Sam is a great singer and teacher!!! I was lucky to find this studio around DMV area. I was trained with Sam for a year. He helped me open up my voice and become more confident in singing. He genuinely cares about people, always patient with me and frank about what I need to improve on and himself a highly achieved musician-He believes in what he teaches and they work! But you need to work hard to be at that level. I wish one day I can sing just like him! He is also a well-rounded musician-he can taught you everything from singing, writing songs to playing different kinds of instruments. I even started writing my own songs within the first year training with him! I would recommend Sam to anyone who wants to learn great music and be really good at it! Inspired by Sam, I will keep singing no matter what and be happy! Glad to have a great experience with El Melody Vocal Studio!! 🎶🎤

Sam has a very practical methodical and well-informed process for teaching and explaining all things musical. He uses his vast knowledge and experience as a musician together with years of experience teaching to tailor a unique methodology for each of his students. I have been through many lesser teachers who would make empty promises and gave sham exercises telling me i would achieve great things. Where Sam succeeds is in his honesty about the possibilities for your trajectory as a musician if you steadily put in work while having enough passion to maintain drive within the process. Not only that, but how he showed me the the simplicity of the exercises that actually work to improve vocal, keyboard, and musical skills in general, was very encouraging. Sam has personally helped me improve in all areas of my music. I have become better at everything from singing, playing piano, composing, arranging, songwriting, and breaking down others music and incorporating elements from their music to my own. I have been taking lessons with Sam for under a year and already consider him one of the most important parts of my musical journey thus far.

Sam is an outstanding Vocal coach, mentor and friend. The man is of good quality and this is what you need and should look for in any GOOD COACH. I appreciate him very much.

Wanna be GREAT? All it takes is one meeting with this man and you will not hesitate ever in your life again!I’ve gotta say that Sam is truly one of the most talented singers I have ever met. He has such a deeply rooted background in music and yet is so down to earth and willing to passionately start from scratch with someone like me who bares a minimal amount of knowledge and ability when it comes to the subject. Each lesson is a strong dose of education and inspiration that keeps building a more and more solid foundation. He really shows me how to use the proper tools and techniques to materialize real songs what were once just floating in my mind.He treats me like his own brother and helps me tremendously to reach my goals, and for that I cannot thank him enough.

I the short time that Ive known Sam, Ive learned so much about what it means to be a better singer. His skill is unmatched and he is incredibly supportive. Sam not only goes over the technical aspect of singing, he also teaches you about presence, how to apply emotion to your singing, and how to apply various life experiences into your performance. Hes no push over either, if youre doing something wrong, he will point it out, show you how its done, and guide you to improve in your own way. Hes an incredibly skilled musician and an amazing pillar of support, what better music teacher is there to have?My singing has improved tremendously and Ive been applying his lessons and techniques to other aspects in my life. I even started working towards voice-over work because of Sams teaching. His singing lessons reach far beyond the realm of music, and I couldnt be more grateful.EL Melody changed me for the better. Im sure it will for you too

Sam is truly the absolute best. I have been taking voice lessons for 9 years, and yet I have never experienced such an improvement in my voice than in the past year working with Sam. He explains corrections in such an understandable way, and his teachings are incredibly effective. He is encouraging while also extremely realistic about your voice - which I think is the perfect combo for a voice coach for one to see significant improvement. I am so grateful to have found such an inspiring and helpful teacher!

I need to qualify this review by saying I am a novice singer, but an experienced musician. Being a great singer doesnt make someone a great teacher - thankfully, Sam is both. He will teach you how to treat and use your voice like an instrument. When you have an issue, he will not only point it out, but give you the physical and mental techniques necessary to correct it. I have 100% confidence your technique and tone will improve after lessons with Sam.

