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Please contact me with any questions:
What sings in you ?
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For these services,
please inquire above or book a free consultation :
â—‹ custom songwriting
â—‹ live performance
â—‹ session vocals or piano
â—‹ songwriting lessons
â—‹ acting/voice acting
â—‹ brand representation
â—‹ artist development
â—‹ custom artwork
qualifications
education
Grad. 2011 University of Southern California - Thornton School of Music, B. of Sc. Music Industry business emphasis, Thematic Options and Resident Honors Program, cum laude
practical experience
1991 (age 3)
1995
1998
2003 - present
2003 - 2008
2008 - 2010
2010 - present
2010 - 2011
2010
2011
2017 - present
2018 - 2020
2019 - present
2020 - present
June 2021 - present
commencement of formal vocal training in the Marty Lawrence technique
commencement of training in community theatre, first custom composition for a theatrical work 1999
professional vocalist/entertainer
professional vocal/theatrical/songwriting coach teaching all ages all genders
songwriting and recording Mentor Program with Lance Bendiksen and Grammy/ Emmy winning team
research assistant at the Annenberg Center for Communication University of Southern California
songwriter and musician for network television
executive assistant for Joan Abrahamson President of the Jefferson Institute
Internship: Warner Records Burbank International Department
20th Century Fox Scoring Stage
professional multimedia fine artist including digital, acrylic, and gunpowder
professional live music promotion
professional private commission songwriter
professional social media personality
private studio assistance for Joan Abrahamson
instruments
VOICE
GUITAR
PIANO
2.5+ octave belt range 4+ octave overall range
advanced rhythm guitar, basic solo and electric, chord chart fluency
advanced improvisation, fluent chart reading, basic sight reading
References available
upon request.
what clients and collaborators say
client reviews copied from thumbtack.com
My journey with music is very important to me and Veronique has proven to be a wonderful coach. Her technique and overall process for developing the voice have been invaluable in my efforts to bring out my voice. I feel that I am not just learning to sing notes but rather learning to use song as an instrument to communicate my life.
Client
She’ll turn up places and have written a song on the way, and what’s almost irritating is, they’re all complete songs, and they’re never bad, and they’re often amazing.
Miles Wilder
Veronique produces songs like how trees produce oxygen for humans. She's a true songstress, and when I say, "She can SANG!", I say with sincerity that she's one of the most versatile and great singers in Denver. Blues, Jazz, Soul, Gospel, Pop, etc.... V's humble brag hides all of this though! Yet, her professionalism and talent won't keep her hidden for too long!
Lee Clark Allen
Veronique pours a wealth of knowledge into our sessions. She’s a true artist and talented teacher. I feel uplifted working with her, like my goals are within reach!
Client
One of my favorite people.
Chris Ridenhour
Before I started taking voice lessons, the only aspects of an instructor I wanted was for them to value the perfection of fundamentals and discipline within the trade of singing. Veronique Van Pelt possesses both of these qualities (and many more) as an instructor and has certainly deserved the position as my recommendation for others who seek to discover and develop their singing voice.
Client
Very happy with Veronique! My 9 year old is learning so much and really looks forward to the lessons!
Client
Veronique put my granddaughter at ease and inspired her. I am very happy with her lessona.
Client
Veronique was very experienced with singing all types of music. Her personality is fun and kind.
Client
coaching f.a.q.
What is your main goal as a vocal coach?
My expertise will empower you to become your own vocal coach. I am always available to assist you as a vocal technician, personal trainer, or cheerleader, but my ultimate goal is for you to have confidence in taking care of your vocal health and exploring your expression safely. You won't feel obligated to come back week after week - but if you do, we can explore some amazing places and pinnacles of human ability, or start including self-accompaniment, songwriting, music theory, artist management, and development (explore coaching plans). My priority is for you to feel in control of your voice and artistry as quickly as possible.
What is trauma informed vocal coaching?
As a former child prodigy who grew up to survive some nightmares, I've learned a lot about the importance of integrating your authentic self into healthy vocal expression. Singing is a mindful activity that requires attention to (and acceptance of) whatever emotions and memories that arise in the moment. I recommend engaging in this practice in addition to individual mental health services. Vocal practice can be a form of meditation and self-care, and I am here to support you in developing this mind-body connection. Together, we will identify the mechanics of your voice and build self-nurturing habits to help you become a confident and joyful vocal artist - and hopefully give you a new favorite healthy coping mechanism (read more).
What types of clients have you worked with?
I have worked with all ages and all levels of professionalism, all needs, all genders.
What is your typical process for working with a new client?
First, we'll establish your goals in the consultation, and I will incorporate them into every step of the process. Then, for the first hour, I'll explain exactly how the voice works in an easy three step rundown that will prep you to begin training with scales, with some diagnostics for you to work with before our first session at piano to get an idea of where you're already at. Whether you continue with me past that first hour or not, I intend to meaningfully improve your feeling of control and confidence over your vocal expression: before vocalizations, it is important for the vocalist on training to get in touch with their baseline breath and self-knowledge of vocal vibrancy. Then, the truth is, the first session with scales can feel pretty discouraging - it's hard to sing anything you don't know - but if we can persevere, you will start refining vocal control and power by session three. After session four, you can be out the door with a dependably stronger concept of how to master your own voice, or we can continue on that lifelong process together as long as you'd like.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a vocal coach?
