"I used to look at the leading Broadway singers and dream of having their skill — technical precision, a healthy mix, developed range, and an intimate understanding of their own instrument. Now, thanks to studying with Michael, I am beginning to achieve that with my own voice. As a belter, I was always afraid to explore my head voice, thinking it just wouldn’t be good enough. Michael saw that I had the range, and because of his teaching and his encouragement, I now feel comfortable singing in my head voice. His approach to singing is holistic: he sees me not just as a physical instrument, but as a unique person with an emotional and mental landscape that should be brought into my singing—not only to create a unique and full sound, but to tell stories with clarity and heart. I am deeply grateful for Michael in my life!"
Lauren Patten - Jagged Little Pill (Broadway; tony AWARD, Grammy Award, Drama Desk Award), FUN HOME (Broadway), Blue Bloods (CBS)
“Michael Pesce is a national treasure. He deserves his own holiday. Not only is he directly responsible for my getting at least two jobs off the top of my head, his support and talent is invaluable in everything and anything related to musical theatre.
He found me songs that booked me jobs. He took an actor/singer with a LONG history of being mistreated by musical directors and helped lift me up and move thru that trauma. I know ‘trauma’ seems a dramatic word for this but for me it was trauma - for not reading music , for not having high notes, for being slow at learning harmonies, for low self-confidence, for not having ‘that kind of voice’.
Michael has been a friend, a confidante, an expert, a therapist, a wealth of knowledge, a great communicator and incredible support to me from the first day I met him.
He knows how to deal with sore throats, inflamed chords, tension, anxiety, stress, allergies, and all the other various things that can affect a singer.
I could go on and on but for now I will leave you with this: If you have not met and worked with Michael Pesce … it is your loss. He has boosted me up and helped me in more ways than I can say. I adore him.”
Jay Russell - End of the Rainbow (Broadway), Wicked (NAT’l Tour), Girl from the north country (1ST NAT’L TOUR)
"When I first started with Michael, I was very new to musical theater, had one song in my book and was still very nervous and insecure about my voice. My goal was just to feel ok with singing in front of other people. Michael helped me accomplish so much more! His compassion helped me to feel comfortable. His amazing technique in vocal training helped me to feel more confident. His vast musical theater library helped me to find songs that I loved and made me feel more prepared in the room. His support and constant encouragement empowered me to believe I could achieve my goals! I can't recommend him enough and never hesitate when asked who to train with in NYC! He's the absolute best!"
Khori Petinaud - Moulin Rouge (Broadway), Aladdin (Broadway), Rent live (fox)
"The truth of it is that Michael is the most important member of my artistic team. His work and his guidance are indispensable to me. Some of the greatest artistic development of my career has happened in his studio. Michael not only knows how to train and develop the voice, but he thinks like an actor. You don't just leave his studio a better singer, you leave a better storyteller. His studio provides a supportive atmosphere where you can be your most daring and focused. He is a treasure that needs to be found."
Danny Skinner - Spongebob Squarepants (Broadway, Nickelodeon LIVE)
"I've spent a lot of time and money over the years training my voice, trying to "fix it" and shape it in the ways I thought were "correct". While I could get good sound I always felt more like I was battling my voice than using it. Everything changed when I started working with Michael. His kinesthetic approach to learning, through ease and understanding of the body, helped me to grow my range, power, and confidence in truly remarkable ways. He knows physiologically how the voice works, he knows the techniques, and he knows the most instinctual ways to coach you to understand it all as well. On top of that, he has helped me to build a unique and wide ranging repertoire that allows me to lead with my best in the audition room. Michael is a wonderful coach and a wonderful human. I recommend him to absolutely everyone, whether you sing for your paycheck or have never sung a note!"
Emily Skeggs - Fun Home (Broadway; Tony/Grammy Nominee), When we rise (ABC)
"I cannot speak highly enough of Michael Pesce as a vocal coach. Not only is he a trained professional who's been there and done that but he is also a caring, helpful, and supportive person who offers not only training and technique but inspiration. And not only for professional singers but for guys like me who hadn't sung in twenty years. I cannot recommend him more highly."
john Scurti - Rescue me (FX), blue bloods (CBS), MRS Maisel (PRIME)
“I found Michael through pure happenstance when an actor I was working with came in incredibly prepared and with a fresh take on one of my songs. “Who is your voice teacher?” I asked. I quickly saw how Michael’s approach could help me both as a composer and performer. My voice has opened in new ways; my personal journey has been brought more deeply into my singing; and after years as a professional club musician, my voice is healthier than ever. No small things.”
