Danielle teaches voice and piano lessons to students with a variety of ages and skill levels. Current and former students include performers and recording artists in genres from musical theatre and opera, to pop and hip-hop; as well as adult beginners, young people on the professional voice track, and educators in music and theatre.
Danielle helps voice students with vocal technique, successful auditioning, repertoire selection, enhancing vocal resonance and projection, developing head, mixed, and chest voice; overcoming stage fright, singing in different languages, and song interpretation/performance.
Piano lessons for beginner through intermediate, all ages. The goal is to give students’ an understanding of music fundamentals through learning to read notation, as well as a fluency in popular styles and with an emphasis on reading chord charts and an understanding of common progressions and song forms.
Getting started:
Danielle teaches via zoom and in-person in her home studio located in North Hollywood, CA. A discounted introductory lesson is available to new students to ensure a good fit for both student and teacher. Click here to get started!
Lessons can be booked through monthly enrollment of one lesson per week, at $40/half hour, $55/45 mins, $75/hour and $90/1.5 hour (combo of voice and piano, or add music theory/ear training). As-needed lessons (not a regular weekly lesson) are available at a higher rate, payment due at the time of scheduling. When enrolling in lessons, payment is due by the 3rd of the coming month or the prior to the first planned lesson, whichever comes first. This is required to hold the weekly lesson slot. Payment can be made with Zelle, Venmo, cash or check. Lessons cancelled with 24-hours or more can be made-up and rescheduled within the next 30 days. Unfortunately, lessons cancelled under 24-hour notice cannot be made-up. Make-up lessons that need to be rescheduled cannot be rescheduled, i.e. moved a second time.
What to expect in voice lessons:
Lessons begin at the piano with vocal warm-ups and vocalises for proper singing technique, followed by vocal exercises focusing on areas in need of strengthening. Tone, pitch, breath support, vowel modification, articulation, genre-specific stylization are typical areas. This is followed by working on pieces of music selected by both the student and Danielle, tailored to the students needs and goals. Songs (repertoire) should include a mix of difficulty levels for strengthening multiple aspects of the voice/performance. Touching on piano fundamentals are also a great idea, as is music theory and ear training, for any singer.
What to expect in piano lessons:
Piano lessons begin with warm-ups that help build foundational techniques and understanding of music theory important to both piano and understanding music generally. This can include discussion of posture and approach to playing, learning scales and key signatures, inversions, chord progressions, Hanon exercises, and more. Then the student will be asked to demonstrate the work they have put in practicing this week on their assignments. Piano assignments include short, easier pieces in progressive lesson books that the student will aim to “pass” on a weekly basis, as well as longer more complex piano works that will be developed over time. Short, easier pieces are great for skill-building and a sense of weekly achievement. After passing the weekly assignment, and playing through longer pieces, new pieces or new musical material will be introduced and demonstrated by me, and the student will have an opportunity to ask questions and demonstrate understanding of the new material. If the student is also studying composition or songwriting, a portion of the lesson will go to playing and developing their musical ideas.
Why take from Danielle?
Every week I meet someone who says something like, “I quit piano as a kid because it was stressful, my teacher was very strict, but I wish I had stuck with it.” “I sang in the school choir, but the director told me I didn’t have a good voice, and I’ve been afraid to sing ever since.” I take a light-hearted, positive, supportive and nurturing approach to learning and I feel that is far more successful for creating excellent musicians than making musical lessons feel like a place where students feel judged and must “prove” themselves to be “good.” I want my students to feel like we are team, tackling mental and physical challenges together so we can create ease and enjoyment in creating art.
Musical Excellence + Fun
I combine several aspects of musical study that make me an ideal teacher. One is that I am a working musician in multiple genres, with two decades of formal music education and teaching experience. I believe it is essential that teachers keep their “head in the game” by continuing to put themselves out there as performers, so they never lose touch with the industry or the perspective/demands of being a performer. Second, while I come from a fairly strict classical background with incredibly high standards for musical excellence (that gave me many skills and advantages), I believe the key to actual musical excellence is enjoyment of music-making! I recognize the rigidity in some classical traditions can squash individual creativity, discourage music-making for the joy of it, and breed performance anxiety that ultimately dissuades students from gravitating to something that ultimately should always deliver personal fulfillment and joy. I believe music teachers can encourage both high standards for musical excellence, AND create a fun, nurturing environment that inspires students to deepen their relationship to music-making.
Multi-disciplinary artistic background
As a student of language and accents for the theater, I have a good ear and provide diction coaching far beyond the typical set of languages for classical voice (Italian, French German, English). I regularly perform in about 15 different languages. As a former ESL teacher and tutor in Madrid, Spain, I can also help ESL singers with English. I read and teach IPA (international phonetic alphabet).
My lessons contain an emphasis on mindfulness, body awareness, and physical comfort and fluidity in training students. As a student of yoga and dance (ballet, musical theatre, jazz; social dances including salsa and swing) since 2004, my teaching of posture, breathwork, and movement in performance is uniquely informed by these kinesthetic arts. I’ve also dealt with several chronic illnesses and injuries that have caused me to learn a great deal about the body and optimal health, with the silver lining that I bring this awareness into my teaching. I am also happy to accommodate students with physical and developmental disabilities when possible.