Sam is one of the best teachers I have ever had in any subject area. When I began taking lessons from him, all I knew was that he had outstanding reviews, and that the philosophy expressed on his website was very positive. What I couldn’t possibly have understood was what a true master of his craft he is, and what an outstanding ability he has to teach what he knows.Sam’s ability to precisely diagnose vocal issues and to develop specific exercises to address them is remarkable, and a tremendous benefit for the student. I feel very comfortable saying that those in any profession with his level of expertise are few and far between.I came to EL Melody Vocal Studio wanting to learn a song for my wedding four months away, but I didn’t realize what a privilege it was to even get on Sam’s schedule. Many voice teachers could have taught me to sing the song, but I don’t think very many could have drawn the very best out of me as well as he did in those four months. (My bride absolutely loved the song, and the guests are still talking about it.)Sam is honest but respectful, and truly believes in his students. He furthermore works to explain things to them based on their own backgrounds or experience, relating to them as clearly as possible. And when I developed a bad sore throat just weeks before the wedding, he worked with me to get my voice back in working order. If I had to do this over, I would choose Sam without a moment’s hesitation. I would be so much further along in many areas of life if I could find other teachers of Sam’s caliber.My advice to future students: Ask Sam all the questions you have and seek to truly understand what he is teaching you. You will find more knowledge and understanding and depth of insight than you could have imagined. He can teach you a lot on his own, but if you purposefully interact with him, you can learn so much more—I know that I did.[Cross-posted on Yelp!]

Taking lessons from the El Melody Vocal Studio is one of the greatest privileges I have ever experienced. Sam has to be the best teacher around. He truly knows how to sing and how to teach others to sing, and will help you to accomplish your goals while giving you great opportunities. His lessons have not only taught me how to sing better, but also how to build character, have stage presence, and overcome performance fear. Sam truly cares about his students and is so encouraging and kindly honest. He strives to do all to the glory of God and has taught me how to sing for Him, with purpose in mind, and how to be a light set apart in the music industry. I am so thankful for this studio. It has brought my genuine love for singing back. Worth all the money and more!!

Sam is such a kind person and his music technique is the best in these areas. He is very patient and understanding and trying to find what you really need to sing. Just start the lesson now and you can feel your voice is changing and better. I highly recommend Sam for you all.

Greetings All,My name is Melvin Moore (stage name: MELO), and I have been working with Sam Shin for approximately 1.5 extremely enlighten year(s). I have tried to find the right words to express what Sam means to me as a coach and what he means to this world as a teacher and philosopher. When I first ask for Sams assistance with vocal lessons, he was very blunt about my inexperience. Although I was not offended, I was, however, curious about his response. Sam stated, I didnt say you dont have talent. Youre not a natural signer; however, because of your talent and my coaching, when placed next to a natural-born singer, no one will be able to tell the difference. I had known that I lacked professional coaching; thats why I was there, but his ability to target my limitations only enhanced my desire to work with him. Sam Shin does not just teach his student how to sing; in fact, his lessons are rooting in musical theory, philosophy, psychology, physiology, spirituality, and the essence of life (AIR). For some, singing is just a hobby, but for Sam, it is his calling. His exemplary approach to teaching enables, in my opinion, each student to find their lane. Before Sam, I had struggled with singing out, rifts, pitch, breathing, and I had mimicked various artists. Now that I am training with him, I have been able to appreciate my talents while fine-tuning my vocal abilities. Working with Sam has helped me to break down deeply rooted emotional barriers. Furthermore, I learned how to apply specific techniques to embedding those emotions into my singing. I have become overwhelmed with inspiration working with Sam, and I believe in his methods/teachings because I am noticeably a better person/singer/artist because of him.In closing, when one can find their purpose and then extends that knowledge to others, they become legendary. Sam Shin exudes a praiseworthy humility that warrants recognition to his selfless contribution(s) to musical coaching.I love you, Sam, and thank you for showing me who I am through music!~ MELO MOORE

Sam is a fantastic vocal coach! I HIGHLY recommend him! He can tell that you are able to sing just by listening to you talk over the phone. His musical ability is unparalleled and he is remarkably skilled with his work. I can tell from listening to his students that he has worked hard with each one of them individually, including myself. He cares not just about you and your musical ability but also about you as a person. He truly wants to bring out the best in you when it comes to your musical talent. If you are looking for a music teacher who believes in you and will push you to be the BEST. Look no further! He is the best coach in the area. He is also incredibly talented with his own musical ability (he can sing, opera and jazz, and pop among other genres as well as play various instruments) and he knows what kind of work it takes, he is willing to guide you every step of the way. His work speaks for itself.

