Great music performances are rooted in connection. When we connect to our audience, ourselves, and the music we interpret, our performances come alive and create hope, joy, power, and community. ModernTone Studios invites you to participate in an 8-week performance coaching intensive designed to take your performance technique to new heights.
In this supportive community course, we will build performance confidence, learn about performance styles, curate a musical repertoire, develop a practice routine, deepen our understanding of musicality and deep listening, practice microphone technique, and of course: perform on stage!
Local Community
Join ModernTone’s vibrant community of musicians located in the heart of the East Bay. Our students come from Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Walnut Creek, Martinez, Danville, San Ramon, Pleasant Hill, Concord, and all over the Bay Area. Get together with like-minded music lovers and form musical friendships in your neighborhood. Our music programs encourage you to play in a band, participate in recording sessions, and work with songwriters on original tunes.
Live Support
Do you need extra help with your practice routine? Stuck on some notes that aren’t quite clicking yet? Even between sessions, we’re here to help! Contact us by phone, text, direct message, or email for live support as you hone your new skills in-between sessions. If you have any scheduling difficulties, payment questions, or other issues, just hit us up. We always respond within 24 hours (usually way faster). We look forward to hearing from you.
Secret Ingredient
We just love music. There’s no other way to say it. From teaching, to recording, to passing on knowledge and learning new things ourselves – every day at ModernTone is an opportunity to immerse yourself in music of all styles. Sharing the gift of music is nothing short of a labor of love, which comes through in each and every lesson we teach. We can’t wait to collaborate with you and show you how to be the kind of musician you want to be. Let’s play!
If you’re a beginning performer who has no or little performance experience, you’ll have the opportunity to explore your music performance in a welcoming, joyful, and non-judgemental environment facilitated by a professional musician and performer. This intensive is designed to benefit all levels of performers because we all need to be listened to and observed to improve our performance techniques. By the end of this intensive, beginners will have learned skills to support them through their initial performances, such as school auditions, talent shows, karaoke with friends, etc.
If you’re an intermediate performer, you have likely performed a few times, solo or with a band. You might feel more comfortable with some aspects of your performance technique, but you know you can improve your skills and want to advance to the next level. You will benefit from this intensive by listening to and observing beginning and advanced performers, who will benefit from your feedback and offer you support as you grow. The goal for you will be to opt for more challenging songs/music pieces, and to refine your performance presence. You’ll be supported through your musical growth in a welcoming, joyful, and non-judgemental environment facilitated by a professional musician and performer who wants to see you succeed.
If you’ve been performing regularly for three years or longer, you have likely developed advanced performance techniques. This intensive will benefit you because you’ll be challenged to take your performance technique beyond “advanced” to the realm of “visionary” and “innovative.” This may mean that you advance your performance repertoire by testing the waters of new genres, or that you challenge your musical skills with a piece that requires more improvisation, musical agility, or movement. All participants will benefit from seeing you progress as an artist, and you’ll play a vital role in this intensive because of your ability to inspire and offer guidance to beginning and intermediate performers. You’ll be supported in a welcoming, joyful, and non-judgemental environment facilitated by a professional musician and performer ready to support this next chapter of your artistry!
If you have written original music, this intensive will offer you techniques to refine your unique voice as a performer and vocalist. All participants are welcome and encouraged to collaborate, so you might benefit from co-writing or co-performing with other participants.
As an instrumentalist, this intensive will offer techniques on how to bring forth soulfulness with your unique playing style. All participants are welcome and encouraged to collaborate, so you might benefit from performing with another instrumentalist or as an accompanist for a vocalist.
Vocalists will work on progressing their musicality through embodied, soulful singing. Vocal performance is a full-body workout, and you’ll have the opportunity to find your unique performance style by testing out different modes of movement and presence on stage. All participants are welcome and encouraged to collaborate in this intensive, so you might benefit from working with instrumentalists or challenging yourself to work on original music with a songwriter.

