Student Experiences with ANTONIO MARIA LANCUBA

Testimonials

James De Montfort

I remember listening to operatic music for the first time and immediately falling in love with the beautiful melodies and the incredibly powerful emotional content. But at the same time I found myself put off by the voices that sang this music.

Of course, I was not an expert in “Natural Voice Production” at the time, but something in the back of my mind told me that these voices were unnatural. Coincidently it was at this time that I met Antonio. I was informed that he was a singing teacher and I was curious to ask him his opinions on singing. The small amount of information he told me struck a chord with me and I decided then and there to take lessons from him.

However, I was not prepared for the amazing wealth of knowledge he possessed on the subject and what he would be able to do with my voice. Antonio introduced me to some of the greatest singers of the Golden Age including Enrico Caruso, Beniamino Gigli and Rosa Ponselle. I was absolutely amazed, I had never in my entire life heard voices like these and I could not believe the freedom, power and beauty that these singers possessed, and how they were completely different to the voices of today. Finally I had discovered voices that I loved singing the music I loved. I was hooked and had to learn how these singers sang the way they did.

Unfortunately when I started studying with Antonio my voice was extremely husky and I spoke with a great deal of pressure in my throat. I had no power, no colour, no freedom, no flexibility, and a fairly small vocal range. Yet after several months of lessons with Antonio my voice had completely changed. He had released a huge amount of pressure from my throat, and had begun to open it up. I could now sing with a level of power that I never thought would be possible in my wildest dreams. In addition, I could now sing much higher notes; notes that I never thought I would be able to reach. This was just the beginning. As I continued studying with Antonio, my voice became less and less husky, more focussed, even more powerful, and my range continued to expand. I have come to learn that “Natural Voice Production” is not just limited to one style of music, but is the only way to sing all music whether it be pop, rock, classical, jazz or anything else.

Thank you Antonio for this wonderful gift, I will be forever grateful for all that you have taught me!

Antonio Rullez

I have been studying singing with Antonio Maria Lancuba of the AML Golden Voice Studio since October 2000. Since then Antonio has taught me to sing in a way that is uninhibited and totally natural, which not only protects the voice but actually produces the most beautiful sound, with bone resonance emanating from the entire body and a natural ring (“squillo”) in the voice which is not often heard in modern day singing.

Moreover this singing technique has enabled me in my live performances, to freely engage in any form of expression and/or dance that I desire, knowing that the voice is physiologically free and totally supported by the abdomen and corresponding back muscles. The technique taught by Antonio is not limited to any particular style. In essence, Antonio has taught me how to use the voice – I have then been able to successfully apply this to any style of music that I wish.

I have been writing and recording music since February 2000 and recently, an international artist manager and record company director came across some recordings of mine that I had placed on the internet. The first thing that he was most impressed with was my voice – both the quality of the tone and the beauty and emotion in my singing. Since then, this international manager has enabled me to have signed a recording contract with an emerging international record label; consequently, I will be releasing my first single overseas later this year. This would not have been possible without Antonio’s training and guidance. Antonio is more than a vocal coach; he enables one to realise the full potential of one’s voice not only through a mastery of vocal technique but also, via use of the resonances of the entire body, through a deep connection to one’s innermost thoughts and feelings, thus producing singing which is indeed beautiful and inspired. Antonio is truly a master of his craft.

Walter Musolino

I’d gone through 6 singing teachers before Antonio. I was in despair.

Antonio has been healing my voice, my spirit. No more mere scales or singing a song stressfully pushing. But tailored physiological work to unravel knots and tensions. What other teachers called my limitations. Now, two and a half years of no blood but sweat – and occasional tears – I’m starting to soar. So beautiful, like nature intended: so natural!

Ron White

(B.A., Melb., CAHRI )

I came to the AML Golden Voice Studio after 38 years without a singing teacher, as a veteran of 5 teachers and a good deal of opera/choral experience.

I have now been learning from Mr. Antonio Maria Lancuba for 19 months and have found him to be very knowledgeable in respect of the physiology of the voice and of the breath support; and of ways to use the voice naturally for optimum effect.

Antonio bases his approach on that of the famous Italian masters of the “Bel Canto” school; and he has a passionate belief in his quest for clean legato singing, with clear diction and an unforced, untrammelled projection of sound. He pays great attention to the pupil’s ‘critical listening’ ability and insists (rightly!) on correct ‘tuning’ of the voice on all pitches and all vowels within the compass.