I have been taking piano lessons with Sam for a year. The first 6 months were so hard and couldnt even understood what he was saying. However, Sam is very patient and he has a really creative way of helping students understand music concepts and keeping it fun while learning a lot. He really knows how to work with his students, gives encouragement, and have them focus on he was teaching.I really want to tell the whole world, You wont find a better teacher than Sam if you really wants to learn what real music is. You wont be disappointed.I am sincerely and immensely thankful for Sams lessons and help. He made my piano 1000 times better and has even helped my confidence. I am very thankful for him.

I love lessons with Sam! Its one of the things I really look forward to every week! He is inspiring, motivating, caring, and so damn talented! Ive been taking lessons with him for a year now and Ive learned so much in every lesson about my voice, stage presence, and even life lessons too. I had previous experience with singing, but Sam continuously elevates it more and more every month when participating in his monthly workshops. Just when I thought I couldnt much learn anymore, he throws some more tips and things to practice that improves my voice even more! I can comfortably say the Sam is one of my best teachers I ever had! If you are a brand new singer, a singer who wants to become a pro, or someone in between, Sam is the guy to learn from! He has my highest recommendation!

Sam is a fantastic teacher! I began working with him almost 2 years ago, already having training from previous voice teachers. In just months of working with him, I noticed how much I was improving at such a rapid rate. Sam can be tough at times, but he does it to bring out the best in you. He is extremely professional, and treats all of his students like adults and with respect, even his younger students, like me. In 45 minutes you are able to learn so much. For example, he will usually do breathing and vocal technique exercises, teach me how to sing a song properly, and show me who to study in just one lesson. I highly recommend taking lessons from Sam, it is definitely worth it!

I attended couple of his sessions. He sounded promising and uplifting on the phone. Then casually mentioned his wifes side gigs. I understand he needs to promote his businesses, but made the learning environment very awkward. This review is not a reflection of his skill but his teaching method and presence.

Life changing!!! Sam not only has improved my core and breathing but my confidence, my approach to singing, my industry knowledge, my comfort level when singing and my overall technique. I went to Sam with absolutely no singing experience. He is unorthodox in his teaching methods and will push you to be the best that you can be. There is no question about it, this is worth the investment!

Sam Shin is amazing. Last year I was looking for a voice instructor and the first couple were just ordinary. Then I ran into Sam! He is exacting in all his advice and he knows so much about the specifics of producing wonderful vocal sounds. I was a soloist for many years during and after college, where I had opportunity to have good voice instruction. Nevertheless, Sam stands above all of them. He is terrific! If you want an instructor who is helpful and kind while at the same time requiring you to be precise as you apply various techniques, then choose Sam and EL Melody.

I am so grateful for connecting with such an inspiring and patient coach. For our first session on June 2, 2017, Sam wanted to learn of my background and aspirations and made note that I was a student who was reserved but had a desire to perform onstage.Sam cultivated our lessons in a manner that comfortably coaxed me into singing and playing with my vocals.Two days ago, I was at an outing with several acquaintances and one asked if I sang. In the past, I would have said, no out of fear someone would then ask me to sing. However, I responded yes, I do. The group applauded and asked if I would sing again that evening.All I could think of was Sam and his ability to achieve getting me to a point where I was comfortable in front of audience and his ability to show me how to embrace my passion.I continue to look forward to the many great accomplishments we will achieve!

