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Articles written by and written about master vocal coach Diana Yampolsky

Careers in the Music Industry: Diana Yampolsky - Vocal Coach

By Krista Lamb
Originally published in RHiG Magazine Aug/Sept '95

Differing slightly from our usual Careers style, this issue I opted to speak with vocal coach Diana Yampolsky, not simply to provide info on how to become a vocal coach, but because I think that Diana's new vocal technique needs to be considered further.

Having experienced the ups and downs of vocal training myself, I am probably the most qualified RHiG staffer to talk about the turmoil. And , yes, it is a turmoil. Coaches are a dime a dozen in Toronto, the mediocre ones that is, and finding someone who suits your needs is like finding that needle in the proverbial haystack. That's why I was a little hesitant about conducting this interview with the much hyped Diana, who claimed to have a wonderful new technique which could help anyone achieve miraculous results after only ten hours. Pessimist that I am, I was not about to believe but I dutifully appeared at Diana's studio, The Royans School for the Musical Performing Arts, to see for myself.

Diana's resume is an impressive one, no doubt. She was born and trained as a vocal teacher in Leningrad, Russia, and came to Canada in 1980 to continue teaching. She has earned certificates as a Natural Practitioner, an herbilist, and an iridologist (she believes the body is an instrument which must be maintained in order to perform effectively); opened two vocal schools; trained motivational speakers; written for Canadian Musician; oh, and created a fantastic new vocal technique.

For those of you who missed her articles in Canadian Musician or her interview on AM 640, you may have to be briefed on this technique. Diana claims that there's too much emphasis placed on the vocal chords; she believes that by properly using the facial muscles, "systemizing" warm-up exercises, along with an emphasis on really understanding emotionally what is being sung, the vocal performance will be greatly enhanced. Diana does not concentrate on the traditional breathing exercises, but has her own unique teaching style -- and it works.

Yes, this gregarious Russian woman was able to convince even this skeptic that not all vocal coaches are cut from the same cloth. Diana uses video to help the progress of her students, taping them from first lesson through to their last, and in watching these tapes I was truly shocked at just how far they do progress in just ten hours; often less.

Diana's "gift from God" is definitely as fascinating to watch as she is to listen to. She has countless tales of success stories, and the video tape to back it up. Still skeptical? Well, you should have heard Our Lady Peace's Raine at his first lesson and at his last; the progress was stunning. Likewise with Strawman's Ron McJannet, another of Diana's more noteworthy clients, Diana has definitely tapped into something that other vocal teachers seem to be missing completely.

Diana is far from the average vocal coach, but she does have eight years of musical training in Leningrad's School of Music under her belt, as well as a Bachelor of Music Education degree in both voice and piano. All of this no doubt helped her somewhat, but her current technique is thoroughly unique and something that only she and a select few of her pupils can teach. Not that Diana discourages people from teaching, she simply believes that she offers something that no other vocal coach can provide, and if her video tapes provide the testimonials then this is a claim that cannot be disputed.

Diana's dedication to reforming vocal training is admirable, as it has cost her a significant amount of time and energy. Teaching from 10am to 8pm leaves little time for her marriage or child, but Diana is good natured about it. There is such a demand for her services that she must keep intense hours, often skipping both lunch and dinner to conduct lessons. Few could keep pace with this demanding schedule, but such is the way when one is attempting to change ideas that have been accepted unconditionally for years. Diana's technique goes against the grain of traditional teaching and therefore she must work harder to to encourage its use.

To thoroughly relate the intricacies of this technique here would be far too lengthy, and to briefy touch on the main points would simply not do the lady justice. All I can ask is that you take my word, Diana has something special here.

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