BARRY RUDOLPF

-Review of Rak Materials by Barry Rudolph in MUSIC CONNECTION magazine-

Chicago-based vocal coach Sheryl Rak uses her proven method to get your vocal chops in perfect working order for that upcoming recording or important performance. Rak's holistic approach, using her Rak Vocal Care System, includes every aspect of your lifestyle and mental outlook coupled with a regime of personal lessons, audio CDs and DVD videos.

I was sent CDs and DVDs with titles: Overview of Vocal Basics; Vocalizing Warm Up Routine; Introductory Vocal Limbering and Warm up; and The Production of Vowel and Consonant Sounds for a Healthy, Efficient Singing Voice. Clearly Rak's focus is on the physicality of the singer and their voice--a group of muscles that require the focus of the rest of your body and mind to all work together for peak performance and efficiency.

Via these teaching aids and her one-on-one private lessons, Rak hopes to show you how to warm up your voice, exercise it properly, access your "core" voice, and add color and texture no matter what style you sing in.

In addition, misused and strained voices are addressed in a special-designed healing process that will enhance your vocal strength, projection, clarity, control, power and endurance. Feeling well leads to singing well and singing well leads to feeling more confident--even charismatic.

With over 35 years experience of vocal and voice teaching, Rak provides voice lessons, vocal therapy sessions, performance tune ups, technique workshops, Rak Vocal Care workshops, toning circles, band consults, and alternative healing sessions where self-healing modalities and techniques are taught. READ ARTICLE

KATHY SULLIVAN - singer/songwriter of SISTER ENVY

I perform for three hours a night and I haven't had a problem since I started taking lessons. I learned some great warm-up and cool-downs that have helped me.

LAURIE ROBERTS - singer/songwriter of SAPIENT

says that finding her core voice made all the difference in the world for her. She found that the basic "Rak Vocal Care System" is worth everything: "Almost immediately I was able to sing four sets a night without hurting, and with a voice that was fresh and strong."

MIKE VESTER - singer/songwriter of FEEL TRIP and now BROKEN VEGAS

says that Sheryl Rak helps you "find that originality that lies within you, capturing its purest, most untamed essence, and acquire the tools and confidence necessary to bring those qualities out and present them to your audience, all while keeping you -- your own instrument!! -- intact and whole."

From his BROKEN VEGAS website, he writes: "I became the singer because we couldn't find one early on... I stayed the singer because I grew to love it! I worked at it all the time. And with the help of one Sheryl Rak, Vocal Therapist extraordinaire, I became the singer I am today. ... I rehearse with no effects on my voice so that I am not fooled by what I hear when we write or learn material. I think this helps me become a better singer, and makes those times when we play at a venue that knows how to use FX the right way an unbelievable experience."

From a 2004 email, Mike says: “You've been my little 'beacon' of strength for many years [since 1992], (whether near or far), and now, I'm that for others. It is through much of the inner strength building that you and I cultivated together for me that allows me to be the one with the broad shoulders. You were truly a godsend to me... that return phone call in my hour of desperation, injured voice [diagnosed vocal cord nodules], and uncertainty. Who knew that the strong voice would mean a strong soul. You did! At a recent show, I gave thanks to the one person I credit with me being able to 'amaze' audiences (their word, not mine) with vocal range and emotional vocal expression. I credited you! I have many influences, many inspirations, but I've only had one person who showed me what I could do, saved my voice so I could do it, and has supported me through all of it. That's been you!” http://www.BrokenVegas.net

MARTIN MCCORMACK - singer/songwriter/bassist of SWITCHBACK

I am a member of the band SWITCHBACK. We are full-time musicians that have for the last 13 years toured around the country, playing with and opening for such performers as the Moody Blues, Leon Russell, Sleep LaBeef, and John Hartford. I started working with Sheryl Rak in 1999, and can say that her technique of teaching goes way beyond that of an ordinary vocal coach. Sheryl has a deep grasp of what is needed to be a professional performer. She has no bias toward what side of the musical divide one may fall on, and has students from all walks of life and all points of development in their music. Personally, I discovered how my voice is a direct expression of where I am emotionally, physically, and spiritually..., not only in relation to myself, but those whom I work with in the music business. By opening up and embracing such an understanding, I have found my voice (and, incidentally, my career) to have expanded and grown. I think this is the secret of Sheryl's success and I totally encourage those who are committed to growth in their lives and who have a love of music to take the chance and work with her." http://www.WayGoodMusic.com

