Grammy Award Nominated Acting Coach and Vocal Coach Providing Lessons in Phoenix Arizona and over Zoom Worldwide

Find out more about Topher

• When did you first develop a passion for voice?

  I've spent decades as a professional singer, actor, speaker, and voice actor. The power and expressivity of the human voice truly inspires and fascinates me. Having worked with many instruments and other styles of performing, there is nothing in the world that comes close to the intimacy, uniqueness, and beauty of the human voice. As a child I always had a microphone in my hand, talking a mile a minute, and singing whenever I had the chance. I've always known I was born to be a performer, and now I spend my days helping others develop the skills to share their vocal talents with the world.

• Is there a particular type of music or artist that you listen to on a loop without it driving you crazy?

  I mostly listen to podcasts and audiobooks from inspirational speakers, comedians, and other performers. When I'm listening to music, it's a little bit of everything, I find there are highly skilled singers in every genre of music, you just have to know what to look for to find them.

• Explain to us the most difficult or riveting course you could personally give to a student of music.

  The most engaging course, and the course I start all my students on, is the foundation of understanding the voice and accomplishing their short-term goals. Whether it's performing at an open-mic/karaoke night, writing their first song, speaking in front of a large crowd, building a bigger social media audience, booking a role in a TV show or a video game, or any other goal, I'm here to help performers embrace the challenges ahead.

• What do you think is the most complicated instrument to master and why?

  By far the voice is more complicated than any other instrument, for the simple fact of its construction. Every other instrument is made of wood, or metal, or plastic, or other manipulated substances, but the voice is made of muscle and tissue and human biology, the "meat-based" instrument of the voice allows for infinite variation, infinite expression, and infinite complexity.

• What are your keys to success?

  The biggest keys to success is hard work and consistency. Certainly an inborn talent and celebrity/rich parents help as well, but for most of us, nothing beats consistent daily practice. The key to becoming a successful singer, actor, speaker, voice actor, or other kind of performer is the same as the key to having healthy teeth. Small actions taken every day. Brush your teeth every day twice a day. Practice your chosen craft every day twice a day and reap the rewards. My most successful students are always my most disciplined students. If you're ready to work hard and improve your skills, I'm thrilled to work with you.

• Name three musicians you dream of meeting in your favourite bar in the early hours of the morning. Explain why.

  I don't go to bars, and I don't really play the celebrity-worship game. While there are plenty of famous performers I enjoy, I often enjoy amateurs just as much or more. The word "amateur" gets a bad rap, but it comes from "Amore", "To Love", Professionals do the work as a job, for the money, "Amateurs" do the job for love. I wish every musician, every speaker, every actor was a true "Amateur, doing it for the love of the craft. My favorite performer is genuinely the one I'm currently teaching in a lesson at the moment, because I get to work with you directly to improve your performance, and that's what I live for.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to music or your days at music school.

  The Power of Asking. I don't work with Orchestras much anymore, but in college I wanted to learn to work with them, and there was no class in Orchestra Conducting. There were classes for Conducting Choir, Musical Theater, Marching Band, etc. but no Orchestra. Don't get me wrong, there was an Orchestra, but if you wanted to learn how to LEAD the Orchestra, you were out of luck. So I went to the Professor and asked if he could teach me in a private lesson how to work with an Orchestra. He handed me a baton and the score for Dvorak's 4th Symphony and said "You go on the podium at 7pm, you'll have an hour to rehearse the first 2 movements.". I was terrified, and thrilled. It was exhilarating. Others were jealous, after-all, I was a singer who waltzed in to the Orchestra without even playing an instrument. There were plenty of violinists and clarinetists and more who were more qualified than me. But they didn't ask. I asked. If there's something you dream of doing, remember to ask. You might be surprised at the answer.

• What are the little touches that make you a Superprof in music?

  My broad background as a performer in many realms benefits all my students. Whether you are interested in singing, acting, public speaking, voice acting, comedy, or another performance subject, you'll gain the benefit of decades of experience in a variety of subjects. I take all my performers to a high level of vocal mastery, cover vocal health for sustainable and powerful technique, increase confidence and stage presence, and help with expressivity and communication skills. On top of that, my background in business consulting enables me to help students bridge the gap from amateur to professional and navigate the world of auditions, agents, websites, social media, and more. If you're looking for a "one-stop shop" of a coach who will inspire, motivate, and educate you, message me and I'm happy to set up a Free Trial Lesson to see if it's a good fit!