“Music is the divine way to tell beautiful, poetic things to the heart.”

- Pablo Casals

The studio offers private lessons for piano and voice. All ages and all levels are welcome to explore their musical goals, stay motivated and achieve success.

A solid foundation of musicianship and technique empowers you to bring your musical aspirations to life with vibrancy, persuasiveness, and completeness. Simone offers a personalized environment allowing students to flourish creatively at their own pace.

Music is the most powerful means of emotional expression. Whether classical or popular music is your focus, exploration of various aspects of keyboard technique is always front-and-center. It is also one of the few skills that awakens our complete humanity. It is artistic, athletic, emotional, and intellectual - all at once.

voice lessons

  • "If I cannot fly, let me sing"
    - Stephen Sondheim

    Simone puts an emphasis on discovering your voice, through natural breathing, posture, and tone production. These first steps will help you to comfortably sing in your head voice, chest voice, and blended voice.

    Lessons Include
    Ear training
    Pitch recognition
    Range
    Inflection
    Music notation
    Theory

    This vocal training will be experienced though a variety of songs specifically chosen for each singer's personality. To keep singing fun and inspiring, students will also work on their favorite songs and learn how to perform and present themselves in front of an audience.

  • "The only thing better than singing is more singing"
    - Ella Fitzgerald

    Simone's knowledge and experience will help you expand your voice. Singers are encouraged to prepare for a specific performance, audition, or recording session. Sessions are used to focus on areas such as performing strategies, stage presence, style and appropriate musical choices. Students may also work on acting within the song, phrasing and diction.

    Lessons Include
    Increasing vocal range
    Improving breathing
    Singing in different languages
    (English French, German, Spanish, Italian)
    Vocal endurance
    Voice projection and volume control
    Blending smoothly between vocal registers
    Belting coordination
    Specific technical exercises for warm-ups

    Singers will be taken to the next level, sing with confidence and perform with style. They will work on a variety of styles including classical, musical theatre, sacred, contemporary, choral music and more.

  • "Those who wish to sing always find a song"
    - Elizabeth Alexander

    Simone will aim to help you raise your voice and achieve technical and artistic mastery. Her vision is to see you go from aspiring artists to professional musicians! She will provide ongoing vocal training that focuses on vocal technique to increase your vocal range, build vocal strength, achieve the perfect blending of the voices including belting to finally achieve vocal freedom.

    Lessons Include
    Technique, technique, technique!!!
    Strengthening the voice
    Mastering a solid, flawless vocal technique
    Efficient vocal warm-ups and cool-downs
    Building an audition book
    Language skill refinement
    (English French, German, Spanish, Italian)
    Role refreshers and preparation for upcoming performances

    By encouraging singers to practice with dedication and intelligence, vocal freedom will emerge leaving your mind, emotions and muscles free to be in the moment when performing.

piano lessons

  • “Where words fail, music speaks”
    - Christian Andersen

    Learning to play the piano is much more than a hobby – when children learn to focus their energy and attention on achieving musical goals, they acquire a self-mastery that can be applied to all aspects of their life.

    Lessons are tailored to the personality and learning styles of each student, and according to their goals and expectations. The studio offers private lessons, which can be 30, 45 or 60 minutes long, depending of the student's age, level or aspirations. The well-rounded curriculum incorporates music reading skills, appropriate technique development, in-depth understanding of music theory, and exposure to various music styles and repertoire. Establishing a home practice routine is vital to the students’ success and rate of progress.

    Lessons Include
    Good posture and hand position
    Reading music notation
    Sight reading
    Ear training
    Repertoire
    Rhythm and harmony
    Learning effective practice habits

    As music-reading and technical skills develop, students can explore more challenging pieces with confidence and flexible technique. Students are provided short-term goals that lead to long-term improvement. Students are shown effective practice methods and leave feeling invigorated, knowing exactly how to prepare for the next lesson.

  • “If the music be the food of love, play on”
    - William Shakespeare

    Learn the difference between the language we speak and the universal language of music, which uses symbols instead of letters. Make your dreams come true - see how easy and effortless the study of music can really be.

