From pervious students involved in voice coaching and voice repair

• Geraldine Dayton - Voice Repair (Dysphonia) - London, UK
  
  Hello Diana
  
  Thank you for your support and kindness over the last few days. I'm so excited by the improvement in my voice, even if I now have a Canadian accent!!! I'm practicing and look forward to speaking in a couple of weeks. Go well.
  
  Geraldine x
   
• Davey Dee - Singer/Songwriter
  
  
  Nice to hear everything is going well with the studio! I hope everything is great with your family!! I cant deny that you put me on my way; to be able to sing for hours until I just become too tired! Something I never thought possible however believed if others can do it so can I. It took still a couple more years after seeing you to figure it out to for me I feel as you once said becoming invincible! Well, I feel like that now with my voice...cant believe it. I told you before I was getting fewer sore throat infections with viruses like colds and Flu...to now in the past couple of years a sore throat is something of the past, which I believe should be also marketed as a benefit...I truly believe people who get sore throats are stuck in their throat constantly putting them under stress and the first exposure of a virus susceptible to infection. I am currently battling a cold but have ZERO throat symptoms to pre-Vocal Science I was the sore throat KING which you so eloquently said I was stuck in my throat! Amazing! Thank you!!!!
  
  I don't know if I would say it took 10 hours...LOL..maybe for some I guess....it is truly like learning how to walk all over again....I guess I feel like, now that I understand more the entire connection.....Amazing how the connection works...of all the moving parts, face, positioning and most important is the diaphragm control...wow that was a very difficult thing to bring in.
  
  Interesting, now that I speak sing just behind my teeth maintaining a constant diaphragmatic pressure..which is now the honing of the technique to master the pressure...like any wind instrument. Anyway...I do want to acknowledge that if it were not for you I would have been going down the wrong path and I will always give credit where credit is due. Thank you.
  
  Thanks again Diana...you were the spark! No matter how crazy you are..LOL.
  
  xo
   
• Judy Hayes - Florida, U.S.

  Of course I was hesitant to come to Toronto, Canada from Florida, U.S.

  By the time I came, I had already spent $15,000 attending 4 ENTs, 2 speech therapists, a thyroid specialist and a neurologist.

  I'm self-employed and do not have insurance, so all of those tests in the U.S. cost a lot of money.

  I was diagnosed with dysphonia, but I did not reveal to Diana my diagnosis, as I wasn't sure that she would want to deal with me.

  Within five minutes after we met in the neighbourhood cafe before starting the first session, Diana exclaimed, "You sound like you have a full blown dysphonia".

  I was amazed that she knew that right away, as back home, it took a whole bunch of tests by being hooked up to the special machines, to finally get the diagnosis.

  I went to two speech therapists, but they did not impress me and I did not feel confident to do any work with them.

  When I spoke to Diana, I got a lot more information speaking with her than with anybody else for the last two and a half years. 

  She spoke with absolute certainty and sounded like she definitely knew what she was talking about.  I, right away, started to feel more confident.

  Granted, it cost me almost $4000 for five days of Diana's revolutionary instruction and herbal treatment, but it was definitely worth it, as I felt very happy while speaking much better and being completely understood, as before, the sound was coming out very low and very raspy and without any articulation or placement, for that matter, which Diana taught me about.

  I am most certain now that after Diana's course and my homework for my voice and mainly for my overall health, that when I will return back to Diana's studio and then will get introduced to her health affiliates to help me feel even better, I will have full confidence that all of it in combination will definitely help me to regain my voice to its full extent.

  Diana and I are both excited about me regaining my full voice as I had before, and it will be much better now, as I have learned Diana's revolutionary Vocal Science technique, which also taught me how to place and project my voice properly, away from my vocal anatomy, which in turn resulted in the complete comfort in my throat and negated the nagging and constant pain, which I have experienced in the past two and a half years.

  Now I have a clear picture of how to proceed from here.

  Thank you, Diana.

