Testimonials

Kathleen and Betsy at The Singing Place are two of the most caring, passionate and qualified vocal/singing teachers out there. I have had the pleasure of working with both of them for years, and not only are they incredibly decorated musical professionals and educators, they are committed to healthy vocal technique, confidence building and goal-setting.

Kathleen is especially gifted in working with young children and has quite a few prodigies under her belt. She teaches remotely, which is fantastic because she has students all over the world, many of whom we've seen in our favorite TV shows, movies and Theatre productions. Betsy has a glittering reputation in the film/TV world as both a musical coordinator and performer, and is great at detailed and specific performance training. I couldn't recommend The Singing Place more.

- Paige F.

I finally got around to taking singing lessons when I retired. I had the usual fear of being overly self-conscious, so I was very fortunate to find Kathleen. She is exceptionally supportive, warm, and kind. Because I was a professor at UCLA, I have very high expectations.

I expected exceptional knowledge, communication skills, and a teaching plan. You will not find anyone with greater knowledge of the art of singing or greater experience. Kathleen was trained by the best and practiced the art for decades with some of the top artists in the world. Despite that, she is down to earth and just a nice person to hang out with. Her method is clear, and the steps are manageable. She could see where I was headed long before I believed I could get to her goal.

With patience and practice, I am now singing confidently some of the most difficult songs and enjoying it for five years!

- Craig W.

I've been going to The Singing Place for several years now and am currently studying under Kathleen. She is so much fun to work with! She challenges me with new warm up exercises and teaches me the theoretical aspects of singing that I had never learned under previous teachers. She is incredibly knowledgeable, and you can really see how much she loves singing!

The Singing Place honestly taught me everything I know about the voice. I would never classify myself as a naturally talented singer, but after taking lessons with The Singing Place, I can confidently say that I am a skilled singer. Now, I can't imagine my life without my weekly voice lesson with Kathleen :)

- Samantha M.

To anyone who likes to sing and wants to sing better, Kathleen Kernohan can make it happen. I’ve had other voice instructors, but none compare to Kathleen. To start, she just makes you feel good, but what impresses me the most is her technical understanding of how the human voice produces sound, that is, music, coupled with the ability to make the student understand difficult concepts She hears everything, and as a result I have been able to nuance my performance to a degree I did not think possible. Think you can’t sing? Go see Kathleen!” Lately a better singer.

- Scott D. Overall Excellent

There’s nobody more passionate about music than Betsy Hammer and her coaching is extremely effective. You will discover your voice, your potential will keep growing, and you’ll have a blast singing all styles and rocking out with her!

- Jared Sandler, Actor/Singer: “Blended,” “Grown Ups 2,” “Pixels,” “Paul Blart 2,″ “Sandy Wexler”

My 11 year old daughter has been studying voice with Kathleen for the past two years. Kathleen is a fantastic teacher for children. She takes their raw talent and gives them the tools and confidence to let them shine. Her enthusiasm is contagious. Her great belief in her students and constant, loving encouragement gives them strength and poise. I have watched my daughter grow both artistically and personally because of Kathleen. I cannot recommend her highly enough!

- Danice H.

As a trained singer, when I first met Betsy on a film set, I was taken aback by her voice of pure gold. Add to that flawless skill, an impeccable ear, spot on intuition, her magnitude of expertise, a heart that matches her voice and there you have Betsy Hammer.

- Jennifer De Minco, Singer/Actress: “Made of Honor”, “Georgia Rule”

I decided that I wanted to sing in my 30s, but I didn’t know how to read music and had never even learned to play an instrument. What a relief to have found Kathleen and The Singing Place! Kathleen is professional, but also warm, patient and personable. Over the past few months, she’s taught me the basics of singing and strategies for working on my specific goals. I highly recommend her to anyone

who’s ever wanted to sing a little better, even if, like me, you mostly just sing in the shower.

- Raechal S.

In the span of a year, Kathleen has taken my 9 year old daughter from a good singer to a GREAT singer! Her warm ups and technique have done magic for her and she is now thriving as a singer! Sydney has had the opportunity on several occasions to sing the National Anthem for the Los Angeles Angels and the Los Angeles Lakers and Kathleen has really helped her to speed up her song to the required length without losing the quality in her tone. Thanks Kathleen! We look forward to many more years together.