JESUS MONARREZ - singer in the Mexican Folk band PROFETAS MUSICAL

“I have learned from Sheryl how and why to warm-up, cool-down, develop supportive posture (from the feet to the head!). We really don't know how to breathe well for singing, and she teaches how to breathe - one of the best things she teaches. She teaches about being healthy and balanced. What she teaches makes sense, is real, works, and I am improving [5 months]. She is completely different from other teachers.... She speaks very clear, very plain, makes it easy to understand - even with our language differences. She finds different ways to say things, until it is understandable.”

TRACEY SAGE - singer/songwriter of SAGE

"I just thought I'd give you some ideas of what makes you a unique teacher.

(1.) Your extensive knowledge and preparation. All of the concepts that you teach are so well thought out and deeply researched, that it seems like, not only do you know everything, you have a million and one ways to teach it and explain it, if someone doesn't understand it.

(2.) Your level of personal involvement with your students. You take such tremendous care to see that your students benefit the most that they possible can from your lessons. I have never seen a teacher spend so much time figuring out what the student wants and needs from lessons. (Some teachers have a tendency to project their own wants onto the student, and most don't have the vested interest in seeing the student succeed like you do.) For example, your lessons go into overtime free of charge, you send emails, print articles, lend materials from the "Rak library and video store", take phone calls [consultations outside of sessions], send affirmations [often specially personalized], etc., just because you care so much about your students' successes.

(3.) You help your students on all levels. You don't just teach a song and scales like other vocal instructors, but rather, you teach complete vocal technique while working to heal the voice, body, mind, and spirit. While your students are improving vocally, they improve their confidence, health, posture, diet, and overall well-being.

(4.) Your passion for what you do. Because you have such a deep love and passion for your teaching, it compels your students to work hard with that same love and passion. This is why you come with such strong student recommendations, why your students remain loyal and often continue for years, and why your students improve so drastically. Your hard work inspires their hard work." http://www.Sage4.com

JANA SCALZITTI - singer, environmental lawyer, and yoga instructor

Sheryl Rak’s vocal teaching style is effective because it is all-encompassing, comprehensive, and LIFE CHANGING! Her approach was not just limited to my voice; my whole body and perspective started to change for the better with her help. I found my "true voice" and my "true self" while studying with Sheryl. Infinite thanks to a wonderful teacher and coach!

DAN ARRECIS - Singer/Songwriter of ALIVE DAY

Sheryl has an incredible gift to teach the art of vocal use. If I had to pick one element of Sheryl's methods that has really affected my vocal performance and understanding, I 'd have to say that she effectively treats the whole singer. She has a keen sensibility to zero in on problem areas, and work effectively to solve those problems. She listens and recognizes one's individual and collective goals. She has also bridged the mental work involved to help one achieve wonderful and noticable vocal progress, giving the singer a sense of awareness and presence that reaches and embraces the audience. While I feel grateful to have developed so much over a period of 2 years, Sheryl Rak, through her personal determination and talent, has empowered me for a lifelong and confident journey with not only my voice, but so many aspects of my musical and personal growth. (www.alivedaymusic.com - www.myspace.com/aliveday)

ELAINE LEMIEUX - mezzo-soprano and graphic artist

I am a classically trained singer. I received my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in voice, and also completed a Post-Master's degree in Option Music Interpretation at the University of Montreal. I have been singing professionally for about 10 years as a soloist for chamber music ensembles, music theaters, recitals, and concerts. I have also sung in chorus, including 3 seasons at the Opera de Montreal Chorus, and 7 years as the first soprano (choir and soloist) for the Winnetka Congregational Church Choir in Winnetka, Illinois.

