So you want to be a Singer.
Now what?

WELCOME TO LIVING A VOCAL LIFE.

Here you’ll find a set of in-depth, life-changing courses and resources for singers.
Everything you need to create an authentic, sustainable, and inspired path in music.

And it’s all a gift — for you and your voice

All you want to do is sing

— and sing well. You’d like to feel confident on stage and communicate authentically with your audience. And you want to make music your career.

But what’s the next step? There's too much information and advice out there promising to help you "level up" and claim you can make a living in music in "8 Easy Steps."

I'm here to tell you that there are no shortcuts. Creating a strong foundation for your life as a singer takes time, energy, and commitment.

But If…

You’re called to make singing your life’s work
You know, for sure, there's nothing else that would make
you feel as fulfilled
You’re committed to taking your dreams and turning
them into action

Then you’re in the right place.
And I’m here to help.

Hello, I’m Valerie

My journey as a musician and educator began more than 30 years ago. It’s taken me from smokey little clubs to packed arenas, from performing in obscurity to making hit records and receiving a Grammy nomination.

I know firsthand that a career in music isn’t a straight line. There is no point A to point B. I know how to fail. Pivot. Get up and start again.

I’ve also spent years in the trenches as a voice teacher — working with students of all levels of singing experience with different dreams and goals.

My favorite part of teaching? Witnessing transformation. The Aha! moments. The high notes of a student successfully achieving a practicing or performance goal. I love figuring out how different people learn and watching them grow. I also love learning. I’ve learned as much from my students as they have from me.

What have I learned? Many of the struggles in a singer’s life have nothing to do with their voice. Every week, students would come to their lessons with questions about practicing, performance, and their music careers. Together, we found practical solutions to their problems. But, over time, I learned that it’s equally essential for singers to cultivate a kind of mindset — one that enables them to maintain and fuel their love for music.

I don’t teach privately anymore, but education is still a part of my life. My free online course, Becoming A Singer, is the answer to years of conversations I’ve had with singers about their struggles. Now I can share what I’ve learned with you!

BECOMING A SINGER

Dive into lessons about everything you need to know as a singer besides how to sing!

Using creative exercises, performance psychology, neuroscience, and more, Becoming A Singer prepares you to step out on stage with confidence and a new sense of purpose, ready to share your authentic voice with the world.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE COURSE

More Ways to Explore, Discover, or Be Inspired.

Listen

Be inspired by the voices and stories of singers who’ve lived a life in music. In the Living A Vocal Life podcast, you’ll hear from vocalists of all genres, in different stages of their careers, including some who’ve been on the Billboard charts and those who are teaching the next generation. What do they have in common? They’re all performers with amazing stories to tell and wisdom to share.

Podcast
Read

Love to read?
Lose yourself in articles about all things singing. On the Vocal Blog, you’ll find practical advice to keep your body and voice healthy, tools for developing your artistry, and practices to reclaim and nourish your inner singer.

Blog
Resources

As long as you’ve gone down the rabbit hole this far, keep digging! This page is chock-full of resources for singers. A list of recommended reading includes books on music, songwriting, and creativity. You’ll find links to voice teachers and recommended courses, free downloadable discovery sheets, and more.
Explore!

Resources

THESE RESOURCES ARE A GIFT

That’s right. Nothing in this space has a price tag.

No hidden costs, no bait-and-switch, and no upsell. The resources here are a distillation of my experience and life’s work as an accomplished singer — offered as a gift to you.

When I first started in music, I would have loved to have had access to resources like this.
But I would never have been able to afford them. So now, after a lifetime as a singer and teacher, it’s time to give back — to make the information, tools, and experience I’ve gathered
available to anyone, regardless of their ability to pay.

It’s a legacy project — my way of giving back to the
music community that’s given me so much.

I hope what you find here will serve you well on your musical journey!

Kind Words From Students & Colleagues

Ara Lee James: Singer, Songwriter, Vocal Coach

“I came to Valerie for voice training after years of not singing, with little confidence and no clue where to begin finding my voice again.
Valerie taught me vocal technique, but more than that, she taught me that my voice was worth finding.
I am now a full-time singer and voice coach, and it is not an overstatement to say it is because of Valerie Day.
You will not find a more present, knowledgeable, or giving human to help you discover the song you were born to sing.”
Darrell Grant, Musician, Educator

Valerie is a brilliant artist who uses her teaching to transform voices, open hearts, and change lives. Her deep understanding of vocal technique
is matched by an appreciation for the many ways we learn and a willingness to meet every student where they are and nurture their
potential to develop into the best version of themselves.
Stephanie Schneiderman, Singer, Songwriter, Educator

“I've gained so much awareness and skill while working with Valerie. Not only is she an expert technician of the vocal instrument,
but she also has a compassionate approach and addresses all of the psychological processes of being a singer and musician.
She is hands down one of the most cherished teachers of my lifetime, and I can't sing her praises enough! (pun intended!)”
Arlene Stevenson, Singer

I had an issue with my voice, acute laryngitis. I found Valerie Day, who did everything to get my voice back.
After she explained how to breathe correctly and protect the voice, I sang without any issues.
Her patience and love of vocals have me calling her my Sensai.
I will forever be grateful and have pure love for Valerie. Thank you, Sensai!
Sarah Farrell Mackessy: Singer, Bassist, Events Producer,

“Before I met Valerie, I felt like a singer trapped inside a cage. Through her mentoring, I learned how to release
the melodic sounds pulsing just beneath the surface. Valerie's approach combines technique with philosophy;
her students gain an intimate knowledge of how and why, which inspires confidence and purpose.
Valerie changed my life, not only as a singer and artist but as a human being.”
Blake Sakamoto: Singer, Keyboardist, Band Leader

“Valerie Day has been a friend, mentor, and vocal instructor for many years. Her guidance with my vocal technique has
helped me immeasurably. As a result, the quality and range of my voice have improved, and so has my performance as a vocalist.
With the knowledge and confidence Valerie has given me, she’s changed my life for the better.”
Denise Westby, Musician, Educator

"Valerie is a respected, accomplished musician. She has been an obvious choice as a go-to guest speaker in my Business of Music course at Portland State University. The unexpected bonus comes from her wonderful style of presenting to the class. Valerie generously opens up her life to the students in a thoughtful, personal manner and utilizes her experiences as examples for the students to draw upon. She goes further by incorporating current ideas and resources that educate and inspire. The students often cite her presentation throughout the term, underscoring her impact on their learning.
Her thoughtfulness and creativity come through with shining colors. I always love having her in my class!"
Celeste Amadee: Singer, Songwriter & Record Producer

“Valerie was crucial to my development as a solo artist and songwriter. When I first met her, I was studying classical music but sang
in bands and wanted to start writing my own songs. I just didn't know how to get out of the narrow parameters I was used to.
She gave me the direction and guidance I needed to see beyond my current limits and learn a healthy technique that
has absolutely saved me now as a pop singer. I am so grateful I had the chance to study with her!”