If you’re a beginning performer who has no or minimal performance experience, you’ll have the opportunity to explore your music performance in a welcoming, joyful, and non-judgemental environment facilitated by a professional musician and performer. This intensive is designed to benefit all levels of performers because we all need to be listened to and observed to improve our performance techniques. By the end of this intensive, beginners will have learned skills to support them through their initial performances, such as school auditions, talent shows, karaoke with friends, etc.
If you’re an intermediate performer, you have likely performed a few times, solo or with a band. You might feel more comfortable with some aspects of your performance technique, but you know you can improve your skills and want to advance to the next level. You will benefit from this intensive by listening to and observing beginning and advanced performers, who will benefit from your feedback and offer you support as you grow. The goal for you will be to opt for more challenging songs/music pieces, and to refine your performance presence. You’ll be supported through your musical growth in a welcoming, joyful, and non-judgemental environment facilitated by a professional musician and performer who wants to see you succeed.
If you’ve been performing regularly for three years or longer, you have likely developed advanced performance techniques. This intensive will benefit you because you’ll be challenged to take your performance technique beyond “advanced” to the realm of “visionary” and “innovative.” This may mean that you advance your performance repertoire by testing the waters of new genres, or that you challenge your musical skills with a piece that requires more improvisation, musical agility, or movement. All participants will benefit from seeing you progress as an artist, and you’ll play a vital role in this intensive because of your ability to inspire and offer guidance to beginning and intermediate performers. You’ll be supported in a welcoming, joyful, and non-judgemental environment facilitated by a professional musician and performer ready to support this next chapter of your artistry!
If you have written original music, this intensive will offer you techniques to refine your unique voice as a performer and vocalist. All participants are welcome and encouraged to collaborate, so you might benefit from co-writing or co-performing with other participants.
As an instrumentalist, this intensive will offer techniques on how to bring forth soulfulness with your unique playing style. All participants are welcome and encouraged to collaborate, so you might benefit from performing with another instrumentalist or as an accompanist for a vocalist.
Vocalists will work on progressing their musicality through embodied, soulful singing. Vocal performance is a full-body workout, and you’ll have the opportunity to find your unique performance style by testing out different modes of movement and presence on stage. All participants are welcome and encouraged to collaborate in this intensive, so you might benefit from working with instrumentalists or challenging yourself to work on original music with a songwriter.
Week 1
Build Confidence And Artistic Vision
This week, we will practice a powerful, expansive vocal stance and core breathing techniques to ease performance stress and anxiety. We will also do some reflective writing and group sharing to understand better how we want to grow as musicians, artists, and perfomers. Finally, we will collect and review memorable music performances that inspire us.
Week 2
Choose Your Repertoire and Develop a Practice Routine
This week, we will create individual repertoires of songs and musical pieces that best fit our styles, voices, abilities, and ranges. We will also map out a practice routine with performance goals in mind.
Week 3
Musicality – Rhythm and Dynamics
This week, we will learn about how rhythmic and dynamic choices help us emphasize the story of a song or musical piece. We will practice techniques to bring out an emotional connection to our songs/music.
Week 4
Musicality – Power and Presence
Music performance is a full-body workout! This week, we will learn techniques to bring physical and sonic energy into our performances. This will help us find our unique ways of connecting with our community/audience.
Week 5
Musicality – Soulful Song and Music Interpretation
What does it mean to “own” your rendition of a song or piece of music? This week, we will learn how to distinguish our interpretations based on our musical styles. We will review and combine the musical techniques we have learned to create a performance rooted in connection.
Week 6
Microphone Technique and Navigating Music Venues
This week, we will learn the basics of proper microphone technique and what to expect and ask for when performing at a music venue of any size.
Week 7
Tech Rehearsal
This week, we will run through our show from beginning to end in a pre-show rehearsal to prepare us for our final performance date. All participants will perform their songs on stage for this rehearsal.
Week 8
Performance Night!
After our time together in a nourishing artist community for seven weeks, we will take part in a Song Performance Night to celebrate the musical progress of all participating artists. We will welcome our friends and family to join us, and offer encouragement and feedback to one another as we embark on our next performance adventures.
Stage Program participants are invited to explore private Music Lessons. Questions? Send us a note or call (925) 297-5336.
Program Director
Diana Alvarez
Dr. Diana Alvarez is a vocalist, guitarist, songwriter, performer, and educator, who is passionate about sharing their vast musical experience with students of all ages. Versed in a wide array of styles and genres, Diana enjoys teaching jazz, pop, musical theater, rock, country, and Latin. With a Ph.D. in Electronic Arts, MFA in Poetry, and a Bachelor’s degree in music, Diana specializes in nurturing artistry, expressions and helping students develop a unique musical voice. As an instructor, Diana passionately nourishes the artistry of vocalists, musicians, and artists through joyful, dynamic, student-centered teaching and performance. They specialize in supporting students who want to create and perform music that is soulful, regardless of style and genre. Diana’s motivation is to help aspiring musicians of all ages and levels see a true transformation in their musical abilities.