For the past 10 years I have been on my own, without a voice teacher. I was very grateful and ready when I found Sheryl Rak as a voice teacher. She is exactly what I was looking for and more. I have been working with Sheryl for the past year and I deeply know that I have found an excellent vocal technician. Her studious and methodical method has helped me rediscover my voice and liberate it from accumulated and unnecessary tensions. The teaching of her vocal expertise is helping me to find and use my voice more healthfully. As a result, my instrument is more vibrant, fresh, round, and centered. After one year with this technique, I am feeling much more secure with my singing.

Sheryl is utterly devoted and dedicated to every one of her students. I am ready for a personal and spiritual vocal discovery. With her guidance, Sheryl Rak is able to help me uncover the chant of my soul to serve music at my best.

(elainelemx@aol.com)

ANNA FERMIN - singer/songwriter, ANNA FERMIN'S TRIGGER GOSPEL band and graphic artist

If you are serious about singing, then you simply must study with Sheryl. She will give you the right tools and the insights to become the best singer you can be. I owe much of my professional and personal successes as a singer to the lessons I learned while studying with Sheryl. For this, I am forever grateful. She is, in my opinion, the best there is. (www.triggergospel.com - www.annafermin.com)

AARON BARBER - musician and songwriter

As a musician and a songwriter, I recognized the importance learning to sing would have on my future in music. But I never could have imagined the ways a great teacher could be such a positive influence. Sheryl not only helps you find your true voice, rather finds ways to help you to connect your voice to the deepest part of you. She is methodical and pays close attention to the smallest details so that each phrase will connect with power, emotion, and meaning. For anyone who desires to discover a healthy, powerful voice or to embark on a journey that will undoubtedly improve your musical skills, I highly recommend Sheryl Rak.

CHRIS BEALE & ANGEL LIU - singers/songwriters

"We’re both students of the Rak Vocal & Healing Clinic and received the BACKRESTBody Balance Process hand-out as part of the wealth of information Sheryl Rak generously shares with all her students. The BACKRESTBody Balance is in essence a meditative and physical balancing technique to heal, prepare, and maintain your entire body and mind for optimal singing and better living. We were happy enough to use the hand-out but the real difference came when we downloaded Sheryl’s BACKREST Body Balance Process CD. Why? Because to successfully use this technique, you have to engage and focus on the process - NOT on reading a piece of paper while you’re trying to align yourself. The hand-out is descriptive but the CD is there to walk you through each step. Listening to Sheryl’s voice gently guide you through the process, eases you into a stress-relieving, positive, and open frame of mind while you work your body into the right, most balancing position of alignment. With the CD guide, you concentrate on yourself, your body, and your mind’s eye as you relax, release, and become the singer you are meant to be. We highly recommend the CD as an integral part of better health and better singing. We’ve been using the CD for a few months now and even when we’re not singing, we have better posture and balance. The real bonus is that balance is in fact strength, and through this practice, we have been better able to weather life’s stresses and challenges. With the CD, you don’t have to catch a yoga class or worry about complicated techniques, you just download the recording, listen, and take the half-hour (or more if you like!) to give yourself a chance to be whole again. Highly recommended and a must have." http://www.chrisbealemusic.com

JAMES McNAUGHTON - singer, songwriter, and bassist

"I downloaded Sheryl's "BackRest Body Balance Process" CD after having done the process myself from the written instructions for several weeks. I found listening to the CD helped me to focus and understand the process more clearly, experiencing a deeper and more effective result. It's certainly worth the extra effort."

MATT - singer, songwriter

"Over the past few weeks, I have been working on the BackRest process based on having read it once and feeling certain that I knew what I was supposed to be doing. The directions are clear and concise, so why would I need someone to talk me through it? At Sheryl's suggestion, I downloaded the audio instructions and after listening to them just once, I know that my posture has been improved forever. I became so relaxed as I allowed my entire torso to lengthen and widen with the support of the floor that I experienced an incredible emotional release. Hidden tensions and blocked energy practically volunteered to leave my muscles and spine once I accepted that I had nothing to do but allow myself to expand and release over the course of the 30 minute session. If anyone tried to tell me that lying on the floor with my legs supported across the seat of a chair would bring me tears of joy and relief, I wouldn't believe them. Now I know that feeling is believing and I will never be the same. Thank you Sheryl, for recording and sharing these powerful instructions. I'm looking forward to continuous improvement."