Erin McKeown - Musician, writer, producer
"Everything I ever wanted in a vocal coach was found with Michael. In the time you spend with him, you're the only person that matters. Over the course of our time I found MY voice, learned how to train the muscle, and dive deeper into the emotional connection between the music, the voice, and the words. As an actor first, it is extremely refreshing to have Michael talk to me and guide me in an actor's mindset so I can have a deeper understanding of how to be my best. Michael understands the connection to the words you sing and the music that is being played so you discover things you would never have found on your own. I also use Michael to coach scripts and sides. I am so grateful he is in my life and I trust him wholeheartedly. Anything I accomplish in my career or life, Michael is a big reason why. He is a performing artist's dream. I am lucky to call him my friend."
Patrick Murney - Mare of easttown (HBO), The BlackLIst (NBC), Seven Seconds (Netflix), Public Morals (TNT)
"When I first began with Michael I struggled with audition anxiety, feelings of inadequacy and self doubt. In short, I felt small. Over the past few years Michael has been an instrumental and profound part of helping me grow into the person I was always meant to be. Aside from his knowledgeable and skillful approach, he is an empathic, heartfelt and deeply compassionate human being, and his kindness is one of the most integral parts of what makes him an amazing teacher and mentor. He goes the extra mile to give me clear feedback, notes and tips during my sessions that I can take home with me to continue to develop my skill and he over extends himself to help me prepare for an audition, record an accompaniment track, or work through tiredness and overuse. My vocal health would simply not be the same without him.”
"Michael Pesce is everything. A friend recommended him to me in 2003, and at the time, I was having a lot of vocal problems. I thought I might never sing (or sing well) again. To this day, I credit Michael with saving my voice. Since our first lesson all those years ago, my vocal range has grown exponentially, my audition book is infallible, and I'm singing again with confidence and joy. And it is because of Michael Pesce that I have the guts to regularly perform my one-woman show. Also, Michael has a knack for finding songs that fit me like a really sexy dress. He is ... without a doubt ... the most kind, compassionate and knowledgeable coach I've ever met."
Lindsey Alley - Actress, Cabaret Artist & former Mouseketeer
"I'm predominantly an on-camera actor for TV and film. I first came to Michael for voice coaching because I had an opportunity to audition for a musical. Since then, I've found the vocal, breath, and meditative work we continue to do together to be indispensable as both a daily practice and for performances on set, on stage, and for auditions."
Gerrard Lobo - Master of None, Orange Is The New Black (netflix)
"I started working with Michael a decade ago. I was very trepidatious about auditioning for musicals. I can safely say working with Michael was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I have since gone on to book an international tour and contracts at some of the best regional theaters in the country. I attribute so much of my success to Michael. He gave me the confidence I needed to walk into the audition room as a singer. He helped me put together an incredible audition book full of songs that I am proud and excited to sing. I knew he was exactly the man I needed to help me conceptualize and to direct my one woman show. He has an incredible work ethic, a fierce attention to detail, and a fantastic sense of humor. Michael took all of the ideas and material I had and made them pop. He made me feel like a star from start to finish. I would work with him whenever possible and I am lucky to have him in my life as a coach, a collaborator, and a friend."
Amanda Bruton - addams family (nat'l tour), Mrs. Maisel (Prime), orange is the new black (Netflix)
"Michael Pesce is an incredible voice technician, a brilliant musical coach, a fantastic source for new material, and a beautiful human. He's truly one of my favorite people that I have had the pleasure to work with! When I first met Michael (in 2013), I was recovering from a vocal trauma that had left me feeling extremely lost and insecure about my voice. With his help, I began to build strength, confidence, consistency, and, as a result, began to book more work. I am beyond grateful for his help and endless support and highly recommend him to anyone seeking help in their musical endeavors."
Javier Ignacio - Company (Broadway), Side Show (Broadway)
“Michael is an incredible teacher. I initially started taking voice lessons with him, focusing on strengthening my mix and increasing my range. He does an excellent job coaching vocal technique and explaining why certain exercises and placements are so important to enhance sound quality. Since taking lessons with him, I find my voice is much healthier and I sing more comfortably with less strain. Then, I started taking piano lessons with Michael. I was blown away with how well he structured each lesson. He incorporates music theory, technical exercises, manuscript writing, and piano pieces all in one lesson. He even gives an assignment of a “challenging” piano piece each week to push you along and make you feel even more passionate about piano. Michael is very attuned to your individual needs; for instance, since I am a singer-songwriter, he helps me further understand chord theory to increase my songwriting skills. He does a wonderful job tying the piano and voice lessons together. Since COVID-19, I have been doing virtual weekly lessons with him for both piano and voice and I am immensely impressed with how smoothly he has handled this transition and how well he runs his lessons virtually.”