Antonio has largely smoothed out my ‘wobbles’ (partly due to age and bad vocal techniques and approaches) and has increased the volume and range of my voice. At my age of 71 that is a real achievement.

Vanessa Giordano

My process studying with Antonio has been and still is one of incredible personal growth and transformation in learning to connect with a far deeper understanding of my voice.

When I first began singing lessons I learnt from a number of teachers yet I felt that there was something more that I needed to know. Antonio has been my greatest (question & answer) advisor, guide and mentor and through his guidance of the natural singing technique my voice has flourished.

The process of vocal studies itself has challenged me on every level yet these challenges have helped to develop my voice. I started my lessons with a number of vocal problems which included complete tone deafness, an imbalanced voice and a minimal understanding of music. However, even so, these problems are currently being healed and corrected using an intense program of varied and focused scale work patterns combined with a most unique and natural vocal singing physiology and natural breath support mechanism. Under Antonio’s guidance one feels a strong sense of security, assuredness and trust based on his incredible knowledge and experience of the voice.

Through this study process and Antonio’s dedicated teaching I am not only finding my voice, but the voice that I am developing is that of my own. It has its own uniqueness and does not require conscious effort to produce the sound. It is my natural voice. I am constantly surprised and excited as I hear it develop and grow into newer wonderful sounds, multiple resonances, more extended vocal range, colourful tone and liberated vocal freedom.

Studying with Antonio is a true gift. I have not only found a teacher but a musical mentor and inspiration who believes and supports me in finding my voice and accomplishing my dreams. I recommend Antonio with confidence and highest regard to those who want to find their true voice and be a student of understanding the gifts that they have, because he is the teacher that will help you accomplish this.

Steva Pajic

Ever since I was a child I have aspired to sing like the great tenors of the early 20th century, however I have always felt that such a dream was an impossibility due to the then limited range of my voice.

Hence I originally came to AML Golden Voice Studio as an aspiring bass/baritone with a fake and pushed timbre. Four years later and thanks to Antonio and his teachings I am now back on path towards realizing my dream of one day singing as a tenor at the great opera houses around the world.

Caroline Chong

When I first came to AML Golden Voice Studio, I was tone deaf and had no projection.

After studying with Antonio for a while and learning how to sing using natural techniques, my tuning has significantly improved and I can be heard more than a few metres away without microphone aids. Since learning about where the voice should be placed, how it should sit and where the vibrations should be felt, much of the pressure that I used to feel when singing has gone and my voice is freer. Moreover, the process of tightening my vocal cords and focusing the voice has allowed me to sing with accuracy and precision.

More Personal Reflections......

At the beginning of 2005, I started studying the voice and singing at AML Golden Voice Studio. Used to other methods, I got a bit of a shock when Antonio informed me that I would be singing scales, and almost only scales, for the next few years. Before going to AML, and learning about natural singing, I used to find it difficult to completely control my voice, pitching and range. However, after learning and employing a natural technique, I am now finding that I am able to not only control my voice and have a consistent range, but that I also added about half an octave to a range which I thought was already settled.

Although I have worked on a few songs, I have mostly been singing scales, which are used to cement a sound technical base for the voice. I am finding that gaining such a solid technique has been extremely beneficial, as when I now sing, I am discovering that I do not need to concentrate so much on what I am doing technically, and can begin to concentrate on other aspects of performing such as emotion, stance and gesture.

Moreover, I have found that belonging to the AML Golden Voice Studio Choir, Voce D’oro, has helped me to sing in a choral/group environment (and it has also introduced me to a lovely group of people who are supportive and helpful.)

Before going to AML Golden Voice Studio, I used to find that when I sang, there would be a lot of pressure on my vocal cords, which made my voice heavy and often hard to direct where I wanted it to go. Since employing this natural singing technique, however, my voice has become much lighter, and I now do not have to worry about the continual pressure that I used to feel. The other benefit of my voice being lighter, is that I can move it with more agility and in the direction I want it to go, as opposed to only being able to move it in a limited way. Another thing which I have noticed is that my clarity and diction is much clearer and I can be understood much more easily.

In sum, I have found that my voice has changed dramatically (for the better!!) over the last three years and I am able to produce sounds and notes that I only ever dreamed of before. Without this natural technique, I know that I would never be able to produce the quality of singing which I am now finding I have.