    If you have the desire to play the piano, and a few minutes a day to devote to practicing, you deserve to treat yourself to weekly sessions. This studio offers private lessons which can be 30, 45 or 60 minutes long, depending of the level or aspirations. Curriculum is based on your musical background, level of experience, interests, goals and abilities.

    Lessons Include
    Technique (for healthy, pain-free playing)
    Music notation
    Reading music fluently
    Improvising
    Learning the theory and structure behind visible notation
    Understanding of chords and harmonies

    We’ll work on each element, and as a result, you’ll be an independent musician who can pursue your individual goals. Lessons can also help you to improvise at the piano and create your own music. It will encourage your creative thinking, while developing your analytical skills.

Simone Lyne Comtois is a French-Canadian mezzo-soprano who performed and toured over 20 years in Canada, Europe, and the United States. She burst onto the International Opera scene at a young age and was the recipient of grants from the Canadian Arts Councils which, after receiving her bachelor’s degree in piano performance, allowed Simone to study with Joyce McLean of the Juilliard School.

Renowned for her effervescent personality and elegant appearance, Ms. Comtois has been praised by numerous publications - including The New York Times for her performances at the Lincoln Center, as well as enthusiastic reviews from The Washington Post, Opera News, Opera International for her dynamic acting and rich, impeccable tone. A copy of her recording “Songs of the Americas” is on exhibit at the Heitor Villa-Lobos Museum in Rio de Janeiro. Mr. Lobos is a world-famous Brazilian composer, conductor, cellist, and classical guitarist.

During her opera career, Simone sang leading roles in Operas such as Carmen, Barber of Seville, The Tales of Hoffman, Romeo & Juliet, Cosi fan Tutte, The Marriage of Figaro, Faust, L' Enfant et les Sortilèges and many others. She was invited by several orchestras as a guest soloist.

Simone gave Master Classes in Colleges and Universities during her performing career, and a life-changing guest teacher invitation from Juilliard’s evening division ignited a new passion – feeling renewed, she decided to focus her energy on learning how to help singers.

Since moving to California, Simone has coached professional opera singers in need of polishing their roles and served as vocal consultant for professional singers preparing for roles in French and Italian Operas.

After completing her last professional performance, Simone began working as Music Director for local musical theatre companies for children 7 to 18. Productions include You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, The Pirates of Penzance, Oklahoma, Seussical, Grease, Best Little Theater in Town, and Beauty & the Beast to name a few. In 2008 she opened her own music studio in Sonoma County, California, teaching Classical Musical Theater, Pop, and Jazz.

Several of her students have been accepted into prestigious music schools throughout the Country, obtained substantial scholarships and won awards and competitions. Some are now successfully performing and recording artists and song writers. Her younger students often participate in Musical theater in both Marin and Sonoma County.

Simone is truly motivated by her love for music. She has an exceptional devotion for young musicians and a passion for sharing the knowledge received from the great mentors of her life.

  • Wilco & Win Sas

    Words cannot express how grateful we are to have Simone as our daughters' vocal teacher. Her expertise in vocal techniques and her ability to guide and coach them in their musical journey has been truly remarkable.

    She has a unique talent for bringing out the best in her students and helping them reach their full potential. She has consistently provided the support and guidance needed to excel. Not only has Simone nurtured their vocal abilities, but she has also further instilled a love for music in our daughters.

    Her unwavering commitment, patience, and encouragement have profoundly impacted our daughters' musical growth. We wholeheartedly recommend Simone to anyone seeking a dedicated and talented vocal teacher. She is truly exceptional.

  • Ada Moreno

    When I started lessons with Simone 4 years ago, , I had no idea what an impactful and important relationship would come out of my lessons. She takes the time to personally pick out every students’ repertoire, while being mindful of the students’ vocal range, age, and interest in types of music. Simone's teaching guided me in my vocal journey from being quiet to being able to project my voice.

