Frequently Asked Questions
(Lesson Rates, Location, and General Information)

Where is your studio located? Castle Nine Vocal Studios is located in Bergen NY, approximately 20 minutes west of Rochester and one hour east of Buffalo. In-person lessons are also occasionally available in Las Vegas, Nashville, New York City, and Los Angeles when I'm traveling.

How do online lessons differ from in-person lessons? Over the past several years, I have created many innovative ways to communicate the information necessary for students to reach their full potential. In an effort to show new students how well Skype works as a platform for vocal education, I offer the first 30 min lesson at 50% off. The students can also record the entire lesson directly to their computer to review at any time! Downloadable apps are located at: http://shop.skype.com/extras

What are your rates for vocal lessons?
Since my studio isn’t located in a large city like NYC or LA, I am able to keep my prices generally lower than my peers, whose rates range from $130-$250 per hour. My current rates are:
Unsigned artist lesson rate - $90/hr (First 30minute lesson is 50% off)
Signed artist lesson rate or when traveling - $130/hr (First 30minute lesson is 50% off)
International Vocal Scholarship Program Recipients - $45/hr

How do I schedule a lesson? To get started right away, please click on the following link and submit the 'New Student' form online. This will give me a detailed understanding of your vocal instrument and goals as a singer, along with contact information and general times you're available: New Student Vocal Form

Do you have a cancellation policy? Yes. I require 24 hours notice to cancel a lesson or it's to be paid in full. This provides me with an opportunity to fill in that time slot with another student.

How do I pay for the lesson? Online lessons are required to be paid in advance via Paypal (Credit Card) or check mailed to 'Richard Fink IV, PO BOX 127, Bergen NY 14416'. I accept cash or check for in-person lessons on the day of the lesson.

What is 'Throga'? Throga, derived from throat-yoga, is a vocal training technique that I developed over the past ten years that is now being practiced by my students world wide. This vocal method addresses the specific muscles related to singing to gain balance, flexibility, and strength throughout a singers vocal range. There is no traditional yoga practice or meditation involved. Please visit www.throga.com for more information.

Are all the lessons taught by you? Yes. I never use an associate to teach a lesson or class.

How often should I take lessons? How often you take lessons is entirely up to you, provided I have times available in my schedule. There is always something new to learn! Lessons are available in 30, 60, 90, and 120 minute increments.

I’ve never taken voice lessons before. What will we be working on? The topics explored in lessons depend on what your current abilities are, relative to what your goals are. They generally include vocal development (muscle coordination), performance (on stage and in the studio), artist development (defining who you are as an artist to stand out among the rest), along with learning how to sing with a cold and dealing with performance anxieties and so on.

Will vocal lessons change my style? Absolutely not! I work within the style of music that the student loves to sing. The goal is then to be able to express that style with the least amount of tension possible to get the most flexibility, range, articulation, and power.

Can you give me some advice even though I can't afford lessons right now? Yes! If you have any questions regarding your voice or vocal development in general, please feel free to email me. You can also visit the International Vocal Scholarship Program to apply for a partial-scholarship which could cover half of your lessons for six months!