El Melody studios offers top quality & professional vocal lessons. Ive been going to Sam for about 3 months now and I must say my voice and confidence has grown tremendously. Sam will listen to you sing at your consultation lesson, and in that moment he will be able to tell you your strengths and weaknesses. He takes pride in his lessons and it definitely reflects in his students singing. He will never let a question go unanswered and will always be completely honest with you. Lets not forget about his outstanding resume. If youre looking to take your singing to the next level El Melody Vocal studio is the place to be!

This studio is incredible. The teacher is very friendly to work with and he trains you to push your limits and be the best singer you can possibly be. Highly recommended!

I contacted Sam Shin with no vocal training/experience whatsoever, but simply had a thirst to learn and improve my abilities. I expected to be taught some techniques and maybe a few tricks necessary to grow accordingly, but soon found out Sams lessons had an incredible amount of depth.With sincerity I can say that Im always surprised at what I take away from his lessons.After my first class, not only did I leave his studio with unknown knowledge and helpful techniques to work with, but I gained new perspectives with life lessons that I strangely needed to hear.He starts off class by being completely human with you, asking how you are, how things are going and sets a climate where you feel comfortable. This is not to say he is not ready for business however. He is well prepared with an individualized lesson and his techniques really ensure fruit for your labor, as long as you are serious about improving. He wont provide sugarcoated critiques, which I really appreciate from a teacher.Ive been taking his lessons for a few months now and his training really has helped me improve my vocal confidence and abilities exponentially. Sam Shin is not only a great teacher, but a great life mentor as well.P.S. He always makes sure to demonstrate the techniques he wants you to practice with and use, but just know that youll be blown away at his talent every time. Seriously.

Sam is my very first vocal coach, and I love taking lessons from him! At first I was nervous about taking lessons, as I never had the chance to pursue music in the past, but to my pleasant surprise, he got straight to the point and started helping me right away. Since that first lesson 6 months ago, hes taught me a variety of singing techniques and has helped me improve my voice in ways I couldnt have ever imagined. Not only has he helped me improve my singing voice, but he has also helped me raise my confidence. Ive always been a very shy person, but Sam has helped me to break old, bad habits and challenge myself to step out of my comfort zone.When I first started lesson, I told Sam that I wanted to learn how to write music. Now, hes recently started to teach me how to do just that. Ive never expected to gain this much knowledge and experience from vocal coaching. When Sam teaches, he breaks everything down into simple and easy-to-digest parts, making it very easy to understand and remember. I never fully pursued singing or music writing in the past because I believed that it was too difficult, but Sam has taught me otherwise. I have never felt like I was being pushed too hard to do anything, yet I still have broken through many personal barriers keeping me from moving forward through his teachings.I would highly recommend this vocal studio to anyone, regardless of skill level or experience. I have heard his other students in the past, and while they all have different styles of singing and levels of skill, they seemingly improved immensely over a short period of time. I can say that personally I feel as though I had improved in ways I could have never imagined, and can only imagine what will come in the future. Sam is an excellent motivator and caring person, and seems to be constantly determined to help his students improve themselves.

Sam Shinn is unorthodox but learning from him has been life changing. There is no one like him. He is now teaching my children and husband; I am impressed by how individualized his approach is for each student. He sees the potential of each student - truly a gift in a teacher. Keep an open mind and you will never be the same.

I contacted Sam about four months ago to inquire about taking lessons with my female bandmate, and he was able to accommodate us as a pair. We have very different vocal types and challenges to overcome (emotion, power and vocal endurance have been my main hurdles), but hes helped us sound better both individually and as a duo. Ive been a singer for many years, but in the months since I met Sam, my voice has improved dramatically. Friends and family who have heard me sing for decades noticed a difference in both confidence and quality after only a few weeks.His teaching style is encouraging, but straightforward when it comes to what you need to work on. He always reminds us that our voices are instruments, and like any instrument, improvement comes with effort and practice. Many times well work on drills that seem ridiculous or pointless, but the results are both immediately obvious and surprisingly helpful days later. He never asks us to do anything that he cant do himself - sometimes hell demonstrate a technique and its hard not to be blown away. Also, his hat selection is on point.Id highly recommend Sam to anyone looking for a voice coach. My only regret is not starting years ago. Its worth every penny, and you wont be disappointed.