    Simone makes me feel comfortable and safe, teaching me the art of making mistakes which helps me build my confidence. Not only is Simone a wonderful teacher but also a life coach to me. As her student, I get to develop my voice and appreciation for music. I also gained a life mentor who I can always rely on.

  • MacKenzie Cahill

    Over the course of my time with Simone, she prepared me for auditions, performances, and built the foundation necessary to succeed in music. Simone has a masterful background in vocal technique. She gives specific feedback and takes the time to answer questions so students always understand the “why” behind her notes. During our lessons, Simone always ensured I had fun and sang repertoire that challenged me and brought me joy. As a teacher, she is nurturing and never condescending, and as a person, she is a safe space where I could be myself and make mistakes. She is the reason I was prepared to perform at the collegiate level for musical theater, why I got my BFA in Acting and Minor in Music, and why I am now a professional in the field. Simone will not only teach you how to sing, she will be a mentor and support system as you grow as an artist and individual.

  • Anaise McNaught

    My son has been going to Simone for seven years. He instantly made a connection with her and his musical journey has been phenomenal. She prevented him from being frustrated through puberty and has helped him find and understand his new voice. The bond they have is something special and we are thankful to have her in our lives. Our son is now a beautiful baritone who signs with confidence and passion. If you are thinking of bringing singing into your life or your child’s life, Simone is the one.

  • Elizabeth Boaz

    Simone teaches so much more than vocal technique — she imparts ARTISTRY, creative power, and self expression. As a professional performing vocalist and voice teacher, I still hear Simone’s voice in my head all these years later while I’m onstage, in the lesson room, or picking repertoire for myself. Simone knew my voice before I did and helped me shape it into the instrument I have today. Simone will make every singer of any age/skill level fall in love with the art of singing, and the magic of the expressing oneself through the voice.

  • Brittany Hasbany

    Before I trained with Simone, I had no technique and no control over my voice. Simone helped me find my true sound and a sense of confidence that I did not have before. I am now acting and singing professionally and I would not be doing what I love today if it hadn't been for the training I received with Simone. She understood me and she helped a shy girl come out of her shell and become someone who wanted to be heard. She has an uncanny understanding of the voice and she can pinpoint little things to make your performance so much better. A lesson with Simone is absolutely worth it!

  • Nikki Hermann-Tam

    We are thrilled to have found Simone! She has worked wonders with our daughter, teaching her to sing, read music, and play piano. Simone's infectious enthusiasm and exceptional ability to connect with her students creates a fun and exciting learning environment. With her expert guidance, our daughter's musical talents have flourished, and her confidence has soared. We cannot thank Simone enough for the incredible gift of music she has given our daughter, and therefore our family. She is truly exceptional, and we can’t recommend her enough!

  • Maria Dibs

    Simone came into my life when I was a senior in high school and looking to acquire new skills and widen my vocal range. Throughout our lessons, I gained vocal power through pushing past the fear of my voice being heard.

    Simone taught me vital technical skills that vastly improved both my range and tone. I gained a great deal of confidence. By the end of the year, I even received the "Most Improved" award in my choir! Simone challenged me to reimagining the limitations I had set for myself. I highly recommend lessons with Simone for people of any age. 10/10!

  • The Peo Family

    What a dream it was to be referred to Simone by one of her former students. Simone connects with our daughter, and with her many years of experience, provides tools to build our daughter's craft, instills confidence, brings out her beautiful voice to shine and most importantly, keeps our daughter in love with singing week after week.

    Simone is passionate, bold, fun, powerful, engaging, and wise. She knows exactly how to prep for auditions and offers great advice for school singing projects. Because of Simone, Victoria can assuredly perform, with a strong voice, competence, and pride. Our daughter is also ecstatic about her new found piano lessons. We hear a determined girl with a bold, projected voice, completely on key, singing and playing by her choice for fun. WIN!

    We couldn’t offer our daughter a better gift than Simone. We thank our lucky stars for her. It is a forever blessing to listen to our daughter's love for singing/playing for both herself and for others around her. We give Simone 5 STARS!

student performances