What are people saying about Abrom Vocal Studio? 

From Professionals

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Stephanie Zimmerman

"During a total thyroidectomy in July of 2016 to remove cancer, my superior laryngeal nerve was damaged.  As a mezzo soprano, I was devastated to no longer be able to sing much above middle C.  My voice was weak and would cut in and out.  I began work with speech and vocal therapists in Philadelphia, but the commute was too much.  I began work with a local speech therapist and after a couple of months she said it was time for me to begin working on my singing voice.  Joanne Abrom was recommended as a voice instructor in the area.  I began lessons with her in May of 2017 and have not looked back!  She helped me to overcome my fear of reaching for the high notes again.  She made sure I had a green light from my otolaryngologist and speech therapist.  Everything looked healed, I just needed the confidence to sing again.  We started slowly with SOVT (Semi Occluded Vocal Tract) exercises.  When the mouth is partially closed, back pressure reflects at the lips to help the folds vibrate with more ease and less muscular effort.  We progressed to singing songs and now I am totally back with all of the singing groups I had left last year - a cantor and member of my church choir, and a member of LaLaLuna, a small all female singing group.  What a blessing!  I'm so grateful for her continued help as now I will become a better singing as I continue my lessons with Joanne!"

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Melissa Rivera

As someone who has earned an master's degree in music, I was skeptical about taking lessons with someone who did not have a PhD or was not a university professor. All my concerns were put to rest within the first 10 minutes of my first lesson.  She listened to me when I explained my goals and challenges, and was well versed in advanced classical repertoire. She was skilled in several technique approaches and knew exactly what teaching method to use on me, even though I was quite a bit more educationally advanced than some of her other students. She balanced my classical and musical theatre training masterfully and without hesitance. I always left every lesson feeling productive and inspired! She is a gem in Lancaster county!

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Huy Nguyen

Fourteen years ago, I was an avid musical theater actor. I was part of my college choir. Life and career took me away from those things until recently. Having not sung in so long, I knew that I would need someone to teach me how to do so again. Fortunately, I was able to find Joanne. She helped me to get back to where I was, and helped me to go even further. I've watched her ability to teach those who are far younger than myself, and I experienced first hand what she could do with a male in his mid 30's. She has a vast amount of technical knowledge and is always finding ways to help me improve. It's because of her that I landed my first leading role in a musical. I'm very grateful for all that she has taught me, and I look forward to learning even more!
Huy Nguyen 

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Dot Minshall-Smith

I can not say enough good things about Joanne's quality and style of teaching. She is ever the professional in knowing about tried and true vocal techniques, as well as keeping abreast of the latest developments in technique and repertoire. As a professional music educator myself (piano, children’s choir, and drama), who enjoys doing musical theater and drama as a hobby, I have found her skills are enabling me to develop and maintain better vocal techniques for myself, as well as giving me more tools to work with the children and adults that cross my own path. She has provided valuable help in guiding me in selecting age appropriate music and dialogues to prepare for many successful auditions. I also appreciate the wide range of music styles that she is able to cover successfully. Beyond the music, Joanne is a kind and compassionate teacher, who often goes the extra mile to support her students, traits which I greatly admire. I really enjoy my
lessons and hope to be able to continue working with her for years to come.

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Sarah N. Fieger
Miss Southeastern PA 2016, Finalist at Miss PA 2017

I had taken voice lessons with a few other teachers before switching to Joanne Abrom. Joanne is simply the best. Do I need to say anything else? While taking voice lessons with Joanne, I improved tremendously with my vocal control, technique, ability, musicality, and confidence. I completely attribute my improved abilities to
Joanne and her teaching. Also, I strongly believe I would be a very different vocalist without her. In addition to her incredibly teaching skills, Joanne is compassionate, kind, and has the ability to make her students feel special and comfortable in and outside of lessons. Also, her guidance while I was preparing for Miss Pennsylvania was invaluable. Without a doubt, I would recommend Joanne a 100 times over to anyone looking to improve their skills in multiple different ways and become the best they possibly can be.
Sarah N. Fieger, Miss Southeastern PA 2016, Finalist at Miss PA 2017.

