Why take vocal lessons?
Develop your voice
Continue developing proper technique
Be a better choir member
Develop your vocal repertoire
Just for the joy of singing well
Lesson Offerings
Personal 1-on-1
$50 - 30 minutes
$75 - 60 minutes
Group (up to 5 singers)
$20 - per hour /each singer
Workshops & Clinics
Fees negotiable
“Sam understands the voice. He instilled in my classmates and me a solid technique built on breath support and vowels. He also gave us the tools to communicate as artists. As singers, we tell stories. We communicate ideas. I learned to be a great storyteller, “a great poet” in Sam Bonds’ studio. If you are looking to become an artist, I highly recommend Sam Bonds.”
“Vocally, he gave me a foundation built on breath support and expression which I now pass on to my students. Professionally, he introduced me to the character Sportin’ Life and to Porgy and Bess. My passion for singing began in his studio.”
About
Samuel L.E. Bonds has dedicated his life to the training and counseling of singers of all ages with an emphasis on the young voice. He earned B.A. and M.A. degrees in Music Education and Vocal Performance from Howard University, and has done additional studies at The American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria, The Boris Goldovsky Opera Institute at The University of Cleveland, and The Catholic University of America as a doctoral candidate in voice.
As an educator, Mr. Bonds has taught voice at The Catholic University of America, Morgan State University, The University of the District of Columbia, Prince George’s Community College, George Mason University, The University of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica. In Jamaica he established The Samuel Bonds Vocal Workshop and conducted master classes in classical, operatic arias, American “Negro” spirituals, German lieder, and French melodies. For over 30 years, he taught at The Duke Ellington School of the Arts, where he founded the world renowned Duke Ellington Show Choir.
Mr. Bonds conducted The Show Choir as they performed throughout the world and many times at the White House for President Clinton, President Bush and President and First Lady Obama. In addition to The Show Choir, Mr. Bonds founded both The D.C. Boys Choir and The Washington Male Chorale. He was guest conductor for The Prince George’s High School Honor’s Choir, The Charles County High School Honor’s Choir, The Delaware All-State Junior High School Chorus and The District of Columbia Senior High School Chorus.
Mr. Bonds has continued to maintain active membership in numerous organizations and has been the recipient of many awards and tributes.