Testimonials

"The only better than singing is more singing."
~ Ella Fitzgerald

Testimonials

Read more reviews online at the following sites:

“Daniel helped me find my voice. I have been singing for years but lessons with Daniel helped me become more confident and comfortable with my voice. His easy going style was perfect for me. I would recommend voice lessons with him for anyone, beginners to professionals.”
- Ann Marie

“I had fun during my lessons with Daniel! Each time, he would unknowingly fuel my excitement about why I enjoy singing in the first place. Not only is he knowledgeable on vocal and breathing technique, but he can quickly pinpoint the problem and explain with ease a solution, all the while adapting to my needs and personal goals. Daniel brought back confidence in my ability to sing.”
- Jennifer

“Working with Maria, is an incredible joy. She helps me to express my heart in a beautiful way even with my beginner guitar skills. I know that with her support I will one day play and sing in the way I have always dreamed of.”
– LaShelle

"Maddy is awesome! I had approximately 25 voice lessons with Maddy over a twelve-month period. She is a wonderful instructor-- the quality and confidence of my singing improved exponentially during our time together, and I really enjoyed our time together. I strongly recommend Maddy to anyone looking to improve their singing."
- Matt

"We love Maria. She is incredibly patient and flexible in the lesson to accommodate our pace and needs!"
- Amanda

"My daughter was one of the singers at yesterday's gathering. I really just wanted to say thank you for having such a welcoming environment for people to perform. I'm so glad to be part of the community. And thank you Brian for the great coaching!"
- Kate

"Daniel is an outstanding teacher and guide. I feel lucky to have found him! The love for singing that he shares with his students is inspiring. Daniel and I focus on exploring my voice and what it can do. We work on how to become more comfortable singing the meaning behind the song, all the while working on technique. I truly have fun and enjoy the music. While he encourages freedom in singing, Daniel also never lets me forget about the importance of supportive breath and good posture, among other fundamental lessons. The support and encouragement he shows his students is simply unparalleled. "
- Liz

"Thank you so much for everything you've taught me. I realize great teachers are hard to come by. You've done so much for me beyond music. You helped me discover a new depth of my musical expression that I was completely unaware of. I cannot say thank you enough."
- F.

"ResoundNW = magic. I am someone who has harbored lifelong fantasies of being some sort of rock star and, at the same time, had near crippling performance anxiety. then, kismet! I won a certificate for a voice lesson with Daniel and he was so wonderful, so supportive, so encouraging, that i made the leap and joined his ongoing SoulSinging group. This is a place of joy, heart, safety and such beautiful music. I cannot recommend him or Resound more highly."
- Elizabeth

"Joannah is the best! I have never had confidence with singing. I've always been afraid and scared. Joannah has changed that! She makes me laugh, encourages me, and has helped me find my voice! I have more confidence because of her! Singing is fun for me! Thank you Joannah! I love singing with you!!"
- Annie

"I couldn't imagine a better vocal lesson experience! I have had private voice lessons and group classes from both Daniel and Lori. They are both excellent and have their own unique qualities they bring to teaching.

I have been taking lessons with Dan for almost 2 years. I have sung my little heart out since I was around 3 years old, dabbled in piano and sung in choir for a couple years in middle school and high school. I have dreamed of pursuing singing, yet was always very sensitive about sharing my voice. I wanted to become more confident in the technicalities of music. From my very first lesson, Dan was amazing! The perfect fit for me to come across as my first teacher. He has a masters in music, travels the world with choral groups and has the kindest soul that is so understanding of the vulnerable nature of singing and sharing one's voice. He is funny, upbeat, compassionate, positive and encouraging! You cannot encapsulate Dan in written word, you just have to experience for yourself!

Lori has been at Resound NW for a couple months and I've taken just a few classes/had one private lesson. Lori is great as well!! I was inspired to try Lori out because she seemed spunky, adventurous and outspoken (as well as clearly, talented). These are all qualities I'm seeking at this point on my vocal path. She has been classically trained and now sings with a heavy metal operatic band! She has the drive and the passion that is inspiring to me now. Her teaching style is great because she's encouraging and accepting while also pushing me out of my comfort zone to grow. She's helped me define a clear path to help me achieve my goals!

I cannot say enough about Resound NW and the fun community of singers I've been introduced to through the classes and quarterly studio gatherings. Such a great and supportive environment. Anyone who happens upon this place is definitely lucking out!!"

