Michael Ashby-

 Michael’s eleven years of experience as vocal technician for a sizeable choral organization have honed his ability to work with large groups of diverse singers. He is proficient in addressing and improving the general technical culture of such organizations, as well as, assisting directors in pinpointing and remedying the specific issues that may be holding back a section or an entire group. His perspective as a non-director provides him with unique objectivity in addressing issues of quality in groups of singers.

As a private teacher of 25 years Michael strives to be a “fixer”. He is and always has been drawn to working with singers of all ages who have development/transition issues. These singers range from those in the midst of puberty to mature voices in need of sensitive adjustment, as well as those who may need help navigating voice issues with regard to gender. He has experienced success as an adjunct to and under the guidance of medical voice specialists to assist in the recuperation of damaged voices. Michael’s goal is that when a long-term student leaves him they are equipped with a technical basis that will protect and stand them in good stead in their future endeavors- no matter what those endeavors may be.

Ashby Quotes

“I was once asked to leave a voice studio largely because I asked too many questions.  This is an unacceptable state of affairs.  Questions from a student can be frustrating but any teacher worth their salt views them as a challenge and a display of intellect, not a questioning of authority.”

“When it comes to working with voices in transition, I am exceedingly intense. Over the years it has become clear to me that voices are rarely NOT in a transition of some sort.”

“I love getting my hands dirty and helping someone who was sure they could never sing. I’m certain amusia exists, but so far I have only ever encountered people who are miscalibrated to varying degrees and for many reasons.”