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​Nathan T. Rousseau

​Many vocal instructors fall into two camps, either they bombard you with so much technical knowledge that you’re head will explode, or they gloss over the technical aspects and expect you to just “feel” what’s correct. Then there’s Joanna Abrom. She knows her stuff, but she teaches you the technical aspects of voice through hands-on exercises that you can understand. It’s a perfect blend. I know that there have been many times where Joanne has had me do some extremely simple technique and it changed the entire way I approached singing. I had so many “why didn’t I think of that,” moments. She would also get just as exited as me when something finally clicked and my voice improved. It made it much harder to lose heart if I wasn’t getting something because she was so gosh darn encouraging! She’s real with you, and she won’t sugarcoat issues, but she will use all of her knowledge to help you to resolve those issues. And she can absolutely do it! I really loved her teaching style because I understood what the end result was a lot of the time, and she had given me the technical knowledge, so the “aha” moments were a joyous occasion. And let’s not forget that her knowledge of acting will help you just as much as her knowledge of voice. She will not only build your voice up, but she will help you connect fully to your character and give you many ideas of how to connect to the words you’re singing. This is a very valuable skill to have taught because the voice alone will get get you much less than the voice paired seamlessly with a believable character. Did I mention how good a friend she is too? She will not settle for only a teacher-student bond. She’ll ask about your life and you’ll definitely hear about her’s as well. Class is a breeze because you’ll be comfortable with her and not intimidated. You’ll also laugh a lot. Joanne’s sense of humor is so unique and made me love classes with her all the more! ​

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From Parents

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Joanna Whitcraft
​parent of Maddie Whitcraft; youth actress and singer (with Mrs. Abrom since 2012)

​My daughter has been taking vocal lessons from Mrs. Abrom for several years. During that time, Joanne has prepared her for multiple auditions and callbacks, introduced new songs and genres, taught warm-ups and vocal techniques, and become a very important and special part of my daughter’s life. Joanne finds the perfect music to fit my daugther’s vocal range and cuts the music appropriately for the auditions. She has high expectations and raises the bar when the time is right. She is constantly challenging her students to reach farther. She understands the rigorous schedules of families and children who are involved in many things in the community. Joanne Abrom is one of a kind, a true professional, and a wonderful mentor!

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Linda and Kayla

Joanne is an AMAZING teacher! My daughter and I cannot say enough wonderful things about the work she does training people to find their singing voices. Joanne knows each of her students as individuals, and she knows how to build on their strengths and encourage them to take risks. Joanne supports her students by attending their shows and concerts, and she never lets a student lose faith in his or her ability to sing. Joanne is a professional through and through. At the same time, she is warm and personable, with a studio that is a safe place to learn, make mistakes, and grow. My daughter and I are grateful to have found Joanne's studio and are thrilled that my daughter can work with this remarkable woman! Hugs: Linda and Kayla!!​

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Robin Stutzman

My daughter Bethany and I attended Joanne Abrom's college planning seminar last year. Considering that my daughter only decided to major in musical theatre late in her junior year of high school, we were anxious to know the procedures and criteria needed for such an undertaking. Joanne's class offered everything that we needed for the process. 
We found the timelines and resources pertaining to getting into colleges very valuable as we immersed ourselves in trying to put everything into place. We also appreciated how Joanne shared her own personal experiences of helping her own children complete the process. Personally I don't think we would have gotten everything together without the encouragement, follow through, resources, and instruction Joanne offered to us.
​After researching schools and following Joanne's outlined plan, Bethany auditioned for the school of her choice and received notification of acceptance to Rider University with a scholarship for the fall of 2017 for a BFA in Musical Theatre. ​

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Holly Heitmann

We are so grateful for Joanne. She is an invaluable support to not just my son, her student, but me, the mom! Being unfamiliar with the musical theatre world, Joanne has walked us all through what we need to know. She teaches skills and techniques, and helps pick the perfect songs for auditions. Joanne strikes a perfect balance between hand holding and sending her students off to perform with independence and confidence

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 Steph Schreyer

​My husband and I attended Joanne’s college seminar last year and got all the information we needed to start the college process with our daughter (was a rising HS Junior looking to major in Musical Theatre).  Although we had just sent our oldest daughter to college just a year before, there was still so much more to learn.  Her experience with the nuances of college requirements for Performing Arts Majors is invaluable.  I have read online of other Musical Theatre families paying hundreds of dollars over many months on “college coaches” for the same information Joanne provided at the seminar.  Our daughter and family feel much more prepared and confident as we get ready to start the application and audition process this Fall. 