Since taking vocal lessons from Sam Shin, my daughters vocal talent and confidence level has increased greatly. He started by teaching her the basics of how to achieve a better singing voice. With each lesson, she has shown improvement in the strength and quality of her voice. She really enjoys her vocal lessons each week. El Melody has been a great experience for us!

I have been taking lessons from Sam for about two months now. I am an adult who is coming to vocal training with little experience in singing other than some high school chorus and performances. And I am so glad I did! Sam was immediately welcoming, encouraging, and warm. He is clearly a wonderful person and it shows right away. But maybe more importantly, he is an extremely talented singer, performer and instructor. I really wanted an experienced and sophisticated teacher who will not just encourage me but teach me, push me, and help me to advance and become an accomplished performer. Sam has a great reputation and teaches many advanced, even famous singers but he is also great for beginners. He teaches you not just singing technique but how to develop as a musician both technically and emotionally. Before starting with Sam, I took a few lessons with others who start you off the bat with sheet music and just singing. That doesnt work in my view. Singing is difficult (more difficult than I expected actually) and to progress you have to understand theory, rhythm, timing and phrasing. Sam starts you with these kinds of lessons so that when you start singing you understand the music itself, not just technique. In short, you wont find a better teacher or person than Sam so if you are interested in progressing either as a beginner or an experienced singer, please check him out. You wont be disappointed.

Sam is a fantastic teacher! I have learned so much from him to grow as a vocalist, a guitarist, and overall as a musician. He has helped me break down the bad habits that I developed over the years and establish correct forms and techniques in music. He has also challenged my book knowledge of theory to enable me to apply it practically in my role as a multicultural worship director.

Sam Shin is the best vocal coach in Virginia! he provides honest and helpful criticism as well as a welcoming and warm environment. I have thoroughly enjoyed taking lessons with him as he has tremendous singing experience and is really an awesome guy! Sam has shown me how to grow my voice by providing me with several techniques for range development, belting, and falsetto. He has also taught me how to polish my wraspy voice, which everyone should thank him for ;)! I would highly recommend him to anyone who is willing to work and expand their voices.God Bless,Halie S

I have been taking lessons with Sam for a little over a year now and he is great! I came to Sam with a lot of experience, mainly classical training, but wanted to expand to Pop/Soul music and polish my approach. Sam is personable, professional, and extremely knowledgeable.I have grown as a vocal musician and performer. I recommend those who are serious about gaining proper vocal training to study with Sam. He is honest and will give you the tools you need to constantly improve.

I started taking vocal lessons with Sam for two reasons: to learn something new with my girlfriend and to finally learn how to sing after 7 years of wanting to. As a complete beginner, I had weak technique and little confidence in my voice. In less than a year, Sam has made one of my dreams come true and enabled me to sing most of the songs Ive wanted to sing since high school. He supplied me with several exercises, remedies, and actions to teach me the basics, address my weaknesses, and take care of my voice.Through Sam, my range has increased beyond what I imagined, my tone went from being thin and nasally to becoming fuller, and I learned how to breathe not only just for singing but also for any physical activity. Even with these improvements, he continues to push me harder because he wants his students to be the best that they can be and be performance-ready at any moment. One of the ways that he does this is by holding an annual showcase for all of his students to demonstrate their new or improved vocal abilities. It also gave me something to strive for.Every lesson with Sam is educational, engaging, and fun. Theres nothing better than taking vocal instruction from someone who is skilled in many instruments, continues to master his craft, and pursues opportunities to perform. I recommend that anyone at any skill level who wants to improve their vocal abilities in any style to take lessons at EL Melody.

I had been trained to sing classical and choral music, and began working with Sam to learn soul music. It was a big change for me, and Sam provided the guidance I needed to overcome my engrained singing habits and replace them with better methods. I have a busy schedule, but even infrequent lessons have made a big difference. Each lesson builds nicely on the previous one, and I can tell that Ive expanded my range significantly. Its wonderful to be able to study with someone as talented as he is. Five stars for his patience and flexibility.

