Singing Reviews from Parents and Voice Students


Review from Jan M.
Parent of High School Musical Theater Singer and College Theater Major
Review from Gina H.
Gina's son is an All-State High School Choir singer in Clear Creek ISD.
Review from Karen C.
League City Church Choir Member
Review from Karan H.
Karan's daughter is a high school senior in Clear Creek and plans on a music major in college.

 Voice Lesson Reviews from Students and Parents

An email from a current student who I have worked with for about three years...

I reached out to David during the pandemic, figuring that the best way to combat the ennui of social distancing was by giving my childhood dreams of getting voice training a try. I'm happy to say that it's now been over three years later, and I've learned so much about singing that it's opened a new world for me! I've expanded my range, I've learned control that I hadn't realized existed, I've learned what kinds of things to listen for to achieve different effects (and what exercises can help), and I've done all of this while learning stacks of different songs of just about any genre that catches our eye. We've varied the songs we use in class with material I bring from outside, some of it very obscure, and he's always looking to help me find my own twist on it. There was even a time when I joined a musical theater and we spent some portions of our classes reviewing the trickier songs, troubleshooting the pieces giving me trouble. He's patient in explaining what our goals are, he can demonstrate everything clearly and simply, and he always listens when I ask if we can focus on a particular skill I want to learn or improve on.

I grew up with parents that were choir directors and performers, but David has been my first formal instruction in the skill, and it's been a great experience. If you're looking for singing instruction, pick him!

--Dorothy J., Voice Student, Webster
I received this very sweet email from a former student in 2013 (!) this Christmas in 2023.

"Hi David,
Hope you and your family are doing well as we close out yet another year.  If I remember correctly, you were expecting your first child back when I was taking lessons from you? 

David, I am eternally grateful that you took me on as a voice student in the summer of 2013. I didn’t realize it at the time and maybe you didn’t either, but you became a part of my journey that’s helped me find out who I am and what drives.

You giving me a chance start singing again and the confidence you had in my ability that I lacked when you asked me to join Bay Area Chorus opened up an artistic outlet for me that has been much needed and continues to this day.

I currently sing with Cherry Creek Chorale in Denver, which I joined soon after moving here (9 years ago, on 12/30/2014). I just wrapped up the Fall semester with CCC by singing in my first performance as an Alto 2! Again, discovering this part of myself wouldn’t have been possible without you.

