Voice instructor Zack Johnson can help anyone feel more comfortable singing in any genre. From musical theater to opera, hip-hop to R&B, he’s got you covered. It all begins with a strong foundation.
The versatility comes naturally. With a robust musical background from earliest childhood – both his parents were theatre and music educators and performers – Zack was immersed in musical theatre and well-disposed toward a classical education. A love of opera found him in his 20s. From his older brothers, he also came to love ‘90s – ‘00s rap and hip-hop; from his mother, 70s classic rock. These days, he says, “I’ve found a real home in the music and community theatre scene on Cape Cod.”
Lessons with Zack begin with a fun conversation. “I ask new students what music they like – what’s their go-to song that just feels good? and we’ll sing that. It breaks through the nerves.” Once Zack understands a student’s goals and style, the first half of their lessons generally focus on technique – supporting the voice with the body, understanding where tone is placed, building endurance – and the second half on song work. If you don’t have favorite songs yet, fear not! Zack has great suggestions. “There are a lot of simple, fun tunes in musical theater repertoire… or we might do a jazz standard, or even a pop song.” Voice lessons are for everyone… you won’t get operatic unless you want to!
Some students are working toward auditions for community theater or school productions. Mock auditions with Zack are excellent preparation, and supporting students in their efforts is especially gratifying. “My own first teacher was my Dad,” Zack recalls. “He was an opera singer at New England Conservatory. When I took that same path, he helped with my audition tape. Now I have my own students in that same position. One student brought her Dad to play piano for her. She put so much work into it, and did so well… we turned on the camera and they recorded the tape in one take. To be there, with her Dad grinning with pride, was a real full circle moment for me. That memory is a real inspiration to keep teaching.”
Asked what he likes to listen to himself, Zack says “I really love Disney! Aladdin, The Lion King, Hercules… so many great songs. And The Hunchback of Notre Dame is one of the most underappreciated scores of all time.” He also enjoys folk – “very relaxing acoustic music.” So Zack’s students might be surprised to know that “in my senior year of high school, my band and I won a talent show singing a heavy metal song. It’s very different than anything I’ve ever taught!”
Zack welcomes students of all ages and stages. His current students range from elementary school age to well into adulthood. People find or rediscover a love for singing at all times in their lives, and formal instruction really helps it be comfortable and fun to do.
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Zack Johnson is accepting new voice students of all ages for private lessons. Email
