We were lucky to catch up with Kyle DallaTorre recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kyle , thanks for joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I always loved teaching. I’m a big nerd for learning how the creative machine works. It’s almost laughable to say because each creative machine is, in and of itself, unique. So, I sought out to learn as much as I could about various methods of songwriting, approached to music theory, physics and the anatomy of vocal use, and how to actualize an artist idea into reality. I was working with a phenomenal group of teachers and students at a studio in Los Angeles, until the pandemic forced its closure. I didn’t know the first thing about running a business, but I wanted so bad to continue to teach different methods to artists training. I had two options. Quit and go back into the medical field or jump off a cliff and see if I can make some wings on the way down :) I started Sing it Out, a one-on-on approach to freeing a students voice (both artistically and often literally). I found too often artists and hobbiest alike experiences blocks (I’m not that great/I’m too old to do XYZ/I just can’t seem to make progress) that were 99.999% of the time not true.
I wanted to create a space where the artist’s vocal technique, creative expression, and performance could feel in line and elevate who they were. I love helping people not only find their voice, but celebrate it! My approaches uses a variety of methodology always incorporating mind and body. Every body is different, so every student responds differently to different approaches. Which is why I love the work I do. No two students are the same and no two lessons are the same. Keeps me on my toes and it keeps my learning ever evolving.
My goal for each student is effortless, good feeling singing. And my goal for each artist is to define their own success. I think especially in this period in music history that can look varied as the individual. And what a wonderful thing!
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My background is a blend of teaching and performing. I was a huge musical theatre nerd when I was young. I was fortunate enough to tour and perform with some of the most amazing artists I’d ever hope to know. I loved performing, but my body did not like the wear and tear of doing it constantly. I was young and absolutely working myself too hard. I slowed down, and with physical therapy and some soul searching decided to put more focus into what I loved about theater. The music. The expression of emotions while singing. It was where all the good stuff was at. I never though I had a good enough voice to make it as a singer.
I decided I needed to be able to write really good songs. I was so lucky to have mentors and instructors who offered practical tools to songwriting. I absolutely love songwriting. I love the craft. I love the miracles that happen when you don’t think you have the words and suddenly… they appear on the page. It’s still magic. I released a handful of songs under the name KylEast And thousands that will never see the light of day LOL!
My current project up in the que is with Tiny Fires. We recently recorded an album’s worth of material and are in the stages of planning the releases. I love the experimental performances we have planned and I am so honored to work with such phenomenal musicians. It’s been a dream project for sure.
The thing I am most proud of though, are the students that I have had the pleasure of knowing through the years. Their tenacity, bravery, creativity and kindness never ceases to amaze me. I’ve had the honor watching people push through their fears and actualize their dreams. I’ve been a part of writing sessions where the song is born and becomes bigger than either of us. I enjoy when people say “I can’t” and then… do the thing they said they couldn’t :) I firmly believe that you can’t just engage the creative work without engaging the human behind the artist.
I think it’s so important to allow the person to be authentically themselves in their work. To keep their vision and to learn how to find validation in themselves and not look to others. This way the world can have a unique offering. As individual as the individual. I get a lot of fulfillment from being a supportive and guiding presence during challenges.
I currently teach most of my lessons virtually. Having students be in the familiarity of their homes I have found, brings a sense fo focus to the space. That way, when students are practicing, they feel comfortable with creating a “singing space” at home. Which is where, most of us practice, unless we are lucky enough to have a studio space :) Virtual also allows the student to watch themselves head on. Often times we think our jaws are relaxed or our mouths are in a certain vowel position, and we can be way offer. The camera or mirror offers another way of learning. So we get to learn by sight, sensation and sound. So there are some upsides for those who choose virtual. I was skeptical at first, but now I’d recommend it for most students.
I offer an introductory lesson so students can get to know me, and I get to know them. Sometimes it’s not a good pairing. I’ve learned I have to be brutally honest with students/parents/mangers as to wether or not I feel like I can help then student with their goals. I don’t like committing to something that feels disingenuous.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
I have been fortunate enough to foster most of my new clients from referrals. Since I have been more selective in who I take as students, I found I could focus on maximizing my current students more. It was draining to have parents with unreasonable expectations or managers who had clients who “had never sang, had major pitch problems, but had an audition for West Side Story tomorrow but had never heard the music.” It was stressful and I ended up pouring hours of extra work for free knowing it wouldn’t get desired result. I was getting burnt out, but I thought I needed the money so I couldn’t be picky. Most of the time, artists don’t have a ton of disposable income to spend on coaching or lessons. I like to keep my prices low so I can work with people who are trying to be working artists. I want each student to feel they can afford to grow and still afford rent :)
I made the tough decision to get a second job so I didn’t feel the weight of having to take on as many students as possible. I am SO HAPPY I decided to do so. The balance is much better, and it allows me to work with some people who could not financially afford it if I had to raise my prices. I find a happy student tends to be the best marketing. When I go out to see shows I am more than happy to tell people I am a vocal instructor. I am surprised how often I meet people who are interested in exploring their voice or interested in songwriting.
Contact Info:
- Website: singitoutvoice.com
Image Credits
Michelle Shiers (black and white and stage performance photos)