Testimonials
What Students Are Saying
My experience at the Institute in 2024 was truly incredible and deeply transformative for me as an artist.
Having the opportunity to work with three teachers of such an exceptional level, Patrick, Jenn, and Lauren was something truly special. Learning from each of them and integrating what they taught me into my own voice and artistry was an invaluable experience. Their combined approach pushed me to grow in ways I hadn’t experienced before.
Through their teaching, I was challenged to step out of my comfort zone, both technically and artistically. I reached notes I once believed were out of my range, and more importantly, I felt comfortable, confident, and supported while doing so. I felt motivated, challenged, and inspired every single day.
Being immersed in such a magical place like Popiglio, in the heart of the Italian Tuscany, made the experience even more meaningful. That combination of artistic growth, beauty, and inspiration marked my life in a way that I will always carry with me. Calling it a “course” feels like an understatement, it was truly a life-changing experience.
The sense of community was also something very special. Being surrounded by artists who encouraged and supported one another created an environment that pushed all of us to work harder, believe more in ourselves, and grow together.
The time I spent at the Sweetland Singing Institute in 2024 was wonderful and transformative, and I sincerely hope to return soon to continue my journey of artistic growth there.
I have spent my life on stage. Give me a good role and I’m all over it. But I rarely touched musicals- just never had the confidence to be a singer. After working with Patrick Newell and seeing the quality of the singers he trained using the Sweetland Technique, I was ready to try my hand at vocal training for the first time and attended the Intensive in 2024. Easily the oldest student in the group, I was welcomed by teachers and fellow students with the most encouragement and support you can imagine. The lessons were vigorous but exhilarating as each of us shared what we had learned at the conclusion of each day. I will be back for the 2026 training to expand on what I have learned so far. In the meantime, I had a singing role in a musical this summer! Thank you, Sweetland Singing Institute, for your fantastic approach to singing for the stage!
The Sweetland Institute was such an amazing experience and a great place to learn and grow in my understanding of vocals. The instructors were very experienced and so supportive to assist me and my understanding of music and belting. I highly recommend it for anyone who is needing more confidence in their singing abilities.
The Sweetland Institute was challenging and emotional, but I gleaned a lot in just over a week. I came in with some Sweetland training and used some principles in my voice coaching already, but this honed and sharpened what I knew while making it simpler to understand and access. I especially loved the community aspect of it, in which I learned to appreciate my voice for its own unique qualities instead of trying to change it to match a popular sound. The basic approach makes singing easy to understand for both my students and myself, and the warmups build a great personal voice routine. Being surrounded by Italian culture and cuisine was an absolute bonus, too!
The Sweetland Singing Institute was one of the most affirming and inspiring musical experiences I have ever had. From the moment the program began, it was clear the Institute is about far more than vocal technique. Its about artistry, community, and rediscovering joy in singing. What stood out most was the sense of belonging. The Sweetland Institute fosters a community where collaboration, vulnerability, and mutual respect are the norm. Singing alongside others who were equally passionate and curious reminded me why I fell in love with music in the first place.