What Students say:
“Danielle is patient and energetic with my 10 year old son who just began lessons with her. He is eager for his lesson each week. Danielle is warm and kind. She focuses on developing skills and incorporates music that her students enjoy.”
-Rachel H., mom of August, 10, voice and piano student
“Danielle is very friendly and makes it fun for the kids. My son enjoyed her lessons and impoved so much for the last 6 months. She is very patient, gentle, and awesome at motiving the kids during their virtual lessons”
-Christine K., mom of Evan, 10, piano student
“Danielle is awesome, friendly. Above all, my daughter loves to learn singing with Danielle and she is making progress. Best wishes to Danielle from us for her bright future.”
-Shafiul, A., dad of Anushka, 11, voice student
“I have been a piano student of Danielle Crook for more than two years. I had studied piano many decades ago as a youngster, so I came to our relationship with some skills on the piano. I have also been an elementary teacher for many decades, so I have a good eye for excellent teaching.
Danielle Crook is an excellent teacher: positive, upbeat, passionate, knowledgeable, and kind. And, Danielle is an amazing musician: singing, playing piano, passionate, beautiful. Danielle’s combination of musician and teacher means the student has all the opportunities in the world to learn, work hard, and create beautiful music. She’s a great teacher for adults- she has a good sense of humor, and a sweet vulnerability. I’ve seen her teach kids, too, my kids. And she is gentle and firm, always positive and moving forward. She is a great presence on video teaching. Her arsenal of strategies is numerous. I highly recommend Danielle.”
-Deborah W., piano student
“I highly recommend Danielle! She has a perfect combination of experience and a natural way with working with kids, even online! Both my daughters ages 6 and 7 take piano lesson via Zoom and I would not choose anyone else over her. They made quick progress and are loving it.”
-Marisa J, mom of Katiana, 9, and Jannika, 7
“I cannot recommend Danielle enough. My daughter has been taking voice, acting and piano lessons with her for about a year now and she has improved so much. Danielle is very professional and always gives good feedback after each lesson. She is patient and has fun with the kids at the same time pushes them to be better each lesson. I’d recommend her to any level of musician, whether you’re just starting out or wanting to brush up on your skills.”
-Carey A., mom of Sierra, 10
“I am a self taught singer and was looking for someone who understands the anatomy of the voice to help me work on my technique. Danielle was super generous with her time and knowledge and helped me to feel more engaged to my diaphragm so as to create a desired effect in my singing. Just with one class and an exercise where we put a book on my belly helped me to visualize how the air is moving through my body as I sing. Now my task is to take what she has shared and apply it!”
-Evelyn S., jazz vocalist
“Danielle has been teaching my two sons piano for about a year. They enjoy working with her and both have improved so much. They have fun at every meeting and it’s amazing how much they are learning through virtual lessons. She does a great job at being thorough yet gentle in her teaching.”
Tamar B., mom of Andrew, 11 and Jake, 9
Extremely knowledgeable, warm and kind. Taking your first steps in vocal lessons can be very intimidating and even embarrassing but Danielle makes you feel comfortable and that you can reach your goals. Highly recommend!
-Emilio M., punk band lead singer
“Danielle is a great singing coach. She is very friendly, encouraging, and gives helpful tips on how to improve. Definitely recommend.”
-Michelle O., musical theater and pop vocalist
“I highly recommend Danielle! Danielle has been teaching voice and piano to my 8 year old daughter, Juliana, for about a year. When she started, my daughter was a true beginner. Almost a year later, her singing, piano, and understanding of music have improved an impressive amount! Moreover, Danielle has been very supportive of Juliana’s desire to write her own songs. Danielle is focused, but patient and caring. She takes the time to send me emails apprising me of Juliana’s progress and letting me know what she should be working on.
I couldn’t recommend Danielle enough. Juliana loves her lessons and has learned so much with Danielle!”
-Claudia T., mom of Juliana
“My daughter Bridget has taken weekly voice lessons from Danielle throughout her four years in high school and she still continues to take weekly lessons now that she has graduated. Danielle is a wonderful teacher. She is attentive to finding an appropriate repertoire for my daughter in a wide rage of styles. This includes selections from Mozart and Haydn to musical theatre and popular music my daughter has chosen. Bridget really enjoys her time with Danielle. She has also learned music theory, sight reading, vocal technique and live performance skills. I highly recommend Danielle as a teacher. She is enthusiastic, reliable, and she enjoys sharing her love of singing.”
-Kathy H. mom of Bridget, 18
“Danielle helped train me for a performance at my sister's wedding. We only trained together for 5 weeks beforehand, and I could not believe how much better my voice was in that short amount of time! I got so many compliments on my voice, and I had so much fun during that lessons, that I decided to continue vocal coaching after the event. Thanks Danielle!”
-Caitlin M.
