Kurt Alakulppi Voice Studio
Private Student Experiences
"When I met Kurt, I'd studied as a tenor for nearly 15 years with many excellent NYC area teachers. While my sound was decent, singing was still a struggle: my concept of the vocal mechanism was mostly notional - too lacking in physical concreteness - and my body compensated for the mystery by stacking tension.
Kurt gave me exercises to anchor the sound in a set of specific bodily sensations, which, once mastered, unlocked a refined version of the body's natural vocal mechanism. It was only through mindful repetition - with Kurt's keen ear and tireless support and guidance - that I came to understand great singing as the result of cultivated bodily coordination rather than linear control. Having the concrete sensations made the overall coordination repeatable, consistent and increasingly intuitive over time, while removing the old doubt and tension.
Singing is now easier, freer and more revelatory of what my voice organically is, rather than what I (or old opera recordings) think it should be, which is an entirely different - and, in my opinion, more compelling - story for one's voice to tell, not to mention a lesson for life.
Kurt is the only teacher I've found with the intelligence, empathy, integrity and talent - both as a teacher and a professional performer - to transform my voice like this. I am so grateful to have put my trust in him." - Andrew W.
"I have studied with many different voice teachers over the course of several decades. My vocal journey with Kurt has been truly remarkable. For the first time in my life I feel like I can sing anything with Kurt's methods and direction. He's a highly intuitive and respectful instructor, exemplifying patience and kindness." - Luanne A.
"I have been a student of Kurt's for nearly two years, and my voice has blossomed during our time working together.
Kurt has helped me gain stability in my support and consistency in my practice, which has, in turn, enabled me to build greater skill and confidence in my ability. He is an enthusiastic, committed, and knowledgeable teacher, whose instruction brings tailored technique training and exercises to an encouraging and supportive space, replete with specific feedback and patient guidance. As I cultivate my artistry and repertoire, Kurt is also apt to recommend new selections for me that suit me well. His attentive and nurturing teaching style would be an asset to any voice practitioner." - Christine A.
"I have been Kurt's student both privately and in a class setting and I can tell you that my voice has never been stronger. While I have had well intentioned teachers in the past, none have come close to offering me the tools and technique that I have received from Kurt. That coupled with his patience and impeccable teaching method have allowed me to go from a struggling novice to a confident, knowledgeable tenor. Anyone who has taken a voice lesson will tell you how hard that is to find.
I feel very fortunate to have found a teacher who is not only able to impart technique in terms I can easily understand but also checks in to make sure I mentally am going in the right direction. I finally feel I have a true shot at becoming a professional singer. I will be forever grateful to have found such a remarkable and talented teacher to guide me towards my dream." - Rafael H.
Juilliard Voice Class
Anonymous Singer Evaluations
"Kurt has a special gift of bringing out the best in people. He's kind and encouraging and meets the student where they are - then graciously escorts them to the next level, beyond what they ever thought they could do. He's able to effectively communicate to the students to let us know what we need to do to improve, and does it while always being positive and nurturing."
"After years of not singing, I really did not know if I could sing as well as I did when I was younger. After completing this class, I am now assured that I still have my instrument and it feels wonderful."
"Kurt is knowledgeable, supportive, funny, gives constructive feedback to students right where they are & adjusts for each student. He emailed me when I was out, emailed me suggestions to listen to when I asked... I appreciate his teaching so much & can’t say enough positive things about him."
"Mr. Alakulppi is a dedicated, supportive and patient teacher. His advice is concrete and accurate. He is fully engaged with every student and is willing to give unsparingly of his time and expertise."
"Kurt is a truly great teacher. It is hard to pinpoint just a couple of things. His technique guidance always works. His recommendations for repertoire have led me to some wonderful music that is suitable for my voice and a help in progressing. And his interpretative guidance in the pieces is always appropriate and helpful in improving both the actual singing and expressiveness."
"The most valuable thing I have gained is strength in my voice and the flexibility to pick up music and try anything."
"Kurt is effective in many ways; in fact he is the best voice teacher I have ever had. He is keenly knowledgeable of the material and is wonderfully detail-oriented, which helps me plenty. His technique is tried and true, and he custom fits for each student depending on their needs. For instance, my upper range was quite rusty due to professionally singing mainly in chest. But now it's returning, thanks to Kurt's pedagogical expertise."
"Kurt is just a really caring teacher who also connects voice to our whole bodies and understands how to heal any traumas around voice. He taught embodied singing, connecting to the base and pelvis, and singing on breath."
"The consistency of the course has helped me cultivate greater discipline for my own vocal practice, and has introduced me to new song selections."
"His voice exercises helped so much because I felt like I was able to warm up better and use my voice more effectively."
"Kurt is always encouraging and knows how to couple exercises with musical phrases to massage challenging verses into something that sounds free and released."
"Honestly, I'm truly not sure what Kurt could do to improve. He truly does a spectacular job of connecting with students and getting the best out of each of us."
"Kurt is most effective at coaching students through the mental blocks that can impede our voices from sounding their best."
"Simply put, his approach WORKS! I've had several well known and highly regarded teachers, but my singing is much easier and more beautiful than when I started with him. He puts a tremendous amount of effort into singing and is always empathetic with his students while applying the necessary discipline to the process."
"I learned more from Kurt in one class than I did from a year of private lessons. No one has ever explained things so clearly and simply. I had a lot of growth. He was very positive, supportive, he made it a safe environment. Always encouraging. And there were lots of "aha" moments for myself and others in the class. He was very generous with his time and resources."