Susan Kazor Testimonial - for Grant Anderson
Our grandson loves to sing and has been singing, all the time, since he was 3. Our family wanted to facilitate and develop this love. But how? Fortunately, we found Ms. Susan Niekamp and are beyond blessed to have her as his voice and music teacher. She fosters, encourages, directs and instructs his musical abilities. She is a hands-on, child-oriented, joyful and fun music teacher who holds high expectations for a child’s musical growth and development. Her professionalism is outstanding, as is her rapport with her students and families. Thanks to Ms. Susan’s knowledge and teaching, our grandson’s singing voice is now more and more developed and trained. We are all in awe at how much progress he has made and how his singing abilities have grown since he began lessons with Ms. Susan. Thank you. What you provide for him and the self confidence that accompanies his developing singing voice is beyond measure or value. – Susan Kazor
Dana Crater
Susan has taught my children, Henry and Annabel, for the past year. They have both made huge strides in their vocal ability since training with her! first of all, they love Susan, and truly enjoy their time with her. As a parrot, this is super – important, because they look forward to lessons asked me about when their next one is. secondly, Susan‘s teaching technique is amazing. Because the kids learn how their vocal cords work, they can more easily control them to have a healthy range of sounds. Susan, skillfully coached Henry through his voice change, which can be a frustrating time for a male adolescent! and Annabel now has a vibrato where there was none before. Thirdly, Susan teaches them to read music and harmonize. as part of the theory training, they learn the circle of fish, which has immensely helped Henry’s composing. Susan is so dedicated to her students; she often emails or text me with song, ideas for my children, and is available last minute for audition prep. She has coached Henry for multiple Broadway auditions and callbacks in New York. and she even came to her studio on her day off to lead Skype warm-up session for him for his calback for “The King And I.” I’m so happy we found Susan!
Haley Ondrejka
I have been a student as Susan Niekamp over nine years now, and I have seen an immense amount of growth and strengthen my voice. All thanks to her teaching. Using the connected voice, you get to the root of your voice; learning about the different parts in your body that creates sound, and how to strengthen Your vocal tools and a healthy and effective way. Not only does she teach you how to sing properly so that you can have a long lasting career in the business. She is a phenomenal teacher who helps you discover a voice that you never realized you had in you. I received my B.A. in theater arts from Palm Beach Atlantic University and have continued my career in theater. Right out of school I took part in summer stock at Shanandoah summer music theater shows such as the Addams family. (ALICE), Music Man, (MRS. SQUIRES)A Funny Thing Happened thing happened..(PANACEA), and The Wiz. (ENSEMBLE). I recently just finished a year-long internship with floor repertory theater where I was seen in Becky’s New Car. A Year With Frog And Toad, The Red Badge Of Courage.. I am now a proud EMC member, and I am continuing to audition and look for work. Without the amazing help with Susan Niekamp, I would not be the performer and person I am today.
Victoria Putzeys
I began working with Susan back in 2011 when I was in high school. I had a couple of vocal teachers prior, but never got the results. My parents and I were hoping for Now five years later I can say the first day I had my ‘Audition” at Susan studio was the best decision I could have ever made musically. I went from being frightened of certain songs and hitting certain notes, but now I approach every song in musical challenge with confidence. not only Susan amazing coach, but also a great mentor who goes above and beyond to make sure her student succeed. my musical accomplishments are my two songs on iTunes and I’m becoming to record my EP in August. I also perform in Tallahassee locally while I go to FSU
Ben Lamoureux
BEN LAMOUREUX WRITES: Susan Niekamp was my vocal instructor for nine months during my time in Fort Myers after earning my degree at Florida school of the arts, and she, without a doubt, is one of the strongest reasons that I was able to stay on top of my game is performer. During my time as her student, Susan taught me more than simply vocal technique. We talked about what roles I could potentially be cast in, she offered me repertoire selections that she felt would fit my voice and type. (well also welcoming your own suggestions).
We started each session with a couple of music theory exercises, such as rhythm, clapping or sightseeing (along with a peppering of questions about Music and signatures, while working on rep ) all of this goes to show Susan, incredible comment, teaching a strong overall performer and musician – not just “singer.” I cannot sing enough praise of Susan and her studio. It is a calm, safe, and nurturing space to explore yourself as a performer and vocalist, because of Susan, I am the performer I am today! My résumé has even been strengthened by being her student. Through Susan Studio, I had the incredible opportune Kristen Chenoweth, and Barry Manilow! I absolutely want to begin singing to those who have years of stage experience, to check out Susan Studio. I thoroughly enjoyed my time as her student, and will forever carry, warm-ups, and I learned from her with me on stage and in my only regret is that I couldn’t take her with moved give Susan a call or email you won’t regret it.
