Testimonials
“When I speak about Celeste Simone, I tend to get emotional. Not only is she a fantastic, fun spirited, kind human being. She is a great teacher and mentor, I am always blown away at how much I am STILL learning from her. I am a forever student!
She is always listening; whether it be a consonant problem or a vowel issue or just plain ole voice placement. The most important case she pleads is this: SING WHAT YOU MEAN. What a Teacher. What a Mentor. What a Master.”
— Kristin Chenoweth
“I have known Celeste since my early days in New York City, when she was an admired personality on the New York Circuit, and I was an aspiring theater performer. In the many years since then, we have remained friends, and only recently, did I convince her to take me on as a vocal student. Since then, Celeste has “sharpened” my vocal technique and has been working with me to correct some bad singing habits that have creeped into my technique over the years . Her expertise is extraordinary and her ability to convey the details of honing a technique are remarkable. I have watched Celeste work with younger students, and she is patient, calm, inspiring yet also demanding of them. For an “old timer” like myself, her attention to detail and inspiration is overwhelming, and I am so very grateful not only to be a great friend, but to proudly call Celeste my teacher.“
— Stuart Marland
Broadway: Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, Xanadu, Jekyll & Hyde
National Tours: The Producers, Ragtime, Tommy, A Chorus Line
“Having taught along side of Celeste at the Kristin Chenoweth Broadway Bootcamp for a couple of years, I’ve gotten to experience her genius first hand! Her mastery of vocal pedagogy actually fuels the action and intentions of the artists song, so the piece is a reflection of both components to execute brilliant work!”
— Faith Prince
Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Award Winner
“Celeste’s exercises were exactly what I needed to listen to my body. Each exercise helped me connect in different ways with my instrument, focussing first on the feeling, then the sound. Along the way, my emotional connection and insecurities around my voice began to change.
The car became the safest space to explore, which is what I needed to fully and deeply dive into my voice. Eventually muscle memory kicked in, and it has been such an exciting journey!! So thank you thank you thank you, Celeste Simone!!!“
— Brendan Berry
L.A.-based Grammy winning artist, composer, producer, and music therapist
“I always look forward to working with Celeste. I know she will help me obtain the best vocal performance possible. Her approach helps you to relax and maximize your vocal ability. SHE IS AN AWESOME TEACHER.”
— Kimberley Locke
Recording Artist, Singer/Songwriter, American Idol
“She knows what she is talking about.”
— Andrew Lloyd Webber
Composer of musical theatre & film
Celeste Simone helped me find my voice. She gave me something tangible—a craft to get me from point A to B and a structure on the steps between the start of working on a song and the final product. With her support, we strengthened my range, style and ability to achieve and sustain a healthy voice as an actor performing on Broadway. She’s all about healthy singing, approaches your voice with maternal Italian love, humor, sweetness and economy of time. I would not be the singer I am today if it weren’t for her.
— Pascal Pastrana
Broadway: The Great Gatsby, A Beautiful Noise, Mean Girls
“Celeste works with each student from the inside out, creating a personalized and thoughtful technique. The skills that she has provided are some of the most powerful and successful tools in my arsenal. I’m extraordinarily lucky to have worked with her.”
— Adam Chanler-Berat
Actor: Delivery Man
Broadway: Amelie, Next to Normal, Rent, Peter & the Starcatcher
“Celeste is a wonderful, beautiful, clear and inspirational teacher. Thank you for the best lesson!”
— Didi Conn
Actress: “Frenchy” in Grease
“A vocal lifesaver.”
— Chita Rivera
Dancer, Singer, Actress
West Side Story, Chicago, Bye, Bye Birdie, Can Can, Kiss of the Spider Women
“GREAT STUFF … what a wonderful teacher!”
— Sally Kellerman
Actress/Singer: Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan, MASH
“Celeste is one of the greatest vocal teachers in the country. Not only is she a great technician and a great coach – but she offers moral and emotional support to people that separates a good performer from a great performer.
I’ve had the honor of not only playing for Celeste in her performing days, but also accompanying many singers that Celeste coaches, teaches, and directs. Now that I think of it, she’s a one-person band – she’s all ANY person needs. I wish she were two people so she could be on the west coast to do her magic out here with me, too!”
— Michael Orland
Arranger & Musical Director: American Idol
Musical Director: Hairspray Live, Steve Harvey’s Little Big Shots, Kristin Chenoweth
“Celeste possesses the rare ability of combining her technical and musical expertise with a warmth and comfort that makes any student eager to learn from her. Whether you are a theater professional preparing for an audition or performance, a young student just starting out or someone who simply has the desire to sing and perform, Celeste will get you where you need to be.”