From Youth students

I have been Joanne's student for five years at this point, and her teaching and counsel has been so influential in my life. I came in as a sixth grader with potential, and I now consider singing to be one of my largest passions and my voice to be one of my most effective tools in communicating and ministering to people, as well as simply having fun. Joanne has helped me pursue my love for worship leading, musical theatre, and classical training. Besides all of this, she is an absolute pleasure to talk with. She is an instructor as well as a friend. She has such an incredible expertise and a genuine love for each of her students! 
 
-Aria Rajnic

TESTIMONIALS

I have worked with teachers of many different subjects, all of my adult life. Joanne Abrom holds her own as one of the best.  She understands all facets of vocal music, and is able to help her students not only to understand the involved issues, but to be able to use that knowledge to achieve a high level of vocal music performance. She relishes in their successes, and helps them through their challenges.

Joanne understands the ancillary issues surrounding the world of the arts, and unreservedly shares that knowledge with her students.  She has the gift of being able to verbalize for her students, their individual vocal needs, and the knowledge to help her students reach their goals.  
Joanne has high standards.  She expects her students to work, both inside and outside of her studio. She is honest and open, and takes a true interest in each member of her flock of students, musically, and personally.  As a music educator, I find very interesting, her ability to move seamlessly from music theory, through serious choral,  opera, and musical theater literature, to the theory and practice of vocal sound production, in one lesson - finding the perfect segues to tie it all together.

Joanne’s vast knowledge of the theory, practice, and literature of vocal music in all genres, mixed with her natural sense of humor, her ability to instill love and respect for the arts, and her absolute commitment to the best interests of her students, make her an exceptional teacher.   Her students are blessed...
Bill Stine – father of Sarah
Music Educator  
Hempfield, Manheim Township,
Lebanon Valley College

"I am the parent of one of Mrs. Abrom’s students.  Mrs. Abrom is a priceless gift to our family.  Not only is she a highly educated individual but she also is an amazing vocalist. In addition to these musical accomplishments, she is also the parent to 3 beautiful talented daughters.  Because of this, she is extremely sensitive to the needs and issues of both parents and children.  She can relate to the scheduling challenges of both generations. One does not typically find this multi-faceted package in one individual… Mrs. Abrom is a rare find!

Over the years she has worked with my son and his voice has grown to astonishing maturity.  She is very knowledgeable in age specific vocal ranges.  Besides her extreme professionalism, she has a lovely sense of humor, she is fun! Her beauty shines throughout her classes and my son always leaves her upbeat and enthusiastic.  Every experience in her presence is always positive, from the waiting room she provides for us parents to the studio perfectly equipped for her students.

Currently my son is a senior and he is interested in pursuing music in college.  Mrs. Abrom is essentially leading us through this college search.  Because of her love for music and her students, she is donating extra energy guiding us through this very daunting college process.  She is well informed on the various university’s reputations, knowledgeable with vocal selections, arranged CD production and advised us with the challenges of auditions.  We are so very grateful. ..We love you Mrs. Abrom"      Gale Zorian, parent of Warren Pace, senior, aspiring Music Major

"Joanne has a way of completely preparing her students for any situation or circumstance that could possibly arise during any particular audition. I have felt most prepared for those auditions and call backs that I have specifically worked on in a lesson with Joanne, and those very auditions have time and time again led to the contracts that I have booked! Not only is she a wonderful voice teacher as far as developing strong technique and building a great repertoire, but Joanne is also an amazing voice coach who truly cares about her students and their success! Her extensive knowledge of and passion for music and musical theater, along with her dedication to her students and attention to detail, make Joanne an exceptionally outstanding voice teacher! "-
 Katie McCarty, professional actress; currently playing Belle in Disney Hong Kong, and previously Belle at Universal Studios Orlando