“Danielle was so knowledgeable and helpful in helping our singing trio break down our parts and get the harmonies right.”
Angela S., singer and dancer
“I’m a guitarist and songwriter not terribly impressed with my own singing. Danielle took me on even though i’m a total beginner and has made a huge change in my confidence and my abilities. thanks Dani!!”
Scott B., guitarist and songwriter
“Hi Danielle, I want you to know my singing lesson days are the highlight of my week. I feel like Im realizing my dream a little later
than most... you are a very encouraging (amazing) teacher, yet challenging and.... hopeful. I appreciate your continued
encouragement, when I say it is music therapy I really mean it!”
—Shireen D., musical theater performer
“I perform in musical theater and typically am hired for my mezzo soprano belt. Upon landing the role of the Beggar Woman in
Sweeney Todd, I reached out to Danielle Crook, who was recommended to me by colleagues. She helped me access and
harness some high soprano notes that I didn’t know I had, and in a very safe, supportive and professional atmosphere. I’d highly
recommend Danielle Crook Music!”
—Jill M., musical theater performer
“Danielle is a gifted voice teacher. Our community is extremely fortunate to have a vocal teacher and choir director of her caliber. She is passionate about music and her enthusiasm for a wide range of music and vocal styles is evident during voice lessons. Along with the technical aspects of voice training, she addresses performance techniques. I highly recommend Danielle as a voice teacher. The time you spend under her instruction will be invaluable.”
—June F., choral singer and church soloist.
“Our show was opening in a few weeks. Just 2 voice lessons with Danielle brought my voice into shape so I could hit the high notes and sing on pitch where I had felt a little weak before. She offered exercises so I could continue practice on my own just in time for our Spring musical performance. Thanks Danielle! We are fortunate to have you in our theater arts community.”
—Desiree H., choir and music theatre student.
“Danielle has done an excellent job with her students here at our school. She has helped them develop their abilities professionally and given them great value for the money and time.”
—Laurence D., Music Director at Monterey Bay Academy.
“Danielle helped my students, most of whom had never sung before, prepare for school musicals. We did WEST SIDE STORY and GUYS & DOLLS. The performances were wonderful and the vocals were beautiful. Many of the cast members have gone on and kept performing in musical theater.”
— Kip A., Director, Watsonville High School Drama.
“Danielle is an excellent teacher and a wonderful vocal coach. Since I started working with Danielle, my confidence in my singing voice has been raised significantly and my range has expanded. I can't praise her enough.”
—Scotty K., actor, director and rock vocalist
“My lessons with Danielle were very valuable, because she helped me reach my goals of singing church solos and of being confident about auditioning for choirs I wanted to join. But it was the weekly lessons over a period of time, and her high expectations for technique and for singing beautifully, that enabled me to truly improve vocally. This didn't happen overnight. In my case we devoted time to rhythm, pitch, vowels, phrasing, and singing with breath support. I broadened my range, gaining higher notes, but also learned to use my chest voice better. I was very happy with my improvements. She was also really versatile in her knowledge of all kinds of music! Loved my lessons and will need them again soon because I want to get back into singing after a one year break.”
— Marilyn S., church and community choir member
“Amazingly talented. Patient and skilled!”
—MarNae T., Director, Georgiana Bruce Kirby H.S. Drama
“Danielle is both a talented performer and an excellent voice teacher. My daughter took voice lessons from Danielle for several years starting in high school. With Danielle's guidance, my daughter's vocal performance improved, while her confidence and enthusiasm for vocal performance grew exponentially. Danielle is able to bring out the best in a singer, and is so nice while doing so! My daughter has moved out of state but still seeks out Danielle's lessons whenever she is back in the area.”
— Debra R., mother of Cynthia, voice major
“Alex was so happy after her lesson with you on Sunday. I have not seen her that excited about anything in a long time! She could not stop talking about you and everything that she learned, it was great!! :-) ”
—Cari B., mother of Alex, 10
“Danielle was the choir director I sang in. She did an excellent and professional job and is well trained in her profession.”
—Jay H., choral singer
“I learned more from you in six weeks than I learned in six months with my last teacher. Let me know if you ever head back to Los Angeles…I’d probably drop whatever teacher I had in a heart beat.”
—Corbin K., rock band frontman
“My voice needed training so I could sing with more power and control. Danielle has worked with me over the last eight months and I’ve made so much progress that I’m singing for people with greater confidence than I ever thought possible.”
—Danny S., singer-songwriter
“My daughter takes music and singing lessons with Danielle. Danielle is an excellent music teacher, great communicator and a very pleasant person to deal with.”
—Gleb R., father of Melania, 11
“Danielle’s lessons made a huge difference for me. I finally understand how to manage breath support and now my range has increased and I no longer sing flat. People have commented on how much my singing has improved lately, and it’s all because I started lessons with Danielle. She got me ready to perform and now I’m gigging regularly.”
-Heather N., jazz vocalist
Please contact via this website or email me directly at DaniMSC@gmail.com to discuss your goals and set up a lesson!