— Dr. Peter Ianniello
Executive Director of Human Resources, NYC Department of Education
“How lucky are those singers who have Celeste as a teacher, for she is selfless. This is her characteristic as a Board Member of Bel Canto Institute, a non-profit organization I founded and run and have the pleasure of working with her. Celeste is intelligent and dedicated. Lucky are those students who study with her.”
— Jane Bakken Klaviter
Prompter/Assistant Conductor: Metropolitan Opera, Artistic & Executive Director: Bel Canto Institute
“Her dedication to her craft and her ability to connect with our students and encourage them in their creative endeavors was very inspiring. We received much positive feedback from the students and faculty regarding her presentation. It was a pleasure to have her as part of our musical community and we look forward to her return appearance.”
— Professor Andy Krikun
Music & Music Business: Bergen Community College
“Celeste has given me a very important new understanding of my voice and my potential as a performing artist. Her great experience, her knowledge and her very kind, appreciative, humorous and warm professional approach has inspired me profoundly. Singing with Celeste is a treat and of great value to my professional work.”
— Peter Jorde
Danish: Phantom of the Opera
“Celeste is more than a teacher – she is a mentor whose dedication and talent is matched only by her genuine interest in the careers and welfare of her students. There are a few working professionals as exceptionally capable and knowledgeable as Celeste.”
— Matt Ross
Public Relations firm: Boneau/Bryan-Brown
Broadway: Tarzan, Mary Poppins, The History Boys, Beauty & The Beast, Curtains
“Celeste is not just a vibrant performer and teacher – she’s a force of nature!”
— David Shire
Academy Award Winning Composer, Broadway: Big, Closer Than Ever, Baby, Starting Here, Starting Now
“I have known Celeste for many years, first as an actress/singer who we have managed and then as a businesswoman, and currently as a voice teacher. As an actress/singer, her talent is surpassed only by the integrity, enthusiasm and commitment she displays when involved with a project.
She takes being a voice teacher very seriously. She wants her students not only to succeed as singers, but to understand the dynamic of the voice as it relates to the whole body. She insists on teaching how to sing correctly so that the instrument is protected and enhanced. Once the student is able to comprehend and incorporate her method, they have a great deal of fun working on the performance aspect.
Celeste is a wonderful voice coach. I have been personal manager to many name talent and I have no hesitation recommending my clients to her.”
— Terry Saperstein
NYC Talent Manager for 35 years: Nani/Saperstein Management
“Broadway Artists Alliance is proud to have Celeste on our faculty. She has the ability to communicate her vast knowledge with clarity, warmth and a great sense of humor. Her HEALTHY BELT workshop is one of our most popular classes here at BAA. Celeste genuinely cares about each student she works with, making her one of our top instructors since she has been with us.”
— Michelle Lehrman
Admissions Director: Broadway Artists Alliance
“Celeste’s talent and strength as a performer is what she carries into her teaching. She is able to capture the hearts and attention of her listeners completely. She can sell a song with her artistry and powerful voice, and make you laugh with her great comedic stories. She has an energy and a presence, both on stage and in the classroom, that is captivating and endearing.”
— Maria Argyros
Queens College, McClosky Institute of Voice, Turtle Bay Music School, Hunter College
“Celeste is one of the most inspired and goal oriented vocal coaches in the field. Through her own method, she has been successful in transforming amateurs into professionals as well as correcting the problems that professionals develop due to demanding work schedules. Her passion for music, the voice, and her students is evident. Her calendar is always full. She’s the real deal.”
— Ken Cummings
Grammy Award Winning Songwriter & Producer
“Celeste is awesome to work with. She really got me through a tough show I played in NYC. I’m forever grateful!
— Mark Ballas
Dancing with the Stars
From our very first lesson, Celeste dug right in to help calibrate my voice to its most healthy and authentic version. She has given me so many tools to help me grow with ease, confidence, and precision. She always honors where I am and meets me there. Her positivity and generosity of spirit is infectious, even over FaceTime! I’m grateful to have found a teacher who genuinely cares about the success and overall well being of her students.
— Marc Delacruz
Broadway: If/Then, Hamilton
“If you want to sing 8 shows a week, Celeste is the voice teacher for you! Not many left like her who understand the different styles of singing as well as the physiology of the voice. Most importantly, Celeste cares – She is genuine and not in it for the ego. She has been instrumental in my daughter’s vast improvement in a very short time. Celeste possesses an incredible EAR and is able to teach her students so they understand and “get it”. Last but not least, my daughter has found the joy and fun in the process and she looks forward to her lessons with Celeste!
— Ruzena Goldenberg
Manhattan School of Music Graduate Vocal BFA, Mother of daughter pursuing Musical Theatre