Joe is a Level II Certified Instructor of the Speech Level Singing (SLS) technique.  First introduced to this technique by Wendy Parr, he has been studying and teaching this technique for over 3 years.   In addition to this SLS Certification, Joe has earned two graduate degrees in music:  Master of Vocal Performance (NYU's Steinhardt School) Master of Music Education (University of Massachusetts Amherst).  Joe continues to apply this advanced education in his Continuus Voice Vocal Studio, where his clients benefit from this training in vocal technique, performance skills and music teaching methods. Joe's performing experience includes solo vocal appearances with Empire Opera (NY), Lisa Leizmann Dance Company (MA), and Sine Nomine (RI).  His prior vocal teaching experience includes 2 years as an Adjunct Instructor of Voice at New York University.

Originally from Massachusetts, Joe first wanted to be a singer after hearing singer/songwriters like Ellis Paul, Indigo Girls and the Nields.  After several (mostly unsuccessful) attempts at playing the guitar, Joe focused his energy on developing his voice as his primary instrument.  And while the music of great singer/songwriters still have a special place in his heart, years of advanced training in voice in Massachusetts and New York City led Joe to the world of classical voice - opera , art songs and oratorio - his primary performing style.  Along the road, Joe has experienced the frustration that comes from following well-intentioned, yet faulty vocal advice.  This frustration led Joe to find a better way of training his voice and teaching others - the Speech Level Singing Technique.  Joe works to maintain a sensitive and supportive teaching style with clients as they learn the SLS technique.   He is dedicated to guiding clients to develop their own voices as healthy, connected, and flexible tools to say what they have to say through music.  As the client integrates this technique, the voice becomes dependable and comfortable with a range of expression.  And then worrying about how to sing a "tough" phrase ends, and the process of trusting one's voice to reveal the spirit begins.