by Kathy Eide Casas

Don’t miss the coupon for Sunnyside Bicycles at the end of this post.

Is The Voice one of your favorite shows of the season? If you’re going to miss it, do you record it so you can watch the performances later? Have you ever yearned to expand your singing ability, taking it from the shower to a showcase? If so, you’ll want to know all there is to know about Fresno’s own training ground for voices, from the very young to the young at heart.

Welcome to The Voice Shop Music Academy.

Founder and owner Debi Ruud has lent her melodic voice to performances, special occasions, commercials and albums; singing professionally for the past 25 years. Her love of music and her passion for sharing that love led her to open, The Voice Shop. That was in the year 1998 and the rest, as they say, is history.

Ruud started teaching out of her home when her children were young. In her words, Rudd explained, “As many moms do, I was looking for opportunities to earn income, while not being bound by the typical 8 to 5 work day. I was already singing professionally when a close friend of mine suggested teaching from my home as a natural path for me to take.” Simply stated, said Debi, “It was meant to be.” Ruud’s easygoing personality combined with her talents made for the perfect vocal combination. Word soon spread about Debi’s lessons and before she knew it, her home was too small to accommodate the number of students who wanted to take part. What a great problem to have!

Debi decided the time was right, and she located a small space close to home and…The Voice Shop Music Academy was born. Since that time, nearly two decades ago, The Voice Shop has blossomed to include a contemporary vocal arts studio, personalized vocal training for kids, adults and every age in between, private voice, piano, guitar and bass lessons, and a full menu of musical options for any performer.

Since the doors to The Voice Shop Music Academy first opened, Debi has earned her degree in music and now offers a full staff of teachers for every age and level. Located in Fresno’s historical Tower District, The Voice Shop Musical Academy has become renown for their homegrown talent and fabulous showcases, offering students the opportunity to truly show off all that they’ve learned!

Voice Shop student

Accomplished performer and vocal coach Terry Lewis was encouraged by Ruud to come and join the team at The Voice Shop and he’s extra glad he did. In Lewis’ own words, “I LOVE IT!” A strong three-word testimonial! While his full time job brings him to the Fresno State Library, he has spent a lifetime performing on nights and weekends. His performances have included plays, operas and a one-person play entitled, I am My Own Wife, that brought the house down. Lewis’ affinity for the Voice Shop is clear. “It’s a great place, a really wonderful and supportive place to teach. Everyone there is very encouraging of all the students.” He continued, “The best part about the Voice Shop is that everyone is encouraged to come in and just do one thing…SING.”

Voice Shop studen

Make your New Years Resolution now to come in and try any of the options at The Voice Shop. Don’t be shy! Students range in skill levels from pre-beginner to accomplished and in age from 5 years to a 70+ year-old gentleman who wants to sing a song to his wife. You can purchase your first month online – one click is all it takes to start you on your vocal journey.

The Voice Shop is located at 1296 North Wishon-Fresno, CA 93704 (559) 222-SING (7464). You can learn more on their website.

“The only thing better than singing is more singing…”
Ella Fitzgerald

Check out more entertainment related articles in our Arts & Entertainment section.

Kathy Eide Casas is a valley native and has been involved in politics, public policy and public relations her entire career. From the U. S. and state capitols to local projects, she has been a guiding force. Most recently, Eide-Casas completed the writing for two U Turns Allowed magazines, benefiting Focus Forward. Additionally, her work has run in several other local publications, including Valley Health Magazine.