Sam Shin is an amazing vocalist and tutor. Both are extremely important. I chose Dr. Shin, as I like to call him, when I watched his performance of This Womans Work on Youtube. Go watch! Hes far more experienced and skilled seven years later, so keep an eye out for his budding career. If your tutor is not a vocalist, then they may not be able to provide the same perspective as Sam. As a tutor, Sam tailors each lesson to my voice and my interests. He loves to use soccer analogies because he knows how much time I have spent training on the field. Dr. Shin also lets me sing soul, so I love the guy.

Sam Shin is an absolutely amazing teacher. I came into his studio with very little singing experience, and my voice has completely transformed in the past few months. He is very skilled at explaining abstract singing concepts, and he is very accommodating to all kinds of experience levels. 10/10 would recommend!!

I had been searching for a vocal teacher for many years that can teach me technique and train me on developing my own unique voice. Sam Shin is the best! In less than a year Ive learned about breathing, tonality and overall vocal health so that I may have longevity. If you are looking for a vocal coach who will challenge you but genuinely cares about your vocal growth El Melody - Sam Shin is where you want to be!

In my opinion other voice instructors dont even compare to Mr. Shins level of instruction. Personally he has taken me to the next level of musical ability. He has been able to mold my awkward beginnings to a level of intermediate musical abilities. He has also built up my confidence to perform before an audience. Bravo!

Sam is a fantastic teacher with a real passion for bringing out the best in his students.I started out as a brand new singer with no lower range and a very basic knowledge of music that I had long forgotten from middle school band. Now I can sing lower than I ever imagined and have the proper technique that doesnt strain my voice.I am also beginning to write my own music in just over a year. Ive always had a dream of becoming a songwriter and singing on stage. Both of those dreams are closer than I ever imagined.You might be thinking, Thats what all singing teachers should do. How is this guy different? Sam knows exactly whats holding you back without asking - sometimes even without you knowing yourself - and he pushes you out of your comfort zone and past your limitations, into being a great singer.

Sam is an incredible vocal coach. His high level of education and professional experience more than qualifies him to teach at a level of excellence. He cares deeply about his students success as performing vocalists/artists and will help you achieve your personal best. I have had coaching from previous vocal instructors in the area and he is, by far, exceptional!!

When I first met Sam I wasnt sure what to expect... I have heard great things about him, but you never know what you would get until you try. In the beginning, my voice was all over the place I couldnt really sing. Somehow he saw potential in me and when we first started off it was difficult, but now that I am making progress I have never been happier about it. I do recommend Sam Shin he is a very good singer and a wonderful vocal coach. You will most definitely see results working with him, but keep in mind that in order to do well in his class you also have to put in the effort as well.

Wow where do I begin? Sam Shin is not only a phenomenal teacher but also just an amazing person to be around. When I first came to him for instruction I was sub-par to say the least. Sam listened to me and told me what I needed to hear. He was able to hone in on the basic skills which needed to be developed in my life and provide clear and pragmatic exercises to help me work towards my goals. Every session at El Melody has been a true joy. Professional yet fun, this is the kind of high quality instruction you could only get from someone like Sam who has spent many years honing his art. Now that time has passed and I have seen the results I can honestly say that I consider Sam not only a teacher, but also a true friend. Thank you for everything, i’ll be there the day you get your Grammy!

LOOK NO FURTHER FOR THE BEST VOCAL TEACHER /LIFE MENTORIve been studying under Sams tutelage for one year and 7 months via skype, and let me tell you, lessons with Sam are no joke. The exercises he has you do may seem a bit crazy ,but you will see astounding results as long as you stay consistent and follow his instructions verbatim!Sam is serious about lessons, determined to make you the best , honest when it comes to helping you be a better you, all the while, being inspiring, soulful, & caring.Not only has Sam given me incredible confidence in myself ; he is a driving force behind my passion/dream to become a professional vocalist whom I can always count on.so needless to say,I recommend anyone and everyone who is interested in becoming a great vocalist, to look no further.