• Claudio and Alice of Crystal Castles
  "You definitely could teach us how to sing, so you could obviously teach anybody."
• Cindy Gomez - World-Wide Professional Singer/Song writer, associated with producer Dave Stewart of Eurythmics:
  "Diana Yampolsky is hands down the best vocal coach I have ever had. Her vocal technique is like none other. I have had various vocal coaches around the globe and none have offered a technique that makes you sound 100% better without creating any wear and tear on your vocal chords. I believe if more singers and anyone in a field where they primarily use their voice were to utilize this technique ENT doctors would go out of business! Thank you Diana for your patience and for passing on your wonderful gift of happy healthy vocals."
  Cindy Gomez
• Ms. Yampolsky had returned from L.A. where she was recording with her Artist, Cindy Gomez of Universal/Interscope records and her producer David Stewart of Eurythmics. Ms. Yampolsky, for nearly a month time, has been working with Cindy in Toronto and then in L.A, assisting her with vocal production for her future hit song produced by Mr. David Stewart, who commented after the session that Cindy's voice improved tremendously and became much bigger especially in her high register, and also that there was no longer any trace of strain found in her vocal delivery. The next comment had been from Ned Douglas/Dave Stewart's engineer, who closely worked with Cindy and  Diana for over 6 hours in the studio and had said "Diana definitely knows how to draw the power out of a singer"
   

• Ned Douglas - Dave Stewart's Engineer

  After engineering for several hours a future hit song produced by Dave Stewart and sung by Cindy Gomez, Ned Douglas commented:

  "Diana really knows how to draw the power out of a singer."

• Natalie Mendoza - Well known Actress/Singer (Producer: Glen Ballard)

  "Crazy!!! Thanks, Cindy, for setting it up. It was incredible!!!"

  [She exclaimed after Diana Yampolsky worked with Natalie for a short while.]

• Zack Werner - Canadian Idol Judge/President, Venus Management and Venus Records:
  "Diana Yampolsky brings great energy to her work and dedication to her students."
   
• Brian Melo - 2007 Canadian Idol Winner (Sony):
  "Thank you to Diana Yampolsky for helping me bring my voice to new heights."
   
• Alex Norman - Lead Singer of iLLScarlett (Sony):
  "It is incredible! I came here with a sore throat just from speaking and now even when I'm singing it doesn't hurt anymore. Thank you Diana."
   

• Jake Robertson -  Lead Singer of Killer Green:
  Question: How did you feel now with the whole song?
  Answer: It felt amazing actually!
  Question: It was. I'm absolutely stunned. The more you were going into the song the more it opened up. How's your throat? How's everything?
  Answer: I don't feel it in my throat actually.
  Question: In comparison with before?
  Answer: Oh before it was almost like I was yelling after the chorus. I don't feel it in the throat anymore. I just feel it up here [in the cheekbones].
  Question: Vibrating?
  Answer: Yeah, I feel the vibrations of course.
  Question: Now you know what you're doing, you have your map, your so to speak "vocal GPS". You're feeling more confident I believe?
  Answer: Way more confident. I'm having more fun while I'm playing it now. It's not hurting. It's a lot easier to hit the notes that were hard for me to hit before. It's more fun for me now.
   

• Sal "Coz" Costa - Lead Singer of Three Star Seed (Black Swan Entertainment):
  "My singing sounds better. It doesn't hurt at all. Before I would be lucky to sing the song (I worked on with Diana) and it always hurt a lot. It was my hardest song to perform and now it is easy. Now I can sing it over and over and it doesn't hurt my throat. It has changed everything so much. Before after a show my voice was so tired and in rehearsal I could only sing the set one time. Now I can run through the set several times with no problem and it doesn't hurt. I haven't changed the tone - it still sounds like me, but it is just better."
   

• Micky - Bass/Back Vocalist of Three Star Seed (Black Swan Entertainment):
  I've come a long way. I've learned how to re-speak. So, Diana has taught me a lot already and there's a lot more to learn. I will be back. Diana's crazy good! [Two Thumbs Up] She's very talented!
  Question: Was it worth it?
  Answer: It was very worth it. I speak a lot clearer now than I used to, even my poor little deaf mom can hear me clearly now. You already saved her, so it was worth it!
   

• Brian Pisani - Lead Singer of One Second 2 Late (Sony):
  "When I first arrived at Royan's, I was unsure what to think, as believe it or not, I'm quite shy when meeting new people. I had been struggling with my vocals for a few weeks and my confidence in myself was at an all time low. After a short 1 hour instruction with Diana though, I could already feel and hear the difference in my voice. Right then and there I knew I had to continue with Diana if I wanted to have any chance of a prolonged career in music. At the rate I was straining my vocal chords, who knows how long I would have lasted on tour, and I think any singer would agree, losing your voice on tour is one of your biggest fears. Lesson by lesson, my technique changed, my tone changed, and most of all, confidence in myself changed. No longer do I go into shows wondering if I'll make it through, I now sing with confidence and can enjoy myself. So thank you Diana for all your help, I'll never forget it. Oh, and I won't forget to "smile and bite!"
   