Elizabeth L.
June 22, 2024 via YelpAll I have to say is, Wow! My daughter was in a last minute crunch for an audition and we hadn't yet found a vocal coach but we got in to see Briget Boyle... Read more
Christopher Bean
March 13, 2024 via GoogleModernTone Studios is an amazing hub for musicians! Jacob Light and his team have worked meticulously to create a positive environment where people of all skill levels can learn, record, and chat all things music. I'm continually amazed at how supportive everyone at ModernTone... Read more
Xiaonan Chen
June 19, 2023 via GoogleOur kids have been taking guitar and drum lessons for almost a year here. It’s a great studio for the kids. They both enjoy playing the instruments more and more. It’s great to see their improvement. The teachers are always super patient and fun. Highly recommend this studio!
Jackie Sergie
June 2, 2023 via GoogleI have been working with Modern Tone Studio and Briget Boyle (vocal & song writing coach), for over a year now and we just wrapped on my first EP. As an adult returning to music after many years away and very intense training as a child, the experience was amazing and I'm... Read more
mike milmoe
April 13, 2023 via GoogleMTS is the best Studio in the Bay! Jacob and his team deliver A+ results. Their dedication, creativity and professionalism is second to none. 🙌

Leslie S.
December 28, 2022 via YelpMy son has been taking guitar lessons with Jan and Charles for quite a while and they are spectacular teachers. Both are immensely talented and he has... Read more
Elizabeth L.
June 22, 2024 via YelpAll I have to say is, Wow! My daughter was in a last minute crunch for an audition and we hadn't yet found a vocal coach but we got in to see Briget Boyle... Read more
Christopher Bean
March 13, 2024 via GoogleModernTone Studios is an amazing hub for musicians! Jacob Light and his team have worked meticulously to create a positive environment where people of all skill levels can learn, record, and chat all things music. I'm continually amazed at how supportive everyone at ModernTone... Read more
Xiaonan Chen
June 19, 2023 via GoogleOur kids have been taking guitar and drum lessons for almost a year here. It’s a great studio for the kids. They both enjoy playing the instruments more and more. It’s great to see their improvement. The teachers are always super patient and fun. Highly recommend this studio!
Jackie Sergie
June 2, 2023 via GoogleI have been working with Modern Tone Studio and Briget Boyle (vocal & song writing coach), for over a year now and we just wrapped on my first EP. As an adult returning to music after many years away and very intense training as a child, the experience was amazing and I'm... Read more
mike milmoe
April 13, 2023 via GoogleMTS is the best Studio in the Bay! Jacob and his team deliver A+ results. Their dedication, creativity and professionalism is second to none. 🙌

Leslie S.
December 28, 2022 via YelpMy son has been taking guitar lessons with Jan and Charles for quite a while and they are spectacular teachers. Both are immensely talented and he has... Read more
KP P.
October 19, 2022 via YelpBoth my kids loooove Ms Jessica! She brings such infectious enthusiasm to both piano and voice instruction. My 6 year old son now actually starts practicing... Read more
Rudd Lippincott
October 13, 2022 via GoogleI've been a student of Charles at ModernTone for months, and I can't say enough great things. Literally the only drawback is that I wish I could attend more than once per week, but I don't have enough time! It took some trial and error to find an instructor who could cater to... Read more

Adam S.
July 27, 2022 via YelpI was (moved out of the state, will do remote lessons soon) taking guitar lessons from Charles at ModernTone, and always had a great experience! Charles is... Read more

Carissa G.
December 20, 2021 via YelpIf you're looking for a voice coach for your child, Modern Tones Studio might be a great fit. Our 11 son is taking voice lessons once a week with Briget... Read more
Eva H.
December 9, 2021 via YelpTalented and professional musicians have gotten my son from zero to being asked to join a jazz band in a year! Friendly and flexible staff to help schedule... Read more
MAdlyn C.
November 14, 2021 via YelpMy 14 year old daughter, Sophia, has just started voice lessons at ModernTone studios less than six months ago and her singing has already greatly improved.... Read more
We are the highest rated music studio in the Bay Area and maintain a 5-star rating on Yelp, Facebook, Google and Thumbtack. Check out what our clients have to say about their experience at ModernTone.