Ive been taking lessons with Sam Shin for a good two years now, and I can say that my vocal technique has improved exponentially. Sam has coached me using various drills and techniques that have improved my power and range. I highly recommend taking lessons with el Melody if you have a passion for singing.

I had some negative experiences seeking out a voice coach in the Alexandria, VA/DC area. I had been prepared to stop looking altogether when I stubbed upon reviews for Sam and El Melody. I sent him an email and from our first lesson, I knew he was the instructor for me!I have had nearly a lifetime of vocal coaching but Sam has been breaking down singing techniques to their most basic components for me and essentially reteaching me what I thought I knew, but in such a way that my voice has improved faster than it ever has. Weve been working together for about three months and I look forward to a long and productive working relationship with Sam!

Phenomenal voice/music instructor

Look no further if you are looking to improve your voice and to become a better singer. People have been telling me that singing is something someone should be born with. I am a living proof that the aforementioned myth isnt true because now I am very confident in my abilities and though I still have a long way to go to be the best that I can, that doesnt mean people have not been impressed with my skills (:

Honestly, the best voice teacher I have ever found.I will be upfront in saying that whenever I see a company or service on the internet that has nothing but five-star reviews, I become suspicious and wonder if the reviews are real. However, after visiting Sam at El Melody for a few lessons, I can already see why everyone has rated him perfectly. The ratings are not a joke, he is really that good. This past week I found myself singing about an octave higher than I ever have in my life, I was pretty much in shock.I have taken voice lessons from others over the years, but nothing has even come close to his method of teaching. His formal training is very apparent and I have already noticed a dramatic improvement in my own speaking and singing abilities.If you are serious about improving your voice for speaking and/or singing, open to constructive criticism and practicing the lessons you are taught on which parts of your body to use, I think almost anyone could have great or at least noticable results by taking lessons from Sam.I highly recommend going here. My lessons will be one of the investments in myself I look back on in life and can tell I will be grateful that I decided to make.

Ive been with Sam maybe a year and a half now. Hes great. I have been vocally trained through high school and college - I majored in music. But no one has brought me to new levels like this guy has. I have learned more with my time with Sam than I have in all my years prior.I started off weak and I had no confidence in myself. Hes changed all of that for me. He is an expert in his field. Ive never had a teacher who has challenged me so much. If you are serious about your music training, see Sam. He will not disappoint.

Mr. Sam Shin of El Melody has been giving my daughter vocal lessons for three months.elI am extremely impressed with his patience, and his thorough understanding of the essentials of singing. Mr. Shin has a very soulful voice. I was overwhelmed with his rendition of “Georgia On My Mind” and his understanding of the physiology of music. His vocal training emphasizes the importance of relaxing the throat and neck, complete concentration on the song and to be able to anticipate the musical sounds before they are played. Mr. Shin elegantly employs these essential components with his students and anyone considering vocal training must contact Mr. Shih.Earl F. Bloch

Where do I start?! I was a frustrated baritone singer that had been singing for over 15 years but struggled to hit basic mix voice notes, and had undefined runs and riffs. Sam broke down singing in sections of proper breathing techniques, power, opening throat exercises, dynamic warm ups, etc. His knowledge takes classical training elements and fuses them properly with his vast knowledge in blues, soul, r&b, and jazz. If you desire to sing songs from your soul he helps you connect the lyrics to your vocals. El Melody has truly been a blessing and an experience and worth all the investment. You will notice change after 3 months and then even more growth as you continue. Almost a year and half later I shake my head at the vocalist I use to be, stand confident and grateful for where I am, and excited for the new things I continue to learn from Sam.