• Jay Ziebarth - Animator and Creator of the Teletoon animated series 'SONS OF BUTCHER', Hamilton:
  "I feel great. I feel like a new singer. I feel like a real singer. It's the best I've ever sung. It was very much worth it to come all the way from Hamilton and I will continue to come."
   
• Tone Aarstad - Voice Repair Client/Up and Coming Artist, New York:
  "Thank you so much for fixing my voice & making it possible for me to sing again. Words cannot describe how thankful I am for what you have done and what I have learned from you. I thank you for the knowledge and making something possible that I may not have dared to dream about only 1 month ago. There is no reason for anybody to be skeptical. I'm a different person - this has really changed my whole singing experience. It's amazing! I'm a new person going back to New York. It was so worth it to come from New York and you can't measure this in money."
   
• Pierina Cincinnato - Professional Artist, Toronto:
  "My vocal training with The Royan's Schools of the Performing Arts was one of the BEST investments I ever made. It brought me: continuous financial return, an unexpected singing career and lot's of FUN!"
   
• Sarah Dorman - Professional Singer/Actor, Newmarket:
  "Diana - words cannot express how much you mean to me. You have truly worked wonders with my voice, and for that I am truly thankful. I know I have grown so much as an artist and I owe this to you. You have saved my voice from destruction and without you I would not have been able to land these shows."
   
• Brenda and Lisa, Mississipi, Missouri, U.S.A.:
  "Words cannot express the experience this journey has been. Never in our lives would we have imagined our spirits could be levitated singing up to the universe through our voices, spirit and soul. You have an amazing gift and have touched our livres in ways unimaginable. Thank you for giving 150%. We love you from the inside out."
   
• Tim Myth - Professional Singer/Songwriter, Montreal:
  "Diana is a revolutionary, true Trail Blazer! Watch out - she's coming for you! It was definitely worth it to come to Toronto for 5 days and I am very fortunate to have met her."
   
• Jillian Hughes - Lead Singer in various shows on Cruise Ships and Las Vegas, Edmonton:
  "I am doing great...my voice feels amazing....I have been doing your warm-ups every day and the difference in my voice is incredible. Now that I am speaking properly it has made a huge difference in my singing...my voice has more clarity and my range is really coming back! What I appreciate the most is that I actually understand how to recognize improper technique and correct it myself (not as well as you, but I'm working on it!) I can't wait to do another 10 hours when you come on the ship. I love you! "
   
• Angelica - Up & Coming Singer (Recent single 'You're My Reflection'):
  "Diana Yampolsky is such a genuine, innocent human being who loves her work so much, that it is impossible for her not to succeed at what she does. She doesn't look at her clients as vocal boxes, but as spirits. That's where she connects with you. That's why her results are almost instantaneous. My experience with her was a very fulfilling one. After only a few sessions, my voice sounds a lot brighter and more consistent. When I am on stage I don't have to worry about not reaching the high register with ease. That gives me a freedom that I can't put a price on. Not only does she help you develop a technique that will actually prolong your singing life, but she brings out the best in you emotionally wise, so you can achieve the level of giving goose bumps to your audience. Her method might be unconventional, even shocking at first, but it looks to me that anything that's out of the ordinary and is done with heart and soul is meant to succeed. Diana Yampolsky has definitely achieved that."
  
   
• Pat Lapinski - High School Teacher, Toronto:
  "It feels better, less nasal and much more clear. It was well worth it - worth the time spent and applying the techniques taught to me. I have found that the more I follow the technique to a T, the more I understand it and the better I sound."
   
• Nicole Hughes of the band Scratching Post:
  "Diana Yampolsky's vocal technique is very original and personally suited to each individual student. Having taken my lessons nearly a year ago, I find that her lessons are integrated into my mind now more than ever before. She taught me pitch control, volume control, and how to save and protect my voice, all of which I have found to be extremely useful. I am very happy with my overall experience and recommend Diana as a vocal coach to anyone who wishes to pursue professional vocal training."
   
• Dalton Kehoe, Professor, York University:
  "Vocal Science is a work of the body and mind, in a kind of way that I haven't had to stretch for in a long way. It's not just about the repetition of the exercises. It's actually about organizing and coordinating your body in the kind of way that the exercises work. Posture, belly in, chest forward, shoulders down. For 60 years I had been doing it the opposite way! It was a little hard to change because I had been doing it wrong for so long. It has been a good struggle to overcome my bad habits. When I overcame them I could really hear a difference in my voice - my voice changed immensely. While driving in the car with a friend, she heard me sing and immediately exclaimed, 'You're doing the Royans Method, aren't you?' She said that it was like a filter that really opens up the voice. So thank you very much. It was great. I look forward to coming back."
   