Maya Goldman - Shrek the Musical (Broadway), The People in the Picture (Broadway), How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1st Nat’L Tour)
"From the very first rehearsal I experienced with Michael I was blown away by his attention to detail, his passion, and his kindness. He gives every ounce of his energy to his performers and is so thoughtful with every bit of direction. Seeing Michael work with other performers was part of the inspiration for me to put up my own show. The thought of receiving direction and guidance from an amazing artist like Michael really launched me into action.
He was so helpful in getting me inspired and excited about putting together a show that would be authentically me. Michael shared insights that helped me with music, stories, jokes, visuals, vocals, promotion, technical aspects and more. He knew when to push me, when to keep me on a sensible timeline, and helped me reign in my creativity while never stifling it.
When it came to show time, I literally felt the presence of Michael's energy in the audience while I was onstage. I am so grateful for all the work he put into my show. I felt completely supported and inspired for every second of the process and am already looking forward to doing this with him again!"
Henry koperski - musician, composer
"I’ve met many a wonderful teacher in NYC, yet none has been so instrumental in my growth nor as encouraging of me and my goals as Michael Pesce. I came to Michael with minor vocal training, little knowledge of Broadway music, and zero experience as a piano player. After working with him I’ve built my technique as a vocalist to the point where I have the confidence to walk into any room and own my voice; I now have a book full of contemporary and classical musical theatre songs that truly reflect the best aspects of me as a performer; and I’ve not only developed a strong foundation as a pianist but also an ever-growing understanding of music theory and how it can enhance my contribution as an artist in any room. I attribute all of this and more to Magician Pesce, as I call him. He is simply a master at guiding a student to unlocking that which they already have within, and cultivating a trust in the work space which empowers the student to reach new heights in their artistic journey. I cannot speak highly enough of him."
Lucas Parada - Dancer, creator, Educator, activist
"Michael Pesce has, quite simply, transformed my voice. As a teacher, Michael understands the unique vocal qualities of each of his students and, through a mixture of coaching and instinct, brings out the best in his clients. It is rare to find a teacher who is an excellent coach of vocal technique and dramatic material but Michael excels at both. The most satisfying sessions are those in which both my technical voice and my creative artist are put to work, challenged, and grow. I encourage everyone to experience the friendliness, humor, and vitality of his studio. After meeting him, you won't go anywhere else."
Colin Israel - Matilda (Broadway), Blindspot (NBC), MRS Maisel (PRIME)
"Michael has always been, and will always be, my go-to coach for just about anything. When I started working with him in 2007 (when I was only 10 years old), I learned fundamental exercises and placements that I may not have understood/needed at the time, but now a decade later they help me more than I could have ever thought. This proves Michael's overall knowledge and (may I say) mastery of the voice. It has done endless amounts of things for me, including educating me on many essential tools to leading a healthy vocal lifestyle as I transition into being an adult. Michael is just the best there is."
Matthew Gumley - Elf (Broadway), Addams Family (Broadway)
"Michael is a very insightful vocal coach & teacher. He studied voice with me early in his career when I identified him as a talented singer. Over the course of our relationship, I encouraged him to consider coaching singers. That was an important day in his life. As a result Michael has changed the lives of many acting singers. He has extensive vocal and repertoire knowledge. His track record speaks for itself!"
Ron Meixsell - Master Voice Teacher & Choral Clinician
"I first met Michael in 2001 as he was developing his studio and performing around the world. I watched him excel both on stage and off and was thrilled when he decided to focus his energies on exploring the skills of the performance community around us. In fact, I felt he was so valuable that I married him! To the best partner in the world - keep doing what you're doing - you're doing great!"
Davy JONES - husband
"At times I thought what I didn't know would make you fall behind. The person you have become takes my breath away. You have such a kind heart and a generous soul. You are true to yourself and speak your mind. You take what's good and make it better. You do your best to do what's right, you've got style all your own. You're fun and wonderful and you shine so bright. My love for you is beyond forever. Your friends and students are so lucky to have you in their lives."
Marie Pesce - Mother