After being disappointed by many vocal coaches I almost gave up on my dream. I decided to take one last chance and search for another coach. I came across El Melody and decided to check it out. From the very beginning Sam quickly pointed out and helped me correct everything I was doing wrong. That was seven months ago and Im still here. Usually if I dont feel like something is benefiting me I dont stay around for more than a month. If your just starting to pursue singing career or you just want to sing for fun El Melody is a great place to start and Sam Shin is the best coach youll find! I wish I wouldve known about Sam a long time ago.

Sam is knowledgeable but is a clock watcher and is getting you to leave before the scheduled hour is up. Time with him is expensive but he is showing you YouTube videos that could be viewed at home prior to the class. So overall, not a good experience for the $$$

Sam is excellent! I only sing contemporary music, but both of my sisters are classically trained vocalists, so Ive always been painfully aware of my lacking technique and range. I only started taking lessons a few months ago, and what a difference! Everyone from my bandmates to my roommates to my sisters have noticed the improvement. He diagnosed bad habits that I have developed over the years and went about fixing and adjusting them in measurable ways. Such a big fan- highly recommended!My bandmate commented below- and its so true. Ive been blown away by the improvements in his voice, as well. Hes always been very talented- but Sam was exactly what the doctor ordered to take him to the next level. He helped the two of us grow so much both as a duo and as individuals.

We have had a wonderful experience with music lessons from El Melody Vocal Studio! My twelve year old daughter has been taking lessons with Sam and Chowan for over a year. Her skills have improved tremendously and she has learned so much about voice technique. Sam focuses on the foundational aspects of voice training which are so important at this stage. He gives constant corrective feedback in a positive manner. He also emphasizes the whole person and healthy practices for physical, emotional and spiritual growth. Chowan is an excellent piano instructor who also provides much positive reinforcement while offering constructive suggestions. Every single week, my daughter learns something new at El Melody and comes home re-inspired to continue her voice and piano practice!

So....where do I start. I started taking lessons with Sam about 2 years back. Honestly, I wasnt expecting much out of the lessons except that maybe Ill just learn to sing louder and hit higher notes. But Sam is simply an astounding teacher and an even better singer. He is honest, firm, kind, and constructive. He teaches you that singing is not just about your skills or what you sound like but also about how you sing, the emotion you express, and your level of confidence. Hes helped me harness my emotional side and bring it out when I sing. Before I started taking lessons at El Melody, I never sang in front of anyone including my own family and friends. I lacked so much confidence and was just so scared to mess up when I sang. He helped build so much of the confidence I have now. Im not afraid to sing anymore or to mess up and occasionally sound bad.I moved away after a couple of months so I couldnt take lessons with Sam anymore. But since hes such an amazing teacher, we had some skype lessons and I always fit in some with him when Im in town. He has a great ear and can pinpoint the areas that are weak and helps you improve them. My voice, my passion, and my confidence has grown so much and Im honestly sooo thankful for Sam. You can tell he adores music. Every time he sings you can just feel the emotion and see how much he enjoys what he does. And let me tell you, it is contagious.So if youre looking for a vocal coach and youre asking yourself if El Melody is for you, then yeah its definitely for you. This vocal studio and Sams amazing teaching and guidance are for everyone, especially those who want to become the best.

Best coach ever.

I began taking vocal lessons from Sam Shinn / El Melody, in early 2014. After attending his classes for 6 months I had to take some time off for family business; but I continued practicing on my own using the techniques Sam taught me. Now having returned, my voice is stronger than when I first began and getting stronger! This is a testimony to Sam Shinn’s God-given talents and to the goodness of our Lord. You see, in 2009 I had surgery on my neck, which impacted my vocal chords. Suddenly, after years of singing, amateur and professional, my vocals were gone! To say the least I was devastated and even depressed. But praise to God and thanks to Sam I am now a lead in my church’s praise team where I can worship with my whole being. Thank you Sam for being a part of my healing from God!If you want to excel in your vocal abilities, stage presence, and inner confidence with a strong sense of accomplishment then Sam Shinn/El Melody Academy is where you want to attend and invest in yourself.Debra OvallAward winning Actress/Artist