the answers. But, what I have learned over my career and taking from great teachers will benefit you and it shouldn't take you as long to get really good as it did me.

I will help you lay out a plan, look for good colleges, universities, teachers, and help counsel you throughout your involvement in music.

I not only encourage doing competitions but almost insist on it. It doesn't matter whether you win or lose, it matters that you perform under pressure often.

I believe that there are many paths to a successful career in music, so please don't be offended if I suggest avenues that may include moving into another genre or to consider becoming a professional choral singer in a full time chorus, that can be a great career for you, and give you more advantages than the delicate world of solo work.

Plus, if you want to become a university professor of voice then that is what you should plan on doing and work towards it.

I believe that when we work well together you will be able to get you to a very high level relatively quickly. Remember this, youth is a huge advantage.

If you are interested after all of this to take from me, please send me an email at [email protected]. Leave your name and number and I will give you a call ASAP! 

Thank you very much.