A great vocal coach prioritizes your unique needs and what is healthy for your voice, rather than imposing their own idea of a "good voice" or using a rigid communication style that doesn't connect with you emotionally. Singing is not as straightforward as other instruments, but a skilled coach can guide you towards your goals effectively (beware the coach who is comfortable making you feel uncomfortable with elitist terminology). It's important to find a coach who understands your learning style and can help you achieve your full potential. Don't settle for anything less!
What questions should clients think through before talking to professionals about their project?
Make it clear what you’d like to accomplish, whether that’s singing with the choir, slaying at karaoke, or pulling off a legitimate Gaga style high line every night. Make sure that coach has a reference for that experience that enables them to walk you through the challenges and the technique to overcome them. Also, you should attempt to ascertain how much that coach will make an investment in you as a person and as a artist, taking responsibility and pride in your progress.
What is your motivation as a coach?
I genuinely believe the world would be a better, more peaceful place if everyone felt comfortable singing. It's one of my greatest pleasures in life to be there for every moment someone discovers something new about their voices. Knowing how much my voice has meant for me, and my wellbeing on all levels, I feel grateful for every opportunity to impart something I have learned about this wonderful activity that has brought me so much joy, meaning, and comfort.
recording f.a.q.
What's your experience with session work?
I started recording for other people's recordings as a young teenager and have been delighted to be part of many collaborations since - everything from folk, jazz, pop, rock, gospel, opera, soap commercials, video game sound design in English, French, Spanish, Farsi, Japanese, and Chinese. I’ve been recording myself professionally from home for film and TV for about a decade, but of course it’s always more fun to get together in studio when possible.
What gear are you running?
Scarlett FocusRight through NT-1A to Mac running Logic. You could call it "serviceable" - I call it a neutral palete for you treat as you see fit.
What's your specialty?
My speciality is having as many specialties as possible - what makes my personal music catalogue seemingly all over the place can be really useful in moving with versatility and passion through a wide variety of vocal media. I aspire to be a vocal chameleon, or Swiss Army knife singer. I've played voice ranges from 3 to 80 in all manner of reads with a variety of accents, and I love to get a chance to put my range and all its colors to use - gospel screams are my fav right now.
How much time do you generally need to complete a project?
Make it clear what you’d like to accomplish, whether that’s singing with the choir, slaying at karaoke, or pulling off a legitimate Gaga style high line every night. Make sure that coach has a reference for that experience that enables them to walk you through the challenges and the technique to overcome them. Also, you should attempt to ascertain how much that coach will make an investment in you as a person and as a artist, taking responsibility and pride in your progress.
What do you need to get started?
A great vocal coach prioritizes your unique needs and what is healthy for your voice, rather than imposing their own idea of a "good voice" or using a rigid communication style that doesn't connect with you emotionally. Singing is not as straightforward as other instruments, but a skilled coach can guide you towards your goals effectively (beware the coach who is comfortable making you feel uncomfortable with elitist terminology). It's important to find a coach who understands your learning style and can help you achieve your full potential. Don't settle for anything less!
custom songwriting f.a.q.
How many songs have you written.
Hundreds. And hundreds.
What are your favorite genres to write in?
Hard to say because I love challenges, and I particularly love pop, jazz, blues, folk, country, R&B, hip hop, rap, rock, metal, a variety of global music from across millenia, and many subgenres in between. :D
What types of customers have you worked with?
I've written for media that has been seen and heard around the world, and I also love writing songs for every day folks, to help people celebrate or process this thing called life, for themselves or someone they love.
What is your typical process for working with a new client?
It depends on the project, but there's generally an uploading phase where I gather all details and references, time writing the thing, followed by a revision process. Some projects require full studio production - some folks just want to surprise a loved one with a phone recording.
What's the difference between personal use and licensing for commercial purposes?
For a song that doesn't need to do anything but capture the right feeling for you, you probably only need a personal use license for you and your loved ones to enjoy the song. If you would like to publicly distribute it or monetize it, then we need to discuss licensing for commercial use.
What questions should customers think through before talking to songwriters about their project?
The better you have an idea of what you want the song to feel like, and what artists you imagine it sounding like, the more I can hone in on something that will meet or exceed your expectations.
How long does it usually take you to write a song?
I tend to think the best songs feel like they write themselves - but that’s because so much processing has already gone into the substance of the composition. That’s why I prefer to have a week or two of just rolling the request around in my head with your words and references; I find this helps make the process more fluid and inspired when it comes time to sit down and write. However, I have plenty of experience foregoing that privilege to deliver well crafted songs with quick turnaround, sometimes same day.
What's something special you offer as a songwriter?
I am an absolute music and poetry nerd. If I'm not familiar with the genre you're looking for, I'll not only research it, I'll research its influences, and its influences, and the influences of the influences of any crossgenre flavors you want incorporated. And at the end, I just hope I have a product that mirrors my gratitude to you for the new territory to explore.
