THE ART OF BEL CANTO

Daniel Shigo is a voice teacher, a miner of pedagogical gold, and an author.

Daniel has performed with both the New York City Opera and the Metropolitan Opera. He shares the invaluable wisdom and teachings of legendary vocal masters Pauline Viardot-Garcia, Manuel Garcia, and Francesco Lamperti, who passed them down to their dedicated student, Anna Eugénie Schoen-René.

Are you a professional singer? Do you want to sing like one?Are you a burned-out conservatory graduate with a degree but no technique? Or are you a high school student with much vocal promise who doesn’t know where to start?

This site is designed for you.

The Milanese Maestro, Francesco Lamperti.

Daniel has created the world’s most comprehensive library of Bel Canto teaching methods.

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  • “Daniel Shigo is extremely knowledgeable about Bel Canto's master teachings, which create a tone that serves the music. His expertise is rare. Daniel is persistent, unambiguous, demanding, and kind. He has a wealth of knowledge to offer anyone interested in exploring the old school of operatic singing.”

    JULIA ROLWING — Soprano, Adjunct Professor of Voice, Montclair & Kean University

  • “Daniel is top-notch and a consummate professional. He represents one of the most heralded voice-teaching legacies ever known. His teaching skills are of the highest order.”

    HARRY MUSSELWHITE — Bass, Senior Emeritus Lecturer, Berry College

  • “After 28 years of singing professionally with the Metropolitan Opera Chorus with a solid and dependable technique, I contracted Covid and burst a blood vessel on a vocal fold. Daniel patiently and generously offered me his wealth of knowledge. After a few lessons, I was back on track to singing joyfully and without worry. I'm so grateful and wholeheartedly recommend Daniel for every level of vocal study.”

    REBECCA CARVIN, Mezzo-Soprano, Metropolitan Opera

  • “Daniel is a knowledgeable, sensitive, and supportive teacher. His vocal philosophy is organic and rooted in the Italian School, which helps the student achieve a balance of warmth and clarity. I highly recommend him to students at any level.”

    GREGORY PURNHAGEN — Baritone

    Philip Glass Ensemble, BABALU-CY! The Art of Desi Arnaz, The New Xavier Cugat Orchestra; soloist, New York Philharmonic, Musica Sacra, Voices of Ascension, St. John the Divine.

  • barbara shirvis, soprano

    “Daniel Shigo is a walking encyclopedia on historical vocal pedagogy and has the singing and teaching experience to convey a trove of relevant information. Daniel’s teaching style is both warm and no-nonsense, with an impressive ability to tailor his approach to the individual before him. I recommend Daniel Shigo for voice students and impactful teacher tune-ups.”

    BARBARA SHIRVIS, Soprano & Voice Teacher

  • “Wow. It was incredible to read The Heart of the Garcia Method. You are the only person I’ve learned anything about the voice from in 20 years, at least!”

    MICHELE TROISE — Soprano & Vocal Pedagogue

    Sing Differently – Chanter Autrement, Editions Michel Jonasz, Paris.

  • "The Heart of the Garcia Method is real stuff. Not a myth or exaggeration. Simpler than people think, but a lifetime of commitment to obtain.”

    TYSON DEATON — Collaborative Pianist & Conductor

    Tyson studied as a Tenor with renowned bass Richard Best and sang professionally for several years before studying with Martin Katz as a Collaborative Pianist. Now a much-sought-after conductor with Athlone Artists, Tyson knows more about the art of Bel Canto than anyone.

  • "I had lost the joy of singing after a severe family tragedy. You listened to me sing, were non-judgmental, and refused to let me feel defeated, patiently applying your skill week after week to the wounded instrument that was my voice until I could sing again. You helped me regain my joy. You are the best teacher I have ever had. Everything you teach works! I am so glad I found you. You gave me my vocal wings.”

    SHIRLEY BEYLAH — Mezzo Soprano, Oratorio Society of New York

  • "As a professional singer with many years of international experience, I know that our voices evolve & develop throughout our careers. Daniel has followed that evolution with me with skillful, detailed suggestions on technique, a supportive attitude, and warmth. Professional singers & coaches: I encourage you to get to know Daniel Shigo."

    ANDREW BENNETT — Tenor & Fellow, Trinity College

  • “Daniel’s teaching has transformed my voice and my experience of singing. In one year I sound completely different and can’t wait for what’s yet to come! He is patient with beginners and experienced singers alike and is adept at finding different ways to tackle complex issues. He is committed to unlocking a better sound than you ever knew you had.”

    LITA ROBINSON, Mezzo-Soprano, Oratorio Society of New York

  • “I’ve gotten so much from Daniel’s teaching. Cabaret performers want their singing to be all about their feelings, but the sound of the voice also affects people emotionally. You can still communicate that emotion while producing correctly. Being able to express myself through a proper technique has made a big difference.”

    JEFF MACAULEY — Tenor, MAC Award Winner for Male Vocalist

  • "I am a speech-language pathologist taking a deep dive into helping singers and professional speakers with voice disorders. I was looking for a Bel Canto voice teacher and found Daniel Shigo. Daniel listened to my unique needs and offered amazing lessons to help me achieve my goals! The remote lessons were like being in person using the FarPlay platform. I feel so lucky to have found Daniel Shigo!”

    SHIRA KATZ KIRSH — Soprano, MS, CCC-SLP

  • “As a shouting, bellowing preacher for twenty of my younger years, I hadn't been kind to my voice! Since I became an actor, musical theater, and cabaret singer, I needed a keen diagnostician and a patient Bel Canto teacher to help me achieve a pure tone. My performance has been transformed. It's the voice that I was looking for.“

    GARY LIZARDO — Tenor, Actor & Cabaret Artist

  • “Amazing! Best voice teacher I could ever imagine! Daniel improved my singing dramatically in a few short lessons and helped with planning and logistics for my performance! Very kind, funny, and supportive on top of everything else!”

    HELEN CAMPO — Flutist & Mezzo Soprano

    Principle flutist, New York Philharmonic, New York City Ballet, New York City Opera, 11 Broadway shows, currently Wicked.

  • “Daniel Shigo is pure genius. Within a few months of lessons, I had techniques that would last a lifetime. Working as a musical theatre performer nationally and abroad for many years, I can honestly say I now sing on a different level. I’m honored to be able to study with this patient and caring teacher.”

    LARRY STEPHEN HINES — Baritone

    Being Sammy Davis Jr., The Drifters, Shadow of the 60s: A Tribute to the Motown Super Groups.

  • “It has been fantastic to have one vocal epiphany after another since studying with you and finally hear my voice! You’re a fantastic teacher, and I’m so thankful our paths crossed. It’s the highlight of the week! I used to dread voice lessons.”

    ANTHONY WRIGHT — Tenor

  • “I came to Daniel to improve my voice, not as a singer but as a lecturer. Daniel was professional, effective, and creative in adapting traditional opera singing techniques to build a custom plan that catered to my needs. After 12 sessions, I noticed my voice being more resonant and clear, and I have a path forward to further improvement.”

    JOHNATHAN BI — Lecturer & Public Speaker

Lost teachings from the father of voice science.

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