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" I started studying voice with Joanne because I wanted to work on my chest voice and belt. I am a classically trained soprano, and she taught me valuable techniques for belting that no other voice teacher could properly explain to me in the past.  She also made great suggestions for audition pieces that fit my voice and personality, and worked with me to expand my audition repertoire.  I continued to work with Joanne while I was performing in leading roles at the Dutch Apple and the Fulton Theatre.  I have since moved away from Lancaster, but I still use my recorded voice lessons for practice--Joanne recorded a CD of each lesson that I could take with me."
Meghan Garstang, professional equity actress, Peggy in 42nd Street (Fulton Opera House); Judy in White Christmas, (Dutch Apple), National Tours, Walnut Street, Westchester Broadway Theatre

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"Joanne’s vocal instruction and overall musicianship exceeds being superb. Her knowledge of the anatomy of the voice mechanism is extensive.   She can precisely describe the physiology required for proper production, even seeing the tension needing to be released.  She fluidly demonstrates the exercises/vocalises in such a way that can be fully understood and grasped by any level of student with ease.  There is so much to glean from Joanne; whether you wish to gain some performance confidence, improve breath control, select suitable songs for your voice, learn how to properly “belt”, produce a fuller sound or find out what is required to prepare for the big audition…..she is your best teacher choice in the area.  Joanne exudes kindness, patience and humor in each lesson making the overall experience rewarding, fun and successful.  I am sincerely thrilled to have her as my instructor and enthusiastically anticipate each lesson.  I only wish I had started studying with Joanne sooner."  
Stacia R. Smith, actress, Temple University vocal music graduate

"Music, especially singing, has always been an integral part of our family life.   When our daughter began to sing many years ago we never dreamed that at the young age of 12 she would be diagnosed with a neurological disorder that would impede her ability not only to speak but also to sing.  The silence in our home was deafening. After speech therapy and other  treatments, Taylor was able to strengthen her voice and begin singing again.  When she decided that it was time to audition for County Chorus she began voice lessons with Joanne.  Joanne spent time with us getting as much information on Taylor’s disorder as she could and also did additional research on her own.  Joanne has worked with Taylor to prepare for auditions and musicals not only to keep her voice strong but also to build her confidence.  Thanks to Joanne, Taylor performed in her first musical this spring with a strong voice and a confidence we didn’t know she had.  Joanne, of course, was in the audience cheering her on!"
Jamie and Allyson Muir
Parents of Taylor Muir- Hempfield High School Class of 2011

"Mrs. Abrom consistently gives my young son and daughter a sense of pride and accomplishment during their lessons.  She is very motivating and encourages them to challenge themselves vocally each week.  She not only helps them grow vocally, but also teaches them performance skills such as facial expressions,professionalism, performance etiquette, how to use eye contact appropriately, and voice projection when speaking and singing.  She has been immensely helpful  with song selection and choosing music that is suitable for their ages and vocal  abilities.  It has been very helpful and beneficial that she is an excellent  pianist as well.  Her knowledge of the local and extended theater industry has  been immensely valuable to us, as we have asked her advice numerous times  regarding auditions.  My children look forward to each voice lesson with Mrs.  Abrom and will for years to come." 
~Jennifer Norgaard, parent of professional young actors Sydney and Brady

My son has been taking voice lessons with Joanne for 4 years. In addition to her wonderful skills as a vocal teacher, Joanne stands out for her incredibly kind, caring nature. She is clearly very passionate about what she does and takes a true interest in her students as people, not simply as singers. In these years she has been a great counselor, an inspiring mentor, a patient teacher, and a wonderful role model. We are very fortunate and grateful for her guidance and 
friendship.

