David Sabella
Master Voice Teacher/CoachDavid Sabella is an internationally recognized Singing Voice Specialist, vocal pedagogue, and the owner of Sabella Voice Studio, dedicated to the elite training and rehabituation of the professional voice.
Working with David has been Voice, Career and Life-changing. When we started working together six months ago, I was wondering if my singing days were over. My voice was cutting out on high notes and my career was at a standstill. I hadn’t booked a job in over a year. After working steadily with David for six months, I’ve developed a healthy technique that has me singing better than ever. Plus, I’ve gotten into a flow of discipline and consistent practice that has helped me book 4 acting jobs! (2 musicals, a straight play and a TV role! ) I can’t recommend him highly enough.
David is one of the most knowledgeable vocal coaches I have ever worked with. He brings years of experience and wisdom to coaching sessions which makes sense and his techniques work. I can’t think of any better vocal coach in New York and I thank him for his friendship, knowledge, patience and talent in working with me over the years. He is an amazing force in the industry and I cannot recommend him highly enough.
Working with David has opened up so many more facets of my voice than I thought were there! His technique and his insights just make sense to me! I am loving this newfound freedom.
David, and I can’t thank you enough for your vocal rescue. I’m doing your vocalizes daily and my belt is stronger than ever and my flute tones are back!
Voice Teaching and Research
An internationally recognized voice teacher who has taught at prestigious institutions, including NYU's Tisch School of the Arts and Montclair State University. Research on contemporary commercial music (CCM) vocal techniques, particularly the "high contemporary belt," has been highly influential in redefining how these vocal techniques are taught in the US. Co-author of the book So You Want to Sing Cabaret, and featured as one of twelve international master-teachers to have developed a pedagogy specific to Contemporary Commercial Voice use.
Administrative Roles
Served as a two-term President of the New York Singing Teachers' Association (NYSTA) 2008-2014. Served as Executive Director of Ann Reinking's Broadway Theatre Project (2012-2015).
Performance Credits (Highlights)
Originator of the role of Mary Sunshine in the 1996 Broadway revival of CHICAGO, Luciano Pavarotti International Voice Competition winner, and renowned performer with a four-octave range.
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Vocal Technique & Performance
Build a strong, expressive voice using proven classical and contemporary techniques. Learn to communicate with emotional clarity, stylistic authenticity, and undeniable stage presence.
Acting & Scene Study
Develop character, intention, and truth. Whether singing or speaking, learn to fully embody the story and live in the moment.
Applied Music Theory
Strengthen your musicianship. Learn to connect musical phrasing with your character's inner life, figuring out exactly why a musical event exists.
Career Mentoring
Receive strategic guidance on building a sustainable career—from branding and networking to short- and long-term goal setting.
VIRTUAL LESSONS: Synchronous & Seamless
David Sabella has been a pioneer in online voice pedagogy since 2007, David ensures your virtual lessons are just as effective and immediate as live sessions in Manhattan.
Now more than ever, it is completely possible to have a professional, real-time voice lesson from a remote location. Sabella Voice Studio uses a "proprietary blend" of advanced yet simple-to-use technologies to eliminate the lag and frustration of standard video calls.
HOW IT WORKS
Sabella Voice Studio uses specialized software that sends MIDI data at the speed of light—not the speed of sound. This re-creates the exact experience of David playing the keyboard right in your room while you sing along to live, synchronous music!
WHAT YOU NEED
You will need a computer with a stable internet connection (WiFi or Ethernet), a webcam, and external microphone (like the Blue Yeti). For synchronous audio, you will also need a software program called Internet MIDI (a one-time $39 purchase from Timewarptech.com).
THE RESULT
A seamless, lag-free lesson that provides the exact same high-level instruction, diagnostic listening, and real-time technical feedback as an in-person session. Without a doubt, you can do this. Let's sing!
I have worked with David Sabella for a number of years now. As a singer he is a joy to accompany and very easy to work with. But it is as a vocal coach that his talents truly shine. Watching him work with singers, he instinctively knows what their vocal needs are, and he is able to work with them to achieve their musical goals. Not only is he very knowledgeable about the physical aspects of singing technique, but his patience, encouragement and enthusiasm for teaching shines through. Being in the room whilst he is coaching, is to watch a masterclass of how to teach. His results speak for themselves.
Through my work with David I was able to land the big job and maintain my vocal health while out on the road. His knowledge of the voice and its physiology are far and above anyone I have ever worked with. Rather than giving you all sorts of imagery and “placement” jargon, he tells you exactly what is happening in your body, and what you can do to improve the range, quality, and ease of your singing. Now that I am back off of the road I have started taking with him again, and after one lesson I have already noticed an improvement. I highly recommend him to anyone who is serious about their vocal training.
Working with David has completely changed how I think about learning to sing. I’ve found vocal exercises on YouTube in the past, but what has really fast-tracked my progress is having someone with decades of experience who can immediately hear what I’m doing wrong and know exactly how to fix it. All those little adjustments really add up, and I can hear how much better and cleaner my voice is becoming. I’ve enjoyed both the in-person lessons as well as the online ones, and I’ve been really impressed by how much progress I’ve made working with him.
In only a couple of voice lessons with David Sabella, I have picked up more unique vocal skills and practical knowledge about my voice than I ever expected in such a short period of time. David’s teaching works particularly well he understands the internal workings of my instrument — how it was trained, how I instinctively use it, and how to take that technique into other styles of singing without losing what makes my voice uniquely mine. That is a rare gift from a voice teacher. I’m already using things he has taught me, and we’ve barely gotten started.
David teaches and explains things in a way that truly makes sense to me. He is patient and understanding of any hurdles I’ve faced along the way. We’ve done most of our lessons virtually, but the systems he has in place create such a seamless experience that it often feels as though we’re in the room together. Whether you’re just beginning your journey in music or you’re a seasoned professional, I highly recommend working with David. His guidance and direction can help you achieve your goals—not only as a vocalist, but as a well-rounded performer.
Rates & Scheduling
Lessons are available for both returning clients and new students.
Voice Technique & Performance Sessions
60-Minute Session:
$150 USD
45-Minute Session:
$125 USD
4-Lesson Package (60 min):
$500 USD
(Brings each 60-minute lesson down to $125)
Specialty Coaching & Mentoring
Career Mentoring:
Available at an exclusive studio rate of $100 USD per hour. (Non-singing session)
Acting / Directing: Private and group classes in Acting, Scene Study, and Audition Prep are available at standard hourly rates. (Directorial projects and Cabaret show development are quoted per project).
*PLEASE NOTE
Lessons happening at the live Manhattan Studio location will incur an additional room rental fee for the studio, which varies depending upon the location. Please ask for details.