• Doug Smart of Eye Weekly & Lead Vocalist for the punk rock group One Down:
  "After booking Diana's advertising for eye Weekly for over six months, curiosity recently got the best of me. I would read her ads and try to figure out exactly what Vocal Science was. As luck would have it, I managed to get my hands on a copy of Diana's book. After a thoroughly enjoyable read, I decided to take what I had learned in her book and apply it to my own singing. The results were immediately noticeable and Diana's techniques made singing not only easier, but far more enjoyable as well. I strongly recommend that all singers learn Diana's techniques immediately. Your voice will thank you for it."
   
• Sugar Prince - 9 year old recording artist:
  "I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for helping me to restore my confidence in my singing abilities. I was very concerned about losing my voice at eight years of age. Needless to say, my entire world seemed to be crashing down right before my eyes and I felt completely helpless until my dad enrolled me at your school. After a few lessons I gradually started to feel confident enough to try and hit really high notes without my voice cracking or feeling strained. Your technique helped me to overcome my fears. I have since implemented all the different techniques you taught me to control my vocal range. I'm very pleased to say that since my training I've started to record my first album and performed live in front of thousands of adoring fans!"
   
• Will Tsang, Professional Model/Actor, Hong Kong, China:
  "Thank you Diana so much for helping me find not only my voice but also my soul. You helped me find my real voice, which I thought was buried in the back of my throat forever. I am forever in your debt. Hope to see u on this side of the Pacific soon."
   
• DeAnna Choi, Singer, New York, U.S.A.:
  "Diana, I need to give you one million thanks THUS FAR. Your vocal technique is really changing me as a singer. It is kind of spooky how effective it is. After not singing for six months I am back giving performances at my churches Sunday Service and for other special occasions. I have always been a good singer and people would always compliment me after my performances. But sometimes I felt that they were only doing it out of politeness. You know that kind I am talking about? Anyways, I performed two weekends in a row. The first weekend I got really deep, heart-felt compliments. People were stopping me in the middle of conversations and telling me that they REALLY enjoyed my singing and that they were so glad that I performed or that I was the best performer out of all the entertainment. It's weird, people used to always compliment me, but these recent compliments are taking on a whole new color and intensity. Then this past weekend I sang again for a Sunday service and my companies Christmas Party and the response was great too. I got three standing ovations at the Christmas party for each song I did, one which was an encore they requested. Diana, I am in love with your technique. I definitely want some more! I am singing songs that I always wanted to sing and singing new songs (different styles) with such ease. It is so rewarding."
   
• Captain Mark Reid, Regional Airline Pilot (Air Alliance):
  "I had heard for a long time (over 10 years) of Diana's unique and exceptional teaching abilities... So - I was very excited to come across her book: 'Vocal Science - Flight To The Universe'. After reading it, I noticed an immediate improvement in my singing. I also discovered that I had developed, unknowingly, many bad habits over the years. Diana addresses these common bad habits in her very first chapter: 'How Not to Become a Singer (And Work Harder at Doing It)'! I would describe Diana as being the "Bruce Lee" of vocals: she has a non-traditional, yet suberb and perfect vocal technique that should be the standard throughout the world. Diana has helped me realize a long sought-after dream of being able to sing at a level that I once thought not possible! The book and vocal instruction is certainly worth every penny!"
   
• David Stulberg, Vanderpark:
  "I've definitely become a much better singer, a more aware singer. I think your program and technique have helped me overall with my tone and every part of my singing. I'm much more aware of what is going on with my voice. It has been excellent. I probably couldn't have gotten this anywhere else in the world. It was worth it to come and take the course because I know what I want to do with my life - I want to sing - so if I want to do it, I should do it properly. You are invited to all my shows and my tours and I'll definitely get you VIP tickets and backstage passes!"
   
• David Piotrowski:
  "I couldn't even sing my song before without cracking on the high notes. And now I can do it and the tone is much better - more rock 'n roll. I was straining a lot more before and everything was in the back of my throat. Now I'm letting it all out and the sound is much more out there. Now I know how to approach it. I'm very happy."
   
• Sarah Goddard, Regina, Saskatchewan:
  "It feels really good now. The course has been really useful. I can hear exactly now when I have done it right and when I have done it wrong. Now I can differentiate it and I definitely have a good notion of what I need to do. I can apply it to anything - my whole life - I feel much more open in general. The whole stance feels great and my whole disposition is better."
   
