Susan Dunstan

BEACHES VOICE STUDIO    WWW.LEARNTOSING.CA

Power – Range – Control
Pop – Rock – Musical Theatre – Classical
Expand Your Repertoire
Prepare For Auditions
Learn The Craft of Performing A Song
Master the Art Of Belting
Males and Females – Beginners to Pros – Adults and Children

*** Now Offering Beginner and Intermediate Piano Lessons***

Who am I?

I am a professional singer. I have done large scale musicals all over Canada and the USA, studio recordings and have sung huge concerts in amazing venues all over the world.  Basically I’ve worked in all areas you can as a pro singer. I have made my living solely from singing for 20 years.  I also do a ton of vocal coaching and private voice lessons… during and between my own gigs.  I’ve run BEACHES VOICE STUDIO in Toronto and Northumberland Area(Cobourg/Port Hope/Roseneath), along side of my own career since 2001.  Check out the great article in the Beach Metro.  Beach Metro Article!  As well as the BlogTo article covering the TOP 10 Singing Lessons In Toronto! 
Proud member of the Canadian Actor’s Equity Association, ACTRA, and The Actor’s Equity Associaton(USA).

What do you need to know?

Lessons are $80/hour and $40/half hour.

You will need to bring a USB storage device/key/stick of at least  2GB so I can transfer your digital lesson files. Then you will be able to listen to your lesson on your ipod or home computer.  My lessons are very informal and relaxed.  We still accomplish, but not in a rigid and uptight way.  Ha!  I accept cash or cheque.  If you would like to pay by email money transfer, the transfer must be made prior to the lesson.  I really hope to hear from you, so we can have fun together. No day but today!

……30 minute piano lessons for beginner and intermediate level are also offered.  You can combine 30 minutes singing and 30 minutes piano for the same flat rate of $80/hour.

Who are my clients?

I have students who are in rock bands, alternative bands, hard core scream singers, solo recording artist and singer/songwriters.  Students auditioning for American and Canadian Idol, and for professional Musical Theatre jobs both here and in NYC.   I also have students who have nothing to do with the professional world of music at all, who are just looking to have fun and learn to sing!  I also teach youth and children.  I have clients some as young as 5 who are learning music skills to last a lifetime.  I also teach many teens, young clients who aspire to gain entry to arts highschools, post secondary arts programs and onwards to a career in music as well as those who just want to attain musicality and experience the joy of singing.  If you are a youth under the age of 16, click this link for info on Ontario’s Arts Tax Credit of $500.

Where else have I taught?

I’ve taught regular course curriculum as well as guest artist workshops for Sheridan College’s Music Theatre Program, George Brown Dance Program, Theatre Ontario, Equity Showcase, Mowat Highschool Musical Theatre Program, West Hill Collegiate Drama Program, Off To Broadway Training Company, and the Neshama Theatre Troope.

What do I teach?

I teach technique and placement which are the fundamentals of singing.  Learning to place notes so that they are not produced from the throat is the first step.  We will also work on breath control and pitch.  I also coach audition prep.  I am a very strong auditioner and will teach you all the basics and trick of the trade to master a strong audition.  I teach all genres of singing from classical to modern.  Beginner and Intermediate level piano also available.

Do you teach ‘Belting’?

Yes!  That’s my specialty!  I also teach classical and legit singing.  Belting can be done safely and to great success when done properly and with the right technique.  I’ve made a career out of it.  So can you!

Where do I teach?

I hold my lessons at my house in the beaches area of Toronto at Victoria Park and Kingston Road.  A 12 minute walk south of the Victoria Park Subway Station.  Right across from the Bingham Loop, which is the last stop of the Kingston Road Streetcar.

Virtual Lessons – SKYPE

If you are away and need coaching, we can connect with SKYPE.  Prepare your material and feel confident with your voice from anywhere in the world!

How to book?

You are welcome to call, text or email.  I am the fastest with email and text.  I also have gift certificates if you wish to give lessons as gifts.

What are my past clients saying?

BRITTANY GRAY – We Will Rock You, Producers, Toxic Avenger
Studying with Sue brought my singing voice to a completely new level. Not only did she teach me how to use my voice to it fullest potential, but she also instilled the confidence in me to start chasing my dreams. I always knew that I wanted to be a leading lady in musical theatre, but I simply did not have the belief to put myself out there and let my singing voice shine. Sue is not only brilliant at her craft but she is also a wonderful teacher, mentor, motivator and now friend. Thank you Sue for all of your wonderful help. I could not have accomplished my dreams without you. Note: I booked both the understudy roles of Scaramouch and Oz in WWRY after intensively studying with you and also, shortly there after, The Toxic Avenger playing the lead role of Sarah.

MICHAEL THERRIAULT
Producers, Lord of the Rings (Broadway)-Fidler, TinPan Alley, Miser 10 Seasons Stratford, Tommy Douglas Story Mini Series
Susan is an fantastic musician and teacher with tools to help you tackle even the toughest material. She is one of the only people I know that can flip between vastly different music styles effortlessly. She has a range that seems to go on forever without getting tired and no matter where she is singing in her voice, it all sounds easy, connected and powerful. And the beauty is: she likes to share how she does it. -Michael Therriault.

ASHLEY CURTIS – Lead Singer of AFFINITY
I had many different vocal coaches over the years, and I had the fastest, most rewarding results with Susan! The lessons aren’t consumed with tons of abstract vocal exercises, she gets you to apply the technique immediately. Susan works with YOUR voice and helps you get the most out of your singing! She is extremely talented, easy to work with and very clear and supportive in her instruction. I would recommend her to anyone who wants to improve their range, execution, and to reduce vocal strain.

OMAR FORREST – Lion King, Lord Of The Rings, Stratford Festival
I studied with Susan over the course of 8 months and in that time my vocal ability really improved. Susan’s comfortable work environment, personality and style of teaching really allowed me to open up and relax in my lessons. This in turn allowed me to walk into auditions being confident and prepared! I would highly recommend anyone to take lessons and coachings with her to improve their vocal skills!

JENNIFER McDONALD
I have been taken lessons from Sue Dunstan for 4 years and she has taught me so much about my voice and been a constant source of support and knowledge. She has helped me tremendously in my transition from theatre school to a professional theatre career. I look at her as an inspiration and friend I trust when I have any sort of questions. I use her techniques and exercises in my daily warm ups and always remember tips she has given me to make singing just feel easier and more free.

AMANDA DeFREITAS – US Tour Hairspray, LionKing, Stratford Festival
Suze!
Susan really listens to what is happening in the voice and really works to give the tools for me to be able to hear and identify those issues myself and be able to trouble shoot them myself long term. Thanks again for the wikid vocal lessons!  I always leave your presence feeling on top of the world!  YAY!
XoxoAmanders

MILDA GECAITE – Dirty Dancing, Professional Ballroom Dancer
Susan Dunstan is one of the most upbeat coaches I know, who can prepare you for any audition in a heartbeat.  Susan, helped me a great deal when I just started off in the industry, she shared her knowledge, technique and skills to make me feel comfortable and confident in my voice. I am very thankful to have found her, for she made my work more compelling. If you need someone who can coach you for any audition, anytime, getting the best out of you, you must meet this wonderful professional now!