panayota's Music Garden

Testimonials

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"I was referred to Panayota about a year ago by a musician friend.  I have been an amateur guitarist for over 50 years.  I always was self-conscious when I chose to sing. - and was even told by someone - "Stick to guitar playing - you are great at that, but DO NOT SING!" I had put off meeting with a vocal coach, figuring I could save the money by reading books on singing.  That worked only a little.  But from the start with Panayota, I came to understand the mechanics of what produces a good singing voice.  With her positive and insightful guidance (which was not available by reading books), my singing voice has been transformed from where it was painful for me to hear recordings of my singing, to where others are telling me I sound great!. Now I am finding joy in singing and playing guitar. I am able to approach my performances anxiety-free and have gotten great audience feedback.  My pitch accuracy is good now, while before I wasn't even sure when I was hitting a note or not. My tone has improved to the point where I look forward to  hearing my voice while singing over a mic.  She knows how to get the best from her students by teaching them relaxation and posture techniques in preparation to sing.  Rather than using negative feedback as some teachers and coaches do, she is always so positive.  When the skills she teaches me take hold she is joyous in her reactions, and when they don't sink in, she is very flexible, adjusting what she needs to teach me so that I do acquire the skill.  Her teaching technique is second to none (I used to be a professional in the public school system, and know what a good teacher is.) I cannot say enough about Panayota. My vocal training with her has given me not only a pleasing singing voice, but an improved speaking voice too. Working with Panayota has brought me great satisfaction."

~ Rod M., guitarist/singer

 

"As I am on Morningside Studio’s email list, I received notice of a vocal workshop being held at the Studio by Panayota Haloulakou, a professional singer from Greece who was offering a 2 1/2 hour workshop for aspiring singers and performers. She emailed the participants of which there were 7 if memory serves me, explaining what her workshop would be like. She made note that this was not a traditional type of voice workshop, but each participant as an energy being with one’s voice as a means of conveying who they are.

         I was a little unsure of just what to expect as were the other participants. But 2 1/2 hours later, I was filled with energy, completed connected to Panayota and all the other participants as we worked through various physical movements, breathing techniques, relaxing techniques and so much more, all with the idea of preparing both body and mind to express ourselves musically to each other.

         For the last part of the workshop, Panayota encouraged those participants who wished to perform for the others in the room, the opportunity while she carefully listened, provided insightful advice and encouragement, then had each participant who wished to, perform their piece again. I was one of four who had the opportunity to perform and as someone who can experience performance anxiety, it took me out of my comfort zone to perform solo for the others in the room. When I had completed my song, Panayota asked to hold my guitar and encouraged me to sing, this time without my “shield”, and really connect musically with those listening. Magic! She knew by watching what was needed for me to truly perform, rather than hide behind my instrument.

         Needless to say, when the workshop was over, most of us wanted to participate in another one to continue to learn from Panayota. The second workshop was now 3 hours, and this time, I brought along the two other members of my trio. The second workshop was even more valuable, as I was now prepared and fully committed to the experience. Panayota asked the participants what they would like her to focus on, most chose the issue of performance anxiety and vocal and breathing exercises before performances and rehearsals. For the first half of the workshop, we were immersed in breathing, physical movement, tapping and more, designed to both relax and prepare before performance. The second half was filled with participants performing. Panayota asked our trio to play a familiar song for her, which we did. She watched and then asked us to face each other and play the song again, and this time communicate with each other and be an ensemble. Once again, the second time through was far more musical, and maybe for the first time our band made eye contact as we played, smiling, supporting each other through the song. Once again, at the end of the workshop, all the participants were filled with positive energy and filled with music.

         Five days later, our trio performed at the Billerica Senior Center, outdoors under a tent for perhaps 40-45 audience members. Leading up to the performance, we took 15 minutes to make a calming space for ourselves, worked on Panayota’s relaxing techniques, warmed up our voices, and by the time we were ready to play, we were filled with musical energy and had probably our best performance since we began back in the spring. For anyone solo performer, or band looking to take their music to the “next level”, I would highly recommend Panayota’s workshop. If you do, you will find me there as well, ready to continue learning how to focus my musical energy into my performances."

~ Sheldon C. attended Panayota's Voice Workshops at Morningside Music Studio in 2023 

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"8 months ago, my daughter, Tessa, age 7 expressed her desire to learn the art of music. After exploring options of different music schools and teachers, we discovered Panayota, a beacon of light in a time of darkness. The pandemic had cast a shadow of isolation and Panayota offered a path to enrichment and enlightenment. Panayota has offered my daughter much more than music lessons, she has given her friendship, shown her kindness, patience, love, and has allowed her to form a desire for learning music that I didn’t know could be expressed by a young child. Despite Panayota’s kind and compassionate nature, she challenges Tessa to reach her full potential every week. She sets realistic expectations that ignite a passion in her to practice her new skills. I would highly recommend Panayota to anyone who is searching for a teacher for the art of music but also a role model, mentor, and friend."

~ Alex S., mother of 7-year-old Tessa

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"Panayota changed my life. When I began taking lessons with her, I was just thinking of enhancing my life by developing my singing skills to go with my jazz piano lessons with her husband.  I didn't realize only after a couple of lessons, it would change my life!

Just after several lessons, Panayota encouraged me one day by saying "You have a Jazz voice", and then told me that I could pursue this professionally.  I was flabbergasted.  I never aspired to become a Jazz singer, but I have always loved Jazz. This was the best thing that could happen in my life as I was going through a life crisis and severe depression, where I felt hopeless.  I began falling in love with the whole art form of singing Jazz, and soon after began creating shows with the best band on the planet ( with her husband's world-class band!).  Panayota helped me every step of the way, teaching me all the aspects of the craft;  from technique, interpretation, form,  arranging, mindset, etc etc.  What is extraordinary is that throughout this whole process, I was not at my optimum self; my depression made me unfocused, distracted, and often unprepared for her lessons.  But whatever state I was in, Panayota would tune into where I was, and "meet" me there and make the best out of every situation.  Looking back, it's a miracle, that I even did those shows, since I had such a hard time practicing!!  But with Panayota's teaching and mentorship, I was able to start from my first lessons in Jazz, to where I am today, as an independent professional vocalist, where I now know how to prepare, and create shows with my own band. I cannot thank Panayota enough (and Lefteris!) for welcoming me in the state I was in back then, for so selflessly and exceptionally finding, recognizing the good in me, and then nurturing, mentoring me to become the Jazz vocalist I am today.  Thank you Panayota for being the greatest teacher, friend, and extraordinary artist who inspires me in such a profound way.  My life is so much more enriched, and joyful because I learned to sing Jazz with you.  I also want to thank Lefteris, her amazing Jazz pianist husband for so generously playing with me that I have been able to experience singing Jazz with a world-class band!"

~ Sarah Infini Takagi, professional music artist, stand-up comedian, educator 

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