Carey Sawyer
My daughters worked with Susan this past summer as they prepared for an audition at Cypress Lake high school. Susan was so good with them as she made sure they knew How their bodies were to produce specific sounds. each week she didn’t waste a minute as they went from warm-ups, to group pieces, to working on their individual audition songs. she focus on everything from technique, to stage presence, to if/then scenarios; building your confidence along the way. she asked how they were feeling about their skills, listen to their concerns, and followed up by giving them honest advice to help them make improvements. they both grew in so many areas and felt that they had learned more from Susan and a short amount of time than they had from years of music lessons at other local studios. both of my daughters ended up getting a spot in the competitive Vocal group at their high school and we can’t thank Susan enough for her guidance and support!
Nicole Minott-Turley
Susan Niekamp visit fantastic Vocal and Life coach. it has been a privileged to sit under both her teaching and mentorship over the past year. As a beginning, vocal coach, myself, She has gone above, and beyond to prepare me to teach my own students. I feel so much more prepared, to work with individual voices, after spending time, Taking and observing lessons with her. After my first lesson with Susan, I was already Learning new, Techniques, as well as exercises to improve my heavy mix, And extend my range. Since then, I have walked away from every lesson with new information on how I can improve the problem areas we discovered in each lesson. What I love about Susan is that she find a way to challenge and encourage me at the same time. she also uses vivid word, pictures and analogies to help her students visualize a mental picture of what she wants the voice to do. These are so helpful. I found her extremely easy to work with, as she seeks to understand, and teach each individual students learning style. I am forever grateful for how she has helped me and my singing and teaching career. If you want a healthier, stronger voice, context, Susan, right away!
Sharon Jimenez
Susan Niekamp is an amazing voice teacher! My daughter, Emily Longoria, has learned so much from her. She makes her feel comfortable and not afraid to make mistakes. She is flexible with her appointment times, always willing to work with our schedules. She helps choose appropriate songs that suit, her voice and age. She also helps Emily✨💙 get ready for audition so that she feels confident. I highly recommend Susan Niekamp as your voice teacher!
Angela Nizza
Susan Niekamp was my voice and piano teacher from fourth grade Until I begin college at UCF. I remember walking into my first lesson, wondering what was to come. What was to come where filled with Susan’s instilling in me and creating an environment that allowed for me to experience music and a way I had never experienced. I participated a musical production such as Beauty And The Beast, (’08), High School Musical (‘10) Into The Woods (‘12), as well as performing with Barry Manilow this past year and Catch Them On The Rise , original songwriting showcase at Gulf Coast town Center in 2014., during high school the highlight of my week was coming to my weekly Saturday lesson and working on original music with Susan. I begin writing music in eighth grade, but Susan was the first person I ever played my music for. Susan‘s musical expertise along with her passion for her students and Music set Susan apart from other musical coaches, and unfortunate to have been able to take lessons with such an incredible teacher for so many years.
Gillian Marino
WORKING WITH SUSAN NIEKAMP IS ALWAYS AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE. WHETHER IT'S A WEEKLY LESSON OR AN OPPORTUNITY AS THRILLING AS SINGING BEHIND BARRY MANILOW OR KRISTIN CHENOWETH, SUSAN NOT ONLY WORKS TO IMPROVE ALL ASPECTS OF MY PERFORMING ABILITIES. THIS INCLUDES NOT ONLY MY VOCAL RANGE, QUALITY, AND TONE, BUT MY CONFIDENCE AND WILLINGNESS TO SEEK OUT EVERY OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE. WITH SUSAN'S HELP AND GUIDANCE, I RECEIVED A SUPERIOR MUSICAL THEATRE SOLO AT THE FLORIDA STATE THESPIAN FESTIVAL, HAVE LANDED SEVERAL MAJOR MUSICAL THEATRE ROLES (INCLUDING ADELAIDE IN GUYS AND DOLLS), AND WAS ACCEPTED INTO APPALACHIAN STATE UNIVERSITY'S VERY COMPETITIVE MUSIC THERAPY PROGRAM. I DON'T KNOW WHAT I WOULD HAVE DONE WITHOUT SUSAN'S GUIDANCE IN VOCAL RANGE, TONE QUALITY, SIGHT SINGING, AND AUDITION PREPARATION.