Nick Rowe

Antonio understands singing. It is that simple.

Listen to the best singers in the world and they all have one thing in common, great technique. This is what Antonio teaches to his students, the same technique that all the best singers have understood. Yes it takes time and one must be patient. However, the rewards are amazing. So if you are patient and you want to learn to sing like the best, look no further. All the proof you need is in the results.

Jennifer Cheng

After resisting and fearing the idea of vocal lessons from years of observing singing teachers and their techniques and logic that requires “putting on” a particular voice and sometimes distortion of the body, I finally met Antonio, a person who truly understands and believes that singing should be done as naturally as speaking.

Antonio is not just a singing teacher, he is an expert in general voice production. I have discovered the potential of my natural voice and it has been enhanced, not changed, by Antonio’s instruction and coaching, and through learning about the physiological aspects of the voice, we’ve worked towards resonance, not belting or yelling or whispering to try and sound sweet. It’s amazing, and it is entirely natural!

Many vocal students end up being unable to sing in music styles besides the one they were coached to sing, but because Antonio’s teaching is focused on natural voice production, not a specific style of music, I am not limited to singing classical, pop, rock, jazz or any other music genre, I can use his logic and techniques to sing across any style, I am only limited by my own preferences! Antonio has been the only teacher I have been willing to take lessons with – the voice is such a precious instrument - and I know that as long as I am passionate about music and voice production, Antonio will provide the best guidance to me, to find the most natural way towards the ‘Golden Voice’ that touches not only ears, but hearts too.

Marion Lathem Binks

I came to Antonio as a mature student who had never had a voice lesson, and was immediately impressed with his enthusiasm and knowledge of technique.

He told me that my voice had the potential to develop into a big dramatic contralto - hard to imagine when it started as such a small, weak instrument.

Now, after just over two years hard work, all that Antonio promised is coming true and I have been given solo roles in concerts outside the studio ranging from early church music to Gilbert & Sullivan. I look forward to continuing the journey to become a well respected classical singer.

Alia Milano

Alleluia! Finally a singing teacher who knows how to work my individual voice and develop my inner talents and abilities.

I have worked with many singing teachers and have not felt so relieved and excited as I have felt with Antonio during our singing lessons. I feel comfortable and in control with my singing. It just feels right and the results are just delightful and so real! Thank God for Antonio and his gift and wonderful passion for teaching singing. I can now finally see myself achieving my singing goals and beyond. Thanks to Golden Voice!

Thanx Antonio

Rebecca Thomas

When I first came to the studio, my sound was very breathy and quiet, but after working with James and Antonio, my voice has sealed up a lot, and become very powerful.

My tuning is much more consistent, and I can definitely be heard nowadays!

Melanie Mills

I have been having singing lessons with antonio for two years. I had previously done singing lessons with many other teachers but never gained such results.

Now when I sing I feel absolutely no strain but only pleasurable resonance and elastic tension. Antonio not only shows me how to sing freely but also teaches me what is happening in my body. Antonio works with me on my needs and at my pace. My voice has improved greatly since learning from Antonio and I recommed his teaching method of Natural Voice Production to anyone who loves to sing freely and wants to meet their potential.

James Coyle

My name is James Coyle, and ever since I joined the AML Golden Voice Studio in South Melbourne, Victoria, I have discovered amazing changes in my vocal technique, performance standard, and general comfort while singing.

It has become a lot easier to sing in all genres and not only that, I have found new power in my voice that shocked my friends and family after only a bare few productive lessons. My work with Antonio Maria Lancuba has been extremely progressive throughout my short stay of 1 year at the studio, and I have not only developed a range I once thought impossible to achieve, but my general happiness and confidence has increased to a level where I anxiously wait for a chance to sing in front of a crowd. I have noticed a great difference between the teachings of the studio compared to other previous singing teachers I have learned from in the past. The method I now use can only be explained by me as ….free. The work I do with Antonio just seems right, my instincts tell me that if I continue on into the future with this studio's "Natural" acoustic approach to singing and singing physiologyI will become the best singer possible that nature has allowed and intended me to be.

Tracey Hendy

Senior Associate
Freehills Patent & Trade Mark Attorneys

I have studied continuously with Antonio since early 2002. I would not say that the road so far has been easy. Before learning from Antonio, I had other singing teachers and sang solo at a few weddings and other minor concerts.