~Daniela Ciceri Simpson, parent of Lorenzo Simspon, 1st place Tenor 2, at All-Eastern, All-State, Regionals, Districts, and County's. Classical singer Competition, and Washington National Opera Young Artist

During the four years my daughter has been a student of Abrom Vocal Studio, Mrs. Abrom has been able to bring out the best in my daughter. She is not only highly-skilled and educated in the practice of vocal pedagogy, but she also cares about her students and wants to see them succeed. She has the ability to motivate my daughter in ways I have never been able to do. During our time with her, she has become much more than just a voice teacher. She is a mentor, life coach, cheerleader, and friend. Mrs. Abrom is so willing to 'go the extra mile' with her students, whether helping them prepare for a county music festival, or an upcoming audition. We are blessed in our community to have such a knowledgeable resource!"
Miki Hanna, parent of Maddie Broderick, high school student; County and District Chorus, Musical leads,

How to describe Joanne and what she has brought to our daughter’s learning and enjoyment of using her voice is difficult to put on  paper as it seems to minimalize the depth to which we feel the following sentiments.
 
Joanne has the ability to teach  every age and vocal level.  Her teaching techniques greatly extend over and above basic singing skills and transcend far beyond mere enunciation, pitch, development, methods, and audition skills. She can talk with a student, no matter the age, and make her instructions clear, understandable, and retainable.  Joanne can convey the proper use of each part of the body used in singing and is genuinely excited at the growth of her pupils. Herpassion for teaching is evident in every  lesson, but even more important to mention would be her compassion for each and every one of her students.  She has a genuine interest and caring for her students and always stays abreast of
their latest endeavors.We are so thankful that we placed our  daughter’s lessons into Joanne’s very               capable hands.

~Nancy Elledge, parent of Lauren Elledge, young professional actress

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I don't know how we would have navigated the audition process for college without you! Not only did you give Amanda instruction on vocal technique, but you helped her with monologues (great referral to Marion) and gave her so much info on the whole process. You helped to instill in her the confidence she needed to succeed. I also feel that you have a way of encouraging students,but being honest with them, as well. I know Amanda valued your criticism even more than your encouragement. She loved the way you would lead her to a different approach so that she might stretch her wings and go out of her comfort zone. The decision to have Amanda study with you was one of the best we've made  for her! Thank you for all you have done!
Dawn Hornberger, parent of Amanda Hornberger, current Musical Theatre student at Central Florida University

I have no musical background or abilities but was blessed with children that love music. When it was clear that one of our daughters had a strong interest in singing she started lessons with Joanne.Over the past 2 years she has helped both me and Sheridan better  understand the voice as an instrument - showing us diagrams of the various  components that make up “the voice”.She quickly established a nurturing and trusting relationship with my daughter, which was so important in order to give open and honest feedback. The results of Joanne’s teaching are obvious to everyone that works with Sheridan (school, church, theater). She has made huge strides in her vocal abilities and continues  to grow after every lesson.We are so  blessed to have Joanne as a coach, mentor and advisor in our daughter’s life.
Stephanie Schreyer, parent of Sheridan Schreyer, middle school student

"Joanne is a personable, caring, and talented vocal teacher of the highest caliber. Great with all ages and types, she is as adept at teaching the casual person just starting to sing as she is the serious professional. Without her, it would have been impossible for me to place first at District Choir, and I thoroughly recommend her to anyone who wants to take their singing (whether it be choral, musical theater, or contemporary) to the next level"
 Cory Fedorovich, high school baritone, placed first in District chorus, Lion in Wizard of Oz, Jack in Into the Woods, lead in Starmites; Regional chorus, and All-States

"Joanne has helped me grow as a performer, future teacher and all around musician over the past six years. She is a wonderful teacher and mentor whom I consider myself very close to. Not only did I have a wonderful vocal coach, but a wonderful friend as well. I would recommend any music-seeking student to her!" 
Steph Hallet, college student majoring in music at IUP

Jo is not only a gifted teacher, but a skilled performer in her own right. She contentiously continues to broaden her knowledge and grow in her craft so that she can pass on the latest and best techniques, giving her students the confidence and ability to shine in auditions and performances. Her empathy and kindness makes every student, from the youngest to the oldest, feel cared for and encouraged. I highly recommend her to anyone pursuing vocal excellence and confident performance!" Roxanne Wolgemuth, director at York Little Theatre, singer, actress, student and mother or a student. 

“Joanne’s voice captures one’s heart through a combination of professional excellence and sincerity. Whether singing or dancing, she is both humble and inspiring.”
Keith E. Yoder, Ed. D.