2005 Update: After giving private voiceover lessons in my home-based studio since 1995, I have now added a whole new dimension to my teaching career. I've been named the Dean of Students with the New York Voiceover Academy, headquartered within The Stage Theatre complex in Merrick, Long Island. Our website is www.newyorkvoiceoveracademy.com. When I began teaching, I made two great discoveries: First, that I truly enjoyed the role of mentor. Mel Blanc gave lessons (I was even involved with his school of voiceovers); so have many renowned actors and directors, who certainly didn't need the money. They've all known the secret: teaching is enormously satisfying. Second, teaching actually makes me a better director and voice artist. It forces me to articulate, and demonstrate, everything that I've learned during more than four decades in this business. The feedback helps me stay sharp, so I welcome it!

Now, I must admit, I never imagined I'd ever have the word "dean" in front of my name, but I like what it has enabled me to do. The first opportunity that presented itself was the chance to design and build a brand-new, state-of-the-art training and production studio. I was able to it to specify every aspect of its construction from the ground up, to create my "dream" studio. I can truthfully say that it's one of the most beautiful and functional studios that you're ever likely to see. I'm tremendously proud of it. I'm also proud to continue the same policies that have worked so well for my students all these years. These policies include:

No financial commitment - Most voiceover training companies want you to pay up-front for a "course" of 6 to 12 lessons. Could it be they fear you'll become disillusioned, and stop attending after the first few times? I've never offered restrictive "package" deals. With NYVA, you simply pay as you go and advance at your own pace...just as you would with private music lessons. You'll never be forced to sign any contracts (although you can earn discounted rates by paying for multiple lessons in advance). Through the years, my students have continued with me because they enjoy and benefit from my lessons, not because they were obligated to do so. I've never offered "package" deals,

Work with actual broadcast "copy" supplied by me - Can you imagine a teacher telling you to go out and find your own scripts to read in class? I can't...yet that's what many do. As far as I'm concerned, it's simply a case of inexcusable laziness on their part. I provide "real" copy for every lesson, carefully chosen to advance your specific goals. The focus of what you read is kept on your area of interest, whether it's commercials, corporate or educational narration, audiobooks, or cartoon and character voices. "One size fits all" certainly does NOT work in teaching voiceovers!

Record in a voice-over studio every time - You can't learn to drive a car by reading a book...you have to get behind the wheel. By the same token, you can't learn to feel at home in a voice-over studio without actually working in one. Yet many instructors give their lessons in an ordinary room (sometimes their living room, or a rented hotel room), with nothing more than a cassette "boombox" for recording. I consider that inexcusable, too. My classes are always conducted in NYVA's own digital production studio, complete with a spacious, air-conditioned voice-over booth. You always get lots of time "on-mic" at every lesson, and because of this, you can choose to...

Incorporate your class recordings into your demo - Since you record in class with all the fidelity of a CD, the readings you like can be incorporated into your demo. Any performance that you feel came out especially well in class is "banked." That way, you're building your demo as you progress, and avoiding the expense and pressure of a separate "one shot" demo session at the conclusion of your classes. Recording over multiple visits, rather than trying to do it all in one sitting, is much more relaxed...and you end up with a more carefully considered presentation. Fees include all music, sound effects, etc. As they say, you only get one chance to make a first impression; I want yours to be really great.

One-on-one classes, tailored to fit your schedule and budget - I offer individualized attention and flexible study options. For example, you decide how long you want your sessions to be...one hour or two; every week or every other week, etc. In years past, I've even had two students who came from out of state (one from D.C., the other from Cleveland), and took 4 to 6 hour lessions once a month. (It wasn't actually so far-fetched. One was a commercial pilot; the other, a lawyer with business in New York.)

So, what do we charge at NYVA? Well, quite a bit less than most voiceover instructors in either New York or LA!

Private Lessons are 1 HOUR for $50. I've found out that there are other instructors who have the nerve to charge as much as $150 per hour for the "privilege" of reading copy aloud in their living rooms...and students are even required to find their own ad copy! A heavily-advertised female instructor in New Jersey claims to charge $300 an hour. Personally, I think that's outrageous. That's why my one-on-one classes at NYVA are priced more like ordinary singing or musical instrument lessons. Please inquire about the availability of the days and times you prefer. Evening appointments fill up fast, so I encourage you to book daytime lessons if your schedule permits. The most frequently chosen schedule is a one hour lesson, once a week. COPY INTERPRETATION is the primary focus, but great emphasis is also placed on PERSONAL MARKETING STRATEGIES for breaking into the voice-over field. With the new technologies, finding an agent is much less important than knowing how to market yourself through more creative alternative means.

Group Lessons are 2 HOURS for $25. That's just $12.50 an hour! I don't know of any voiceover school offering a more affordable way to get into a real studio every week, receive detailed feedback and instruction, and "bank" actual performances for a demo! Please call for more information.

Of course, you may simply want to improve your speaking ability. My lessons assist you in achieving first-rate reading ability, smooth phrasing and breath control, and superb diction, free of regional accents. You'll develop the ability to make your reading sound as natural as if you're not reading at all. My students have included school teachers, police officers, salespeople, computer programmers, truck drivers and business men and women who were seeking career advancement through more polished and effective speech.

The next step: a free consultation. Call me at (516) 997-5795, and we'll set up a time when you and I can visit in the studio for about an hour. Ask all the questions you want, discuss your career goals, and listen to samples of things I've produced. It's absolutely free and there's no obligation. It will help you determine if voiceovers...and the New York Voiceover Academy...are right for you.

Thanks for your consideration. I look forward to meeting you.

Chuck McKibben

TOP OF PAGE