- Hannah

"Maddy is such a delight! I took voice lessons from her for a year. I had always wanted to learn to be more comfortable singing, and she was an amazing singing spirit guide. She is great at meeting students where they are, offering realistic challenges, and always making the process fun. She has classic training but is ready and able to dive deep into any style of music. I have watched her connect with children of all ages as well as rock star front men, impressive for someone who sings beautiful opera. She is a blast to sing with!"
- Annie

“Daniel Buchanan helped me improve my voice quite a bit in the less than one year we worked together. I went from never taking voice lessons and not having sung in a choir for 6 years to being accepted as vocal performance major at Ohio State University. He picked up quickly on my biggest problems and corrected them, allowing us to move into the more detailed aspects of singing. I enjoyed my lessons with him and would suggest him to anyone that wants help with their voice at any level.”
- Trevor

"Maria, thank you for a wonderful experience for 6 year old Colby. She now feels a little more in tune with her ukulele."
- Emily

"Daniel is a gifted teacher and singer. Musically he is a natural, speaking piano as many of us find words in our native tongues. As a teacher he makes it easy for me to sing the song of my soul. Studying with him has made me better technically, and happier in my life. He's a musical healer/teacher."
- Dino

"I hope you hear this from many others. I have a feeling you do. With Resound NW you have created a very special, beautiful, heartfelt community of music. It is such a joy and privilege for our family to be a part of it. Thank you!"
- Russell

"Dan is kind and patient, but at the same time pushes me technically to improve my skills. He has helped me to expand my range at both ends, while always showing great concern for my vocal health. I have had a lot of fabulous opportunities for a young singer, and I know that my work with Dan has been a big part of that."
- Carly (age 11)

"I took lessons from Maddy at Resound NW. I did not know when I came to Maddy for voice coaching, that I was also going to make an amazing friend, but that is what happened! Maddy is an awesome person to work with; she is super knowledgable, passionate about music, and fun to be around! Every lesson was relaxed, engaging, and so much fun! I really felt more like I was visiting a friend than being "instructed" at my sessions. I also really appreciated Maddy's genuine encouragement and interest in my growth as a musician! Now, I am so far ahead of where I was musically before I started taking lessons. I am SO GLAD I was able to work with Maddy for a year and a half and would 100% recommend her as a teacher/coach!!"
- Rose

“My five years of training with Maria Olaya contributed greatly to my development as a guitarist. She completely changed the way I see guitar today. She is an expert in classical guitar technique and exposed me to several Latin styles. The skills I learned from her have complemented and improved my experience as a Flamenco guitarist. She is the best teacher I have ever encountered; I noticed vast improvements in the quality of my sound after even a few lessons. Thank you Maria!”
– Jeff

"When I took voice lessons with her, I was really nervous as I hadn't worked with a music teacher in more than a decade. Maddy immediately made me feel comfortable and welcomed. She is incredibly knowledgeable about vocal technique and music, both more 'classical' but also contemporary. Maddy was always kind, encouraging, and supportive. She made me feel brave and also safe to try and become the best singer I could. I would strongly recommend her to anyone out there looking for a singing teacher!"
- Kodey

"My time spent at Resound NW and in SoulSinging were honestly the happiest times I had in Portland. Thank you for everything."
- S.

"My daughter, Hannah (age 13), has been involved with musical theater for several years. I was looking for someone to provide some vocal coaching for her to gain more confidence and learn how to properly breathe, enunciate, and safely project her voice. Daniel is wonderful to work with and enthusiastically helps Hannah to prepare her best songs and monologues for her auditions. According to Hannah, Daniel is encouraging and fun. He provides a relaxed learning environment and teaches her how to loudly sing the higher notes without hurting her voice."
–Sharon

“I can’t thank Daniel enough for all that he did to help me improve my technique and confidence in singing. The transitions and middle registers of my voice are now smooth and full respectively, which they weren’t when I first started lessons. People compliment me and say that I sound so much better since I took lessons with Daniel. I’ll never forget what he did for me - he’s the best!”
- Kathleen

“I had sung in church choirs, but never taken voice lessons. I always thought I was a contralto and could not get higher than a C. After a couple of months working with Daniel, I discovered that I had a head voice and gained confidence in developing it. He helped me to find another octave that I had no idea was in me! I now sing 1st Soprano with the Washington Women’s Chorus! He also helped me prepare for my first two solos at church. He even went with me and played the piano for them. I never would have had the confidence to do it without his help, but found I really loved it.”
- Jane

"I just wanted to let you know that I had a ton of fun tonight at the Studio Gathering! Thank you for giving us students such a cool performance opportunity. You all are amazing! Thanks!"
- R.

"I really look forward to my lessons with Daniel. He is fun to work with, very positive, and always helps me improve my voice and presentation. My mom appreciates his professionalism and his use of technology to record songs and find music. I have moved up to Washington, but whenever we visit I plan on dropping by Daniel's studio for lessons!"
- Abby (age 12)

“This summer I wanted to give something to myself for my birthday. I’ve always wanted to take voice lessons, and I am so happy I chose Dan as my teacher. He made the experience so fun and enjoyable. He balances the technical with humor and wit. I walked into Dan’s studio knowing nothing at the beginning of the summer and walked out able to sing in front of all my friends at my birthday celebration - and I sang quite well! I highly recommend Dan as a music teacher for any age.”
- Sonya