- Rachel S., Mom to Sydney www.sydneyshalhoob.net

Betsy Hammer is the most patient, educated, sincere, and encouraging vocal coach I have ever had! Her classes are warm and inviting, which allow the shyest of singers to feel comfortable! She truly listens to her students’ needs and desires to create lessons strictly for their needs. Betsy has educated me in how to properly warm up my vocal cords, breath control, how to sing properly, pitch accuracy, how to act as a recording vocalist, how to properly use a microphone, how to act in front of a crowd, how to be taken seriously in the industry, and plentiful more! If you want a vocal coach that cares about your success, then there is no better fit than Betsy Hammer! She has given me so much confidence and knowledge that I am now the lead singer of an up-and-coming band in Los Angeles! Without Betsy I would not be the performer that I am!

- Nicolette Maroshek, Singer/Songwriter: Lead Singer of Nicolette

I have had the pleasure of working with Kathleen for over two years. I hadn’t worked with a vocal coach or sung in public for almost 20 years when I was asked to sing “Ave Maria” at a friend’s wedding. Kathleen helped bring my voice out in the very first lesson and the song was beautiful. I have moved from California but whenever I go back I schedule an appointment or two with Kathleen.

Last time she helped me record a Christmas song for my ailing mother. Another time I was working on a spoof of a Broadway song for a presentation. We had so much fun that my hour lesson turned into two. I was fortunate to be the last one that day. Kathleen was kind enough to continue working with me because the song wasn’t quite there. I highly recommend Kathleen and The Singing Place.

- Katarina H.

I think the most valuable thing I learned from Betsy was how to perfect my pitch. She really helped me focus in on ‘tuning up’ and naturally adjusting my vocal so that I was a much more accurate and professional live singer. Now I always hear her voice in my head reminding me what I need to do to be great! Amazing coach!

- Shayna Rose, Singer/Actress/Writer: Star of Nickelodeon’s, “The Fresh Beat Band,” “General Hospital”

Any half decent singer in LA can call themselves a “vocal coach,” but Betsy Hammer is the real deal. She tailors lessons to your individual voice and is great at picking songs that work for your voice. She has helped me prepare for performances and even helped me put my own spin on my favorite songs. My favorite part of working with Betsy was working on original songs. I love to write with her!

- Alex Schneider, Singer/Actress/Writer: Member of JC Chasez’s new girl group “Girl Radical”

Betsy helped me resurrect a dream and a journey that I started a long time ago as a musician. When Betsy and I started working together, my voice got strong again. She helped me work on my breathing techniques while singing a song. She helped me find my voice after losing it for quite some time and I will always be thankful that is a part of my journey as a Singer, a Songwriter, and an Artist.

- George Steeves, Singer/Actor: “NCIS,” "United States of Tara,” "Good Luck, Charlie," "Greek”

Kathleen creates a safe and comfortable environment which has allowed me to develop my unique voice and sense of style. I have had many vocal coaches in the past from pop to jazz to opera which did not work for me. This approach has worked because there is a balance between technique and singing songs! The absence of judgement Kathleen exudes has been “instrumental” in my true voice

coming out.

- Samantha B.

Not only is Betsy a charismatic and enthusiastic teacher, but she truly cares about her students' careers and it shows. I always left my voice lesson with a renewed passion and confidence in myself and in my voice. In addition to helpful techniques and warm-ups, she also helped me identify the style of music that I excelled in, and helped me push the boundaries of my voice to reach new highs, literally!

- Daniel DeStefano, Actor/Model

I went to Betsy for an audition coaching, and between bursts of hysterical laughter, she shared her wisdom, insight and compassion. I left the lesson feeling confident and inspired. I am truly grateful for the ongoing friendship and support.

- Lisa Liu, Virtuoso Violinist: Concertmaster/Orchestral Contractor : “America’s Got Talent,” "The X Factor," "The Voice," Duran Duran, Elton John, Slash, Celine Dion, et al.