• Robin Aube - Grant Avenue Studio:
  "Diana Yampolsky displays a wonderful, continental style of vocal coaching; producing tonal clarity and purity of sound with improved projection in her student's vocal stylings. Her dynamic personality encourages the artist to reach improved levels of confidence and ability at an amazingly rapid rate! Diana's teaching encompasses the use of physics and mental conditioning producing a vocal style unlike most North American techniques."
   
• Wide, Performance Artist and Lead Singer of the band "God's End":
  "I have had all sorts of vocal training sessions from coaches and such for over twenty-five years in the theatre. Basically I never understood what I was supposed to do, and everyone had something different to teach. If you are someone who wants to have a technique that you can learn and apply that actually works to make you a better singer in every aspect then you don't need to look further that Diana Yampolsky's Vocal Science. Since studying with Diana my range, power, tone, diction, even my presence as a singer have all improved dramatically. Everyone has noticed and commented on the difference her training has made. The more I practice her exercises and sing "working smart, not hard" using Vocal Science, the better both my singing and speaking voice continues to get. I am most thankful that now I can do the long hours of band rehearsals without stressing my vocal chords. I don't have to lose sleep before a gig worried about losing my voice. Also Diana's technique has assisted me greatly in becoming more aware of posture and alignment which helps me not just in my singing but in life altogether. Truly anyone's voice can be liberated from it's bad habits, even if you're like me and poor Diana has years of deconstruction work to do! But it doesn't take long with Vocal Science to experience, directly, this immediate path to improvement and mastery. Diana's visualizations about sound projection and her helpful (and always humorous) verbal anecdotes really helped make it easier to learn how and what to feel to produce the most desirable tone, and improve performance altogether. Thank-you Diana for developing a vocal technique that is truly effective, and, simply empowering. I am glad to report the stubborn mystery of how to sing live or studio rock and roll music (or any style) with fullness and clarity without killing one's self (or others!) is finally solved!"
   
• Milenko Vujosavic:
  "I cannot express my gratitude in words. I am so thankful that you have helped me because now I know that I would seriously have hurt my voice had it not been for you. This letter is a Thank You letter as well as a wish for the new millenium. I wish that you could spread your technique across the world and help millions of other aspiring teenagers like myself who have a dream. Because of you and your amazing program I am a little bit closer to my dream and that is the most incredible gift I could have ever received. Thank you."
   
• Randine Westgate:
  "When I first saw the Royans Universe Records website. I knew I had to do it. So I immediately applied for an audition. And went to the next available open house. I was very impressed by Diana's enthusiasm and perfectionist approach to everything. Just being in her presence was inspirational. What she has taught me about projection and control is unbelievable. It has improved my voice immensely. She taught me how to direct the sound using my whole body and not just my vocal chords. Before her, I was seeing a vocal coach who taught me all the wrong ways to sing and I nearly destroyed my voice in the process. Diana saved my voice and gave me the skills to prevent me from damaging it again. I am forever grateful and indebted to Diana and her vocal technique. It is a gift and I am very glad she is sharing it with the universe."
   
• Tania Guerrieri:
  "Royans Universe Records and the Royans School has brought my dream closer to me than everything I have experienced in my life so far. Diana's techniques are the best thing that ever happened to my voice. At the audition my vocal chords were a complete mess, even after all the lessons I have been taking for as long as I can remember, I had never been taught how to control or to project my voice properly - until I met Diana. She worked with me very patiently, kept reminding me over and over again that I had great potential, that she was there to help me tune up my rusty instrument, and that I had everything I needed to make it. Just to hear those words, and to actually have a teacher who cared enough, believed, and was willing to do everything it took to get me there. Making my lessons worthwhile and fun with a defined purpose, she helped me realize even more that a singer is who I was and what I am meant to be. I was given a great sheet of paper that lists all different types of voice exercises from Do Re Mi Fa So to full phrases, which warm up my facial muscles, my vocal chords and my entire vocal anatomy. Diana has also provided me a tape of various types of singing exercises, which help me reinforce the technique that I was taught throughout my learning process. In the end I had to choose a song that was not yet published, make it my own, and then record it with Diana in the studio. We recorded at Metal Works Recording Studios and it was such a great experience. The people there were very understanding, and supportive. I owe my success to Diana, If it weren't for her and The Royans School, I wouldn't be the singer I am today, I now have my first recorded single under my belt!"
   