I did not understand my voice and there was no methodology to my singing. Then Antonio changed my singing technique and for a long time, I sounded considerably worse than I ever had. Without Antonio’s undying encouragement, I would not have survived that awful period which must have lasted the best part of 3 years.

About 18 months ago, the tone started to improve through persistent application of Antonio’s techniques. Not everyone at the studio has had to endure such a traumatic transition. It largely depends on physiology and pre-existing vocal production. People now regularly approach me and compliment me on my voice, so I feel I must be doing something right.

I am currently ensconced as the resident soprano soloist at St Silas Anglican Church Albert Park. This provides me with regular opportunities to sing at church services as a soloist and also in small ensembles. I also perform at fund-raising concerts as a soloist, sometimes with chamber orchestra, which is a real buzz. I recommend finding a church position to any prospective soloist. This can take little more than turning up regularly and singing in your best voice until someone discovers you. (I subscribe to Woody Allen’s view that "80 percent of success is just showing up".)

I am still not entirely happy with my voice and that is why I have not undertaken to audition for any opera companies. My voice is shrill at times, although that can depend on the proximity of the listener! And I still need to work on the upper range. They say that it takes 10 years to train an opera singer so I guess my journey with Antonio is only halfway there.

Adam Lane

I had wrecked my voice from years of incorrect singing. It got to the stage where I couldn't even sing 2 songs in a row. So I typed "the best vocal training in Melbourne" into Google and it came up with Antonio's studio.

I've only had about 10 lessons and I'm singing about 50 billion times better now. There are so many simple little things that he explain's that make so much sense. That you just wouldn't have thought of yourself. I was very hesitant about coming, since I come from a Rock background. But I still feel very welcome. I can now sing a whole gig without a problem. And I love how he says it like it is. If you don't do something right he pulls you up straight away. And I think that's really important. He really wants to get the best out of you.

Kate Brisley

I’m so grateful for having met Antonio and had the wonderful privilege of him teaching me how to sing properly. Like most singers I’ve always dreamed of being able to master my voice completely and to experience the full potential of it, without struggle.

Before my lessons with Antonio my vocal inconsistencies were always something that held me back and in the end almost made me give up on doing what I love. I have never experienced a teacher like him in all my years of lessons and truly believe him to be the best there is. Antonio has a gift from god in knowing how to teach voice and will do his up most best in developing you to be the best he knows you can be, whatever your starting point! With passion and commitment to proper vocal technique he ensures you have as much knowledge as possible in understanding the mechanics of your voice, therefore freeing your voice to sing whatever you desire. He is clear and precise in what he wants you to do and his instructions are always backed with an explanation. Freely offering his wisdom to all students, his lessons are insightful and interesting to take. Once you experience its results, each time it inspires you to go further. What ever singing path you choose he can make it happen. He is a true master and has something magical to offer anybody who wants to sing.

Indrani Haryono

I began lessons with Antonio a little over a year ago and haven’t looked back. Prior to this I’d been to a couple of the bigger name singing schools in Melbourne, and had worked privately with a variety of different vocal coaches.

Although these lessons did give me confidence to get out there and start working as a singer, I felt that my voice was extremely limited. I had a strong “belty” lower range, however when my voice would break it would become quite weak and airy, which meant that I often had lower the keys of songs to adapt to my voice and range. I was gigging on the weekends, however found myself unsatisfied and unhappy with my singing technique. After doing three hour sets, my voice felt extremely croaky, husky and tired

I’d previously questioned teachers as to how to achieve certain things with my voice, and was given a metaphorical approach such as ‘imagine you’re singing to the clouds” etc. The wonderful thing about Antonio’s approach is that it gives you something tangible to work with, due to his astounding knowledge of the human voice and the mechanics behind it.

In the past year my voice has changed so much, I barely recognise it! The breaks in my voice that I found so restricting are practically non existent, there’s a ring in my voice that I previously wasn’t able to achieve, and most importantly, when I sing I no longer have to strain my voice and body to achieve a strong powerful sound. These are techniques that have been invaluable, and techniques that can be applied to any genre of music. Antonio is an encouraging and inspirational teacher, and I’d recommend him to anyone who’s serious about vocal health.

Heidi Sattler

Antonio you are the maker of dreams never thought possible. I now have the confidence, range and power in my voice I have strived to achieve for years with other teachers.

Your patience, strength and guidance inspires me. I'm fortunate to have a teacher who has the same passion and determination for my dreams to come true as I do.