Fran Carbonaro Vocal Studio - Sebastopol, California

kathryn page

I am phobic about singing, and with good reason. Unanimous and long-held opinion is that i can't. Even something as simple and friendly as the birthday song comes out a dismal, wishful, whispery sound with the random odd barky note. And "The Wheels on the Bus"? That god I will never have to do that again.

I saw Fran's description of what she does, which was more or less "I help you find your voice", and ventured a contact. I'd been feeling the need for something real inside me to bust loose, no idea really what. In our first short chat Fran's open, warm, candid manner led me to think this was maybe not so scary, so we made an appointment to meet at her studio to see if it might be a good fit.

When I first stood at the door all the fear and failure and shame (singing-related, anyway) of 7 decades stood there with me. But really within minutes that started to dissolve, as Fran made it clear she was in my corner. We are just beginning, but I'm beginning to believe that--as I told her after that session--my voice has missed me. (Fran added her enthusiastic "It has!") and so I'm calling it home.

Turns out I have 2 good friends she has worked with (that i know of) and they also sing her praises to the rooftops--in their cases, on key.

(I understand that Fran's students vary widely--and include some GREAT singers.)

emma noren

I took vocal lessons with Fran for seven years and loved every minute of it. Fran approaches teaching with patience, kindness, and a wealth of expertise, and I felt so held and supported even when i didn’t like how my voice sounded. She helped me shape my voice to what it is today, and she also helped me cultivate my presence. As a musician who performs live regularly, I reference Fran’s teachings in both my voice and my stage presence and confidence all the time. She is an incredible teacher and mentor, and I can honestly say she showed me what it is to be a musician and a performer. I could not recommend her enough!

Michaela Thomas

I took vocal lessons from Fran for 5 years. Before Fran I was studying classical music and music theory. However, I wanted to sing as an expression of my emotions and not as much for the scholastic side of things. Which is why I sought a contemporary music teacher. This lead me to Fran. Fran helped me discover artists that changed my whole perspective on music. She organized countless workshops and performances which taught all of her students to love and be comfortable performing in front of others. Fran has a gift for bringing forth her students full talents and is especially talented at working with songwriters. Today, I am fortunate enough to sing professionally! I credit much of my success to my work with the exceptional Fran Carbonaro!

David Comfort

Excellent vocal instruction! Fran is especially great with singer- songwriters. I have worked with Fran for about a year and seen tremendous progress. Fran has a theater background so she can really help people going on stage. Even just exploring what you can do with your voice is great with Fran. I brought my daughter to her while she was finishing elementary school. Within a year she was performing at 6th Street Playhouse. I highly recommend her!

Matt Cooper

Fran was my first voice teacher as I was figuring out how my voice worked and what it meant to be a singer. She was incredibly kind and knowledgable, and she set me on the right path vocally. After studying with her for 4 years I went on to get a BFA in Musical Theatre, perform on Broadway, touring America and Europe in shows, as well as write and release several albums of my own music. She's the real deal and a great foundation!

Gelsey Bell

Fran was the ideal voice teacher when I was first finding my way in the vocal arts in high school. She taught me about the fundamental connection between emotions and the voice, which was absolutely foundational to my being able to then learn technique. She also was so comfortable with multiple genres that the walls between kinds of music and kinds of singing fell down. I would never have the career I have now without that lesson. And finally, she was also very encouraging of me as an artist and made me feel like it was natural for me to start writing my own music. No professional musician gets into or stays in the business without a huge amount of encouragement and support. Fran was a deep, giving well. I could not be more thankful for her wisdom and guidance when I was such a young, impressionable age.

James Paschal

In this pandemic context, Fran and I were able to meet on-line using technology to have very positive, constructive vocal sessions while remaining socially isolated. The outcome was extremely helpful in focusing my awareness on how my body makes the best sounds. I am a joyful singer with 50 years experience. My body has changed. I can no longer just squeeze out the notes I want without warming up. Good technique has become paramount.
Fran is so good at picking up inflection in my voice, hearing strain and helping me reach for relaxed passages using a variety of techniques. Our online sessions were a touchstone for me to stay connected to my singing voice.
She also contributed to creative ideas that I can expand upon that showcase my voice at it’s best.
I appreciate Fran’s expertise as top notch. Jim Paschal

Mary Diaz

Fran is amazing. She gave me the confidence and support I needed to prepare for a last minute audition, and I have to say, I was rather impressed with the voice that came out of me! The way she languages the singing process was exquisitely helpful and will stay with me.