• Rodney Ronquillo:
  "I just wanted to let you know that the musical went great! Natalie and I got bombarded with compliments and it took us a good 30 minutes before we could ever get to our after-performance pizza! The best compliments I got so far were "Rodney, you've kept that voice hidden for years!! I never knew you sounded that great! Don't stop man, because it's sounding awesome!" I've had the best teacher/coach ever in you, nobody else compares--nobody."
   
• Takeshi Okamoto, Singer/Songwriter, Tokyo, Japan:
  "Diana's book, "Vocal Science - A Flight to the Universe", inspired me and got me excited over the possibility of a new "universe" of vocal expression. So I decided to fly from Tokyo all the way to Toronto to receive instruction from her, and it has been worth every penny! I have taken 10 hours of instruction from her and I have learned much more than I have during my many years of singing in other institutions. My voice has completely changed and my vocal chords are no longer strained...and I am looking forward to 10 more hours with her over the next few weeks! Thank you for everything!!" This is an excerpt from Takeshi's letter addressed to us several weeks after his 30 hours of Vocal Instruction: "I just wanted to say thank you for all that you've done for me during my stay in Toronto. I will always carry a part of you with me wherever I go. I trust all is well with you and the school. I hope we can stay in close touch and that we will meet again soon!"
   
• Molly Batson - Royans Universe Records Recording Artist:
  "Where do I begin? I want to start by saying thank you for all of your teaching and patience over the last year. I know the road was rough at times but you pushed me and taught me to persevere no matter what. I feel that your vocal techniques have helped my voice improve tremendously. My confidence level has also improved. Others have noticed a change, too! I know that there is still much work to be done but I will not give up. Good things come to those who wait. I am keeping my "Eye on the prize". I feel that your vocal techniques and expert assistance in the recording studio will help me to get where I want to go."
   
• Nick Stojanovic - Actor, Second City:
  "I came to the Royans School for one objective; to learn how to speak. I've spent my whole life talking under my breath to the point where sometimes other people couldn't make out what I was saying. Subconsciously I may have been trying to hide my voice from others due to the fact that I felt I had an unusually high voice for a man. Being a 6' tall male I felt embarrassed when I was sometimes mistaken as a female voice over the phone. Vocal Science taught me proper projection and placement of my voice. I have actually learned how to instill more bass in my voice thus lowering the high sound that is produced and bringing a more normal sound to my voice. I recommend it to anyone who feels uncomfortable with the way their speaking voice currently sounds"
   
• Ed Krautner - Freelance Recording Engineer, Associated with Metal Works Studios:
  "I've worked with Diana Yampolsky on numerous occasions, and have found her to be a positive influence on my vocal recording sessions. I would recommend her techniques and guidance as a vocal consultant/coach for any artist in or out of the studio."
   
• Oleg Daixen, Musician, 40 years of age:
  "I came to Canada in 1988 and started immediately working in various clubs and restaurants as a bass guitarist and vocalist. Each night I could barely sing four or five songs at the most and the quality of my vocal performances always left something to be desired. However, in spite of this, I always felt that I had some vocal talent, but that I had no idea how to use my voice to its fullest capacity. In 1991, I left show business and I went to work in a totally unrelated field for nine years. Within that period of time I never sang or played. This year (2001) I understood that I really wanted to return to the stage and do what I really love to be doing, but I also realized that now it would be much more difficult than it was 10 years ago. First of all, there are not as many venues for live musicians as there were previously; 90% of the clubs are now using DJ's or offering karaoke. I was afraid that as a bass guitarist I would not be in high demand. I quickly learned that most opportunities went to musicians who could also sing as well as play. Therefore, I decided to try and build a singing repertoire for myself. With the help of my musician friends I collected a lot of material and started singing it without really knowing what I was doing. As a result, I damaged my vocal chords and my throat and not only could I not sing, but I could hardly speak. I was referred to an ENT doctor who helped me recover my speaking voice but who also informed me that I would probably never sing again. Very luckily for me, somebody referred me to Diana Yampolsky. The references were very positive with regards to her as both a Voice Repair Specialist/Vocal Coach as well as a person. Upon our first meeting I learned that she is a very strong teacher and a very strong vocalist and that what Diana was going to teach me was very innovative and revolutionary. After the interview with me and after listening to my voice and examining my eyes (Diana does irridology as well), she said with absolute certainty that not only would I able to sing again but I would be able to sing very well! Not hesitating a minute, I decided to take the Vocal Science course that Diana was offering me. "The very first and foremost thing you need," said Diana, "is to undergo the speech development course and along with it you will need to take some natural herbs and remedies." And indeed this allowed me to speak and sing without any pain. It's not possible to describe in words what Diana does because she works individually with everyone and for everyone she has an individual approach. On the last lesson, number eight, I was able to sing a song that I had always wanted to sing, but could not because I had never previously had the necessary knowledge or skill. Diana made a video clip of my performance. After I listened to it, I was very pleased and very surprised at how good it sounded. In other words, you could really call what Diana taught me a MIRACLE! As a conclusion, I would like to thank Diana with all my heart for her school, her revolutionary system of teaching, and for her very existence. I am grateful beyond words!"
   
