TESTIMONIALS
"Since studying with him (beginning in 2003), David has taught me how to get the most out of my voice, while keeping it healthy and without working so damn hard. My range has increased and my tones are richer. He's also very attentive and caring and teaches the whole artist; the voice, the mind, the emotions and the ego."
- KT McCammond, 2005 After Dark Award Winner 'Outstanding Cabaret Artist'
"A cabaret singer needs a nurturing voice teacher who respects that what happens vocally must always support the journey of each song. David Edelfelt gets this a thousand percent. What he has taught me about breath, tone, extension, stamina, and more enables me to better fulfill whatever choices I make interpretively. The lively dialogues we share continue to fuel my creative spark. I recommended David to cabaret artists at all experience levels."
— Carla Gordon, Singer/Songwriter, Midwest Reporter, Cabaret Scenes Magazine & student since 2006
"In all my years of study with David, working on music of many genres, I've never felt I've exhausted his considerable skills and knowledge. With consummate integrity, David has an uncanny ability to empower singers of all levels to perform at their best... with confidence, solid technique, and deep understanding of the lyric, resulting in a personal connection with the music. He is an inspiring master teacher and vocal coach."
— Carol Moss, Singer, Spiritual Psychotherapist
"As an active performer and master teacher, David understands deeply the experience of presenting music. His compassion and patience make his vocal studio an incubator for continuous vocal growth. He delights in his students' successes. After many years of regular lessons with David, I am still constantly receiving fresh insights and learning new techniques. As a religious singer I have benefited greatly from David's deep sensitivity to worship music. His wisdom transcends any particular faith tradition."
- Michael Davis, Cantor & student since 1998
"David approaches everyone as an individual. I originally went to him many years ago for help with my different impressions; he not only helped me define and focus all my celebrity voices, but encouraged me to develop and trust my own voice as well. I am a better singer, entertainer, and impressionist since working with David."
- Daryl Nitz, Chicago entertainer for over 15 years, 2003 After Dark Award winner
"David Edelfelt is much more than just a voice teacher; he is a musical life coach. He can assess technical issues, advise on repertoire as well as help build one's confidence."
- Elizabeth Doyle, singer, pianist, songwriter & student since 1997
"I have personally witnessed amazing levels of technical, musical and interpretive growth from every student of his whom I have known. He clearly owns the rare and refined skills of teacher and performer. It is said that a tree is known by it's fruit. In the case of David Edelfelt's teaching, the results speak louder than any words of praise I could add."
— James Cebastien, pianist/musical Director
"My lessons with David Edelfelt are truly a highlight of my week. His obvious fervor for performance and devotion to his craft are contagious and beautiful to work with. He believes in my talent, and pushes me to "Be More." So blessed to have found this guy only a month after moving to Chicago. Nothing makes my day more than a voice lesson with this man!"
— Anslee Burns - music theater performer & student since 2012
"I began studying with David in preparation for a specific set of performances. His coaching had an immediate positive impact for me, so I opted to continue working with him toward general enhancement of skills. David is an extremely knowledgeable, versatile and compassionate teacher. David has a very thorough, thoughtful and professional methodology for teaching basics. But as a working singer, I also need someone who can key in on the small adjustments to my current 'tool kit' to provide immediate improvements in my technique and over-all performance. He understands both the physical, and the all-important mental/emotional elements that go into singing beyond producing a tone, interpreting a lyric, etc., and so in short order, David has gone from being a respected colleague and a 'quick fix', to being my teacher, mentor, cheerleader, and advisor."
- Marianne Murphy Orland, Cabaret and Band Singer
"David understands the art of singing as well as the singing artist. He is not only a fantastic voice teacher, but also a wonderful musician. It is a joy to study with him."
- Robert Sims, Opera singer & student since 2008
"David not only teaches me the technique I need to sing, but he gives me confidence in my abilities. He encourages me to try new things that I never thought I could do and he has helped me succeed when I thought I would fail. He creates an amazingly safe work environment that allows for growth and success. David does a great job at knowing what my next step will be. David says that he teaches principles of music that you can also apply to life. His positive energy, encouragement, openness to the unknown, and willingness to find the silver lining during the toughest challenges have definitely proved this to be true."
- Michael Herschberg, Musical theater singer
"There aren't enough compliments to describe what it’s like to train with David. He is a man of so many talents who has truly changed my life. He took my voice from medically damaged and patiently gave it back to me, wrapped up more beautifully than it was before. He also taught me to organically speak and sing, to create & place & support my natural sound, and then how to tell honestly my story. He did all of this through a calm, thoughtful & encouraging way, never forcing me too far out of my comfort zone but always taking me to the edge where I needed to be. I have trained with coaches in NYC, Chicago & Kansas City (as well as in college) but no one ever impacted my ability to sing like David did. He gave me my voice, for life. Anyone who has the opportunity to sing with him is truly blessed."
- Lisa Winegar Cole, AEA Singer/Actress/Director/Coach
"David teaches with wisdom, kindness, humility and humor. Lessons with him are a joy!"
- Mary Michell, aspiring singer
"In my younger days I performed regularly in musical theatre but never attempted it as a career, opting instead for law school. Now in retirement, I am exploring musical performance once again and David has instilled a new measure of confidence in my abilities. I can now walk into an audition knowing that David has helped me prepare to give the best vocal performance that I can at this time in my life."
- TOM CHIOLA, SINGER/ACTOR & STUDENT SINCE 2010
"I came to David a little over a year-and-a-half ago with the hope of developing a cabaret show. His creative genius, knowledge of repertoire and show construction, and his unstinting personal support have resulted in my premiering my cabaret show at Davenport's Piano Bar in September 2013. I would encourage any aspiring cabaret artist and performer to take advantage of David's limitless gifts. I am and continue to be a grateful recipient."