Bianca Flynn
"VOCAL LESSONS GAVE ME A NEWFOUND SENSE OF CONFIDENCE AND SELF DISCIPLINE. LIFE IS INFINITELY MORE BEAUTIFUL WHEN WE FOLLOW OUR PASSIONS, BUT OUR PASSIONS DON'T ALWAYS COME EASILY, AND SOMETIMES YOU REALLY HAVE TO WORK AT IT. I LEARNED HOW TO EMBRACE MY VOCAL STRENGTHENS WHILE WORKING TO IMPROVE MY WEAKNESSES. NOW MY VOICE IS FAR BETTER THAN I EVER IMAGINED IT COULD BE, PROVING THAT WE ARE OUR OWN GREATEST LIMITATION UNTIL WE REALIZE THAT WE CAN DO ANYTHING WE SET OUR MINDS TO. I NOW FEEL THAT I HAVE THE TOOLS TO CONTINUE TO FOLLOW MY PASSION WHEREVER I GO. THANK YOU, SUSAN."
Ella Stroud
SINCE WORKING WITH SUSAN, ELLA’S CONFIDENCE AND VOCAL ABILITIES HAVE SOARED. ELLA ENJOYS EVERY ASPECT OF HER LESSONS WITH SUSAN. EACH SESSION SHE WALKS OUT A LITTLE TALLER WITH A HUGE SMILE. NOT ONLY IS SHE ELLA’S BIGGEST CHEERLEADER, BUT HAS THE ABILITY TO REDIRECT FOCUS AND REALIGN COMMITMENT WHEN NEEDED. WE APPRECIATE HER FLEXIBILITY AND AVAILABILITY ESPECIALLY WITH AUDITION PREP. ELLA SAYS, “SHE’S THE BEST VOCAL TEACHER I HAVE EVER HAD.”
James Del Sordo
I'VE BEEN WORKING WITH SUSAN NIEKAMP FOR OVER FIVE YEARS NOW. HER TEACHING TECHNIQUES ARE TOP NOTCH. SHE HAS REALLY TAUGHT ME HOW TO CONTROL MY VOICE. SUSAN APPLIES HER TECHNIQUES WITH HOW YOU LEARN AS AN INDIVIDUAL. SHE REALLY STUDIES YOU AND TAKES TIME TO UNDERSTAND YOUR NEEDS. SHE IS ABLE TO APPLY IT DEPENDING ON THE WAY YOU LEARN BEST. SHE'S A GREAT TEACHER AND AN EVEN MORE AMAZING INDIVIDUAL WHO IS VERY TALENTED. I HAVE WORKED WITH MANY TALENT PRODUCERS. ONE OF THE PRODUCERS WAS TONY CATANIA. I WAS FEATURED ON A SINGLE ENTITLED "LET IT ALL GO" WHICH LANDED ON THE 2014 WORLD CUP ALBUM IN EUROPE AND WAS PLAYED ON 105.5 THE BEAT FOR A FEW MONTHS.
Lolina Munoz
MS. SUSAN HAS HELPED ME IMPROVE MY VOCAL RANGE AND TONE IN LITTLE TIME. SHE ASSISTS ME IN PREPARING FOR AUDITIONS AND COMPETITIONS BY SELECTING SONGS THAT HIGHLIGHT MY VOICE. OVER THE PAST YEAR UNDER HER GUIDANCE, I HAVE BEEN A FINALIST IN THE 13-16 CATEGORY FOR YOUNG ARTIST AWARDS, RECEIVED BEST IN ROOM AT THE FLORIDA STATE THESPIANS DISTRICT COMPETITION, AND HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO PERFORM ALONGSIDE KRISTEN CHENOWETH AND BARRY MANILOW IN YOUTH CHOIRS. SHE MOTIVATES ME TO DO MY VERY BEST AND I HIGHLY RECOMMEND HER TO ANY VOCAL STUDENT WISHING TO PERFECT HIS/HER CRAFT.
