A Meeting That Changed Everything
It was August of 1992 when I stepped into David Sorin Collyer’s Manhattan studio, completely unaware that I was about to meet a man who would alter the course of my life. At the time, I was just a young performer with dreams, standing before the world’s foremost voice coach, a man whose students included Liza Minnelli, Bette Midler, Barry Manilow, Paul Simon, and Chita Rivera.
David, with his striking white hair and an air of quiet authority, greeted me warmly. There was something about his presence—an unspoken wisdom, a confidence that made you believe in yourself before you even opened your mouth to sing.
What I thought would be a simple audition became the beginning of an intense, life-changing mentorship.
The Technique That Unlocked My Voice—And My Soul
David wasn’t just a vocal coach; he was a breathwork master. His teaching wasn’t about belting out high notes or perfecting vibrato—it was about understanding the breath as the foundation of all sound, all energy, all power.
His technique emphasized:
• Deep diaphragmatic breathing for strength and control
• Resonance training to enhance vocal richness
• Precision articulation to create clarity and presence
• Emotional connection through breath to release tension and unlock authentic expression
David’s philosophy was that the voice wasn’t just a tool for performance—it was an instrument of self-discovery. He taught me that when you control your breath, you control your emotions, your presence, your ability to connect with others.
The Unexpected Path to Mindfulness
At first, I thought I was just learning how to sing. But over time, I realized I was learning how to breathe—and in turn, how to live.
David’s breathwork techniques became the foundation of my meditation practice. He unknowingly introduced me to mindfulness before I even knew what it was.
I began to notice the way breath could calm the nervous system, ease anxiety, and center the mind. The same techniques that helped me project my voice on stage also helped me find stillness in chaos. The breath that once fueled my high notes became the breath that fueled my inner peace.
And so, my journey shifted.
From Student to Teacher—A New Calling
Years after my time with David, I took the principles he had given me and built a career as a meditation and mindfulness instructor. I realized that his teachings weren’t just about performance—they were about transformation.
Today, I am a meditation instructor, a wellness professional, and a recording artist, blending my passion for voice and breathwork into music, mindfulness, and corporate mindfulness consulting. I have led meditation sessions for inmates, executives, and people searching for healing.
My ability to guide others through breath, presence, and deep self-connection started in David’s studio, where he taught me not just how to use my voice, but how to use my breath to find my true self.
A Legacy That Lives On
David Sorin Collyer passed away in 1996, but his influence is woven into every breath I take, every song I sing, and every meditation I lead. I speak his name every chance I get, it continues his work, ensuring that his techniques live on.
For me, David was not just a teacher, he was a father figure, a mentor, and a guide. He gave me a gift that extended far beyond music—a gift I now share with the world.
Every time I inhale deeply before stepping onto a stage or exhale in a moment of stillness, I hear his voice reminding me: “Your breath is your power.”
And so, his legacy continues—through me, through my students, through every voice and every breath that finds its true strength.