Merry Christmas and all the best to you and yours for 2024 and beyond. 
Sincerely,
Sunny Waas"
"Just wanted to thank you for all your work with Lottie, she was so confident singing [her church Christmas solo], (and basically sight read it) such a change from before you began working with her. Merry Christmas! 
--Shauna C., Parent of Voice Student, Dickinson
"My daughter has been receiving singing lessons from David and she has absolutely loves it! David is very knowledgeable and knows exactly what needs to be done to improve your singing. My daughter has taken voice lessons for about 4 years total and every other instructor would tell her the things she needed to correct but never the way to correct them.  She felt improvement and "ah ha" moments from their first lesson. I would highly recommend Clear Lake Voices to anyone wanting to learn and improve their singing. He is the best!"
--Clarissa T., Parent of Voice Student, League City
"David Smith is the best voice and music theater coach I have ever had the pleasure of learning from. He has taught me how to sing various pieces ranging from jazz to opera, taught me the art of pedagogy of breathing, singing, and portraying the music I've performed as a masterpiece, and most of all, teaching me that every voice Is unique in its own way; you must train your Instrument, should you desire to perform well. Thanks to his profession and skill, I've learned to exercise versatility, use air as my advantage, and stay on my voice to unlock its true beauty.  David is currently helping me with musical theater prices to audition for prestigious universities and academies across the nation. I would have never improved, and become a better actor, a better singer, and ultimately a better performer, if it weren't for David Smith. (;"
--Laura J., Voice Student, Dobie High School
"When we moved to League City last summer my daughter was looking for private voice lessons. She is an enthusiastic singer and had voice lessons for several years.  Since her favorite genres are country, rock and pop she first didn't really like singing the classical pieces, which she was supposed to sing in her high school choir. So we were very happy to find David because he teaches a large versatile repertoire. He is a wonderful experienced teacher so that Kirsten could improve her skills in every genre of music. She auditioned in high school and was finally chosen to perform as a soloist in the pop show. In addition, David helped her develop a much broader range especially in the higher register. In the end she even loved to sing classical music (and was chosen for a state competition).  Thank you very much, David for all that you have done."
--Sabine B., Parent of High School Voice Student, Clear Creek High School
I've been taking lesson from David smith for some time now and my experience with him has gone very well! He makes you feel comfortable while you're there, which not all vocal coaches do, he knows a lot about music and what goes along with it, and if anyone is in need of singing lessons or a vocal coach this is the guy to go to.
--Trey T., Voice Student, League City
"Music has always been a passion of mine and I have pursued it in one form or another over the years. I was schooled in Indian Classical Music as a child and wanted to explore other genres of music. David has opened my eyes and my voice to a whole new realm. He is extremely talented, patient, meticulous and dedicated. These are the qualities I highly value in any teacher and I would highly recommend him for voice lessons. He carefully makes notes when teaching and thereby adapts his lessons to bring the best out in each student. "
--Geetha A., Voice Student, Houston
"As an adult with no previous voice experience, my goal was to be able to perform in musicals. I have been working with David for almost two years and he has been a wonderful teacher. He has greatly expanded my range, projection and technique, as well as teaching the acting that goes along with a song. His excellent teaching has certainly paid off. I landed the part of Florinda in Into The Woods at my first musical audition and recently landed a lead part in a musical review show.  Thanks to David, I am a better singer, more confident at auditions and able to live my dream of performing in musicals."
--Stephanie H., Voice Student, League City
"I just want to say thank you for all you've done for me in high school. You've truly helped me grow as a musician and a performer. I feel like I'm walking into college well equipped with a largely versatile repertoire. Thank you!"
--Jacob C., Voice Student, Texas City High School and All-State Singer
"Emmy has been telling me how much she is learning with you.  It is very intimidating for her to work with one of the TUTS music teachers because she expects them all to be able to read music perfectly…and we all know how difficult some of those musical pieces can be!  Thank you for working on it with her and helping her get better at it.  She also tells me how you are able to give her such good pointers on her singing…so nice that you can point out her weaknesses and show her how to fine tune her vocals.  She really appreciates your honesty and constructive criticism.  You are a fantastic teacher."
--Tracy S., Parent of High School Voice Student, Seabrook
"David is the best voice teacher we have come across. Our child's breath control, voice projection and overall presentation of music has improved a lot since we have started lessons there. Mr. Smith's music lessons help with techniques in other forms of vocal music as well. He is very encouraging in his approach. David is a sheer delight to listen to, so much so that any person who sits in the lesson watching will pick up music!"
--Kiran P., Parent of Junior High Voice Student, Clear Lake
"My daughters think [Mr. Smith] is a great teacher in singing well. He is a very understanding teacher and gives you plenty of time to think about how you should sing and works hard to help you improve, even more than you think you can."
--Alan D., Parent of Junior High Voice Students, Webster
"David has been a great help to me in my quest to improve my singing volume, breathing technique, and confidence.  I happen to be an older adult, having sung most of my life, at least at church, and never had much power.  I had only three voice lessons with David when people noticed an obvious improvement!  I highly recommend him to anyone – whether high school or beyond – who is seeking a good voice teacher!"
---Karen C., Voice Student, League City
"For the past year that I have been taking voice lessons, David has been a phenomenal teacher. David has helped me tremendously with transitioning from choral technique to that of a soloist. He has helped me develop a much broader range and improve vocal control, as well as introduce me to challenging but exciting songs."
--Alfredo J., Voice Student, Houston
"Thanks so much and thank you for all your hard work with her. Randy and I were SO impressed with her solo at the recital. She’s definitely not my shy little girl anymore.  Thanks.
--Hazel K., Parent of Junior High Voice Student, League City
“As an adult with practically no vocal experience I have wanted to take lessons for years to develop my capability and confidence in singing, and David was recommended to me by a friend who is a Choir Director at one of the local high schools.  Over the past few months that I’ve had voice lessons with him, he’s worked with me to greatly improve my breath support, work on register and passaggio issues, and improve my range.  I’m really looking forward to the Church’s Christmas choir this year!”
--Jeff N., Voice Student, Houston
“David Smith is a great voice teacher because it does not matter how experienced you are.  I started taking lessons from him about 6 months ago with no experience at all, and now I have a pretty good idea of what I’m doing.  I like that lessons are always fun and when I feel like I’m doing something wrong, he does his best to understand and help me, no matter how terribly I explain it. Best of all, anyone can work with him, not just guys, since I am one of his girl students.”
--Shannon R., Voice Student, Clear Springs High School

Reviews from Colleagues

"For the past two years, David Smith has been a tremendous asset to our music ministry at Clear Lake United Methodist Church. His rich, resonant bass voice has made a huge difference in our choir. Numerous times, David has sung vocal solos for worship services; he has always been extremely well-prepared as a singer and performs in a way that conveys a commitment to musical excellence and to the text. His recent graduate voice recital in our sanctuary was a marvelous demonstration of David's gifts as an accomplished artist on many levels. As a performer, he will draw you into whatever song he is singing, whether it's Handel or Lerner and Loewe. We are certainly looking forward to David's presentation of the "Elijah"role in the spring of 2011.

If you are serious about studying voice, it is critical that you select the right voice teacher. David's gifts as a teacher and his passion for learning will be an asset to any voice student. He led voice classes for each of our sections in the adult choir, and each one was extremely helpful and beneficial to our singers.

On a personal level, David has been a delight as he has become involved in the life of our church. He is extremely personable, gracious and warm. It is a blessing to know such a gifted musician." 
--Jeff Weiss, Music Director at Clear Lake United Methodist Church
“I have been very impressed with the progress my students have made while taking voice lessons from David. He has a good understanding of the young voice, and does an excellent job teaching the fundamentals of singing while developing his students' performance skills and confidence. My students appreciate his help when preparing to audition for TMEA region choir, UIL solo and ensemble, and school musicals. When people in the Clear Lake area ask me to recommend a voice teacher, David is always the first name I give.”
--Rob Phillips, Choral Director at Clear Springs High School
"David possesses an attractive lyric baritone voice. I feel strongly that he will combine his talent, courteous spirit and intelligence in a way that will change lives.  On stage he is a strong actor. He thoroughly researches characters. His presence is sure and he communicates clearly with colleagues, directors and conductors...He is well liked by students and colleagues. He is respected as someone who understands when to work and when to relax. His ability to manage time is outstanding. He is committed to his family, teaching and studies."
--Timothy Jones, DMA, Voice Professor at the University of Houston
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832-499-3078, clearlakevoices@gmail.com