Talia Rose
MY DAUGHTER TALIA ROSE IS A VOCAL STUDENT OF SUSAN NIEKAMP. WE KNEW SUSAN WAS THE RIGHT VOCAL COACH WHEN SHE ASKED TALIA AT HER FIRST LESSON "WHAT IS YOUR WEAKNESS". TALIA'S VOCAL GROWTH HAS BEEN AMAZING TO HEAR. EVERY LESSON FOCUSES ON STRENGTHENING WEAKNESSES ALONG WITH BUILDING ON STRENGTHS. SUSAN MAKES SURE TO SQUEEZE TALIA IN LAST MINUTE FOR AUDITION PREP AND IS ALWAYS ACCOMMODATING. SUSAN'S RECORDED VOCAL WARM UPS HAVE BEEN INVALUABLE. TALIA USES THEM EVERYDAY. SUSAN HAS NOT ONLY BEEN AN AMAZING VOCAL COACH TO TALIA BUT ALSO A GREAT ROLE MODEL AND CHEERLEADER.
TALIA ROSE IS 12 YEARS OLD AND HAS BEEN PERFORMING LOCALLY SINCE SHE WAS 6 YEARS OLD. TALIA HAS PERFORMED IN LOCAL VENUES SUCH AS THE BROADWAY PALM DINNER THEATER, CULTURAL PARK THEATER, ALLIANCE FOR THE ARTS AND THE HERB STRAUSS THEATER. TALIA'S FAVORITE VOCAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS HAVE BEEN BEING SELECTED AND PERFORMING IN THE FLORIDA ALL STATE CHORUS AND HER SOLO PERFORMANCE OF THE NATIONAL ANTHEM AT HAMMOND STADIUM AT THE START OF THE MIRACLES BASEBALL GAME. WHEN NOT PERFORMING ON STAGE, TALIA ENJOYS MODELING AND COMMERCIAL ACTING.
Jon Michael Nance
SUSAN HAS A SYSTEM THROUGH THE CONNECTED VOICE THAT IS A WELL ORGANIZED, LOGICAL APPROACH TO TEACHING EVERYONE FROM THE BEGINNER TO THE ADVANCED SINGER HOW TO IMPROVE THEIR VOICE & VOCAL RANGE OR ABILITY SAFELY & HEALTHILY.
FROM TECHNIQUE TO MOTIVATION SUSAN HAS GIVEN ME THE COURAGE AND KNOWLEDGE TO BE THE BEST SINGER I CAN BE. WITHOUT HER GUIDANCE I WOULD NOT BE THE SINGER I AM TODAY. SHE HAS HAD THE PATIENCE WHEN I NEEDED IT & HAS PUSHED ME ARTISTICALLY WHEN SHE KNEW I WAS CAPABLE! I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND ANYONE WHO IS LOOKING FOR A COMFORTABLE, KNOWLEDGEABLE & FUN ENVIRONMENT TO LEARN TO CONTACT HER FOR ALL OF YOUR VOCAL NEEDS!
~JON MICHAEL NANCE
Paige Fleming
PAIGE FLEMING FROM NEXT LEVEL CHURCH WRITES: WORKING WITH SUSAN HAS BEEN THE GREATEST EXPERIENCE I EVER COULD HAVE ASKED FOR. BEFORE I STARTED MY VOCAL LESSONS I KNEW NOTHING ABOUT SINGING. ALL I KNEW WAS GOD HAD CALLED ME TO BE A WORSHIP LEADER AT MY CHURCH AND THAT WAS IT. I BARELY KNEW WHAT A HARMONY WAS. BUT SUSAN DIDN'T JUST TEACH ME WHAT A HARMONY SOUNDS LIKE, SHE BROUGHT OUT A CONFIDENCE INSIDE ME. SHE HELPED ME FIND MY VOICE WHICH ALLOWED ME TO OPEN MY HEART FOR WHAT THE LORD WANTED TO DO THROUGH ME. AND NOW I GET TO HELP HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE EXPERIENCE SOMETHING SO MUCH BIGGER THAN US. I CAN HONESTLY SAY I DON'T KNOW WHERE I'D BE WITHOUT YOU, SUSAN NIEKAMP. EVEN IN JUST 6 WEEKS, I HAVE LEARNED AND GROWN SO MUCH MORE THAN I THOUGHT I WOULD. IT'S BEEN A PLEASURE WORKING WITH YOU.