• Dr.Patravoot Vatanasapt, Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand:
  "I would like to thank Diana for her wonderful book "Vocal Science-Flight to the Universe". The principle of her innovation is something different but comprehensible. Her book brought a holistic approach to vocal training and to a professional voice user. It's very helpful for my career in my voice clinic and also my sideline in music."
   
• Lisa Dupuis:
  "When I first met Diana, I had what most would consider a strange goal: to speak properly. I am not a professional speaker or singer, but I have suffered from vocal nodules for over 13 years. Since first diagnosed in 1989, I have endured weeks and months with a hoarse voice and sore throat. After 2 surgeries and repeated visits to speech therapists, I was losing hope. From May to November 2002, I hit bottom. My voice was rough and my throat was sore - so sore that it hurt to speak. To compensate for this, I chose silence. I just wouldn't speak unless I absolutely had to. I thought I was doing the right thing by "saving" my voice, especially after I heard that several professional singers wouldn't talk for days before a concert in order to keep their voice in the best condition possible. I am so thankful that I found Diana! She assured me that my self-imposed periods of silence would not be necessary once I learned how to speak properly. She knew exactly what I was doing wrong. It wasn't just how I was speaking - it was my breathing, my posture, and my health. Diana looked at every aspect of my situation and addressed each piece. Her vocal therapy techniques have healed my voice and improved my speaking dramatically. Most importantly, my nodules have disappeared after just 2 months! In 13 years no one else has been able to help me. Diana is the only one who explained what I was doing wrong and what I needed to change. My involvement with her has greatly improved my quality of life, and for that I will forever be grateful."
   
• Hayley:
  "I just wanted to say thank you for everything that you've done, both professionally & personally. You have taught me so much & your technique is priceless. It has taken me to a level that I could only dream of. You've been able to transform me from amateur to professional over night. Many, many thanks. You've been my angel."
   
• Dawn Mandarino of the band Tuuli:
  
  On the Vocal Science course:
  "After taking Diana's course, I now feel more comfortable and confident as a singer. She taught me techniques that have helped my projection, pronounciation, and stamina. Before taking the course I couldn't make it through a 2 week tour without my voice feeling strained but I'm sure I could survive longer now that I have been properly coached. Diana was an absolute pleasure to work with and it is obvious that she truly cares for her students and wants to see them succeed to their maximum ability. I would recommend the vocal science course to anyone who wants to become a more capable and confident singer."
  
  On the book Vocal Science - Flight to the Universe:
  "When I first picked up the Vocal Science: Flight to the Universe book, I couldn't put it down and finished it in one sitting. I was absolutely amazed that this book was contradicting everything I had ever been taught in the past about vocal performance. I wasn't even sure I could believe everything it said until I completed the vocal science course and discovered that all the techniques in the book actually worked! Everything from the facial muscle techniques to holding your stomach in actually made my voice feel stronger and allowed me to project my words more clearly. This book definitely provides a great starting point to anyone who wants to learn how to sing to their full extent. It's also quite funny and entertaining throughout!"
   
• Nick Lombardi of the band DropKick Me Jesus:
  Question: "Did you find the instruction was helpful to you?"
  Answer: "Night and day...there were a lot of things I didn't know... I couldn't sing for long periods of time, and if I did I'd get sore throats. If I'd do two nights over an hour and a half in a row, for three days straight after I couldn't even talk. Now I could do three hours, three hours, and three hours and I'm fine. I could do three, four, or five nights a week... no problem."
   
• Cindy Gomez - Solo artist signed with INTERSCOPE records California:
  "To Diana, the world's greatest teacher! THANKS so much for all the help."
  
   
• Courtney Betty - Entertainment Lawyer with Betty & Associates:
  "After one hour Diana was able to instill in my singers a level of vocal presentation which they had previously been unable to reach in all their career."
   
• Joy Starr:
  "I started training with Diana a little over a year ago. She changed my life. She offered me great challenges but more importantly she helped build my confidence back up so that I could move forward in my life. When I first walked in to her studio I was a bit intimidated. Here was this very talkative, confident person and me being very shy and very quiet. Diana had this loud voice and eyes that seemed to look right through me. I felt as if I had to tell her nothing about myself because she already knew. My training originally started with speech in hopes of moving onto singing. I made it to the fifth session when I was confronted with the dreadful truth from Diana. She told me that she could not help me, and that she would refund my money. She suggested that I move on to something else. My heart was broken. I drove back home crying all the way. As the week passed my sadness turned to anger and I called Diana and told her I wanted to continue with the speech training. This was my turning point. At the time I did not understand why Diana said what she said, but I certainly do now. She was reaching inside to bring out who Joy was, and that was a fighter. I worked hard for the rest of the year and finally hit a point where I could sing and speak with confidence. Over that year I gained new confidence along with a new job. I continue on with these newly found traits. Diana has not only been a wonderful teacher to me, she has also been a great friend. I am lucky to have crossed paths with her. As Diana often expresses in her classes...Thank God For The Blessing!"
   
• Diane Higgins of the band Jane Doe:
  "I was sent here after it was pointed out that I have a pitch problem... After only four lessons, I had a show where Sebastian Bach of SKID ROW was present. The first thing he said to me was "Wow, your pitch is great...!"
   
• Brian Allen - A&R for Attic Records:
  "Vocalists I have referred to Diana have always shown improvement."
   
• Raine of the band Our Lady Peace:
  "Before when I was in the studio singing all those lines going up & down I had always felt flat..."
  Question: "Do you feel that this concept is right?"
  Answer: "Absolutely! I think it's brilliant and I definitely need it!" [11/29/1993]
   
• Everett Ravenstein - of Chalet Studios:
  "Diana's positive approach and skilled technique help bring out both a technical and emotional performance in the artist. She truly would be an asset to both professional and amateur vocalists, particularly to the singer about to embark on long road tours or studio sessions."
   
• Kim Cooke - A&R for Warner Music Canada:
  "When the topic of vocal coaches comes up, Diana's name is always at the top of the list."
   
• Charlene Roy:
  "Diana, I can't thank you enough for teaching me your revolutionary singing method. I enrolled in your 10hr Sing-Like-A-Pro class a couple of years ago. Since then, my confidence and ability rose to new heights. I personally thank you for making me the singer I am today. I previously embarked on traditional singing lessons, but a major improvement started after I took instruction from you. Your one-on-one lessons were invaluable, unique, and simple in concept. Every time I sing, I visualize and place my sound as you taught me. I can sing any type of music - pop, country and rock. Since enrolling in your class, my sound is clear and powerful, without all the strain on my vocal chords. People think I have been singing all my life & are quite suprised that I have only been singing a few years! I remember being in your North York studio on the second day of my lesson. I was shocked and astounded when your method "kicked in", as you say - "My computer chip was re-programmed." I experienced not only hearing sound but also "seeing" sound! As I achieved proper form, placement and projection - I actually "had seen" music energy flowing from my voice! It was unbelievable, spiritual, and absolutely incredible. I remember looking at you and saying, 'Did you see that!" You smiled enthusiastically and said, "You got it!" Your Vocal Science method literally generates, captures and releases this incredible energy force from the human body. To realize sound on this level is an absolute heaven-sent experience. I have been very busy singing and the future looks bright. I have sung at all sorts of functions including: Weddings, Fashion Shows, Anniversaries, Outdoor Music Events, Christmas Parties, Halloween Parties, Company Parties, Grand Openings, Charity Events, Restaurants, Pubs, Hospitals, and more. I have become successful in my music ventures and actually quit my full-time job to pursue my music goals. I highly recommend your method of teaching when people ask me how I learned to sing. Your method taps into something beyond the ordinary!"
   
• David Johnston:
  "For anyone seriously interested in voice, Diana Yampolsky is THE quintessential teacher. I wish I had come to her first. Like many people building a career in the performing arts, I needed REAL results, delivered FAST, and The Royans School was and is the place. Diana's method can actually produce miracles using logic and practical application. (Seeking such a miracle, I actually drove direct from Nova Scotia to Toronto for the sole purpose of Diana and her training.) Thanks to her generous nature and dedication beyond compare, she allowed my voice to take flight. She will absolutely give all her clients the "edge" above others, (so much so that I probably should be keeping her a secret myself!) Just the same, if half the music teachers of the world had half the gifts of Diana Yampolsky, the whole world would be sounding a whole lot better."

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