ANNOUNCING a brand new Matsuki venture! I am an now a published author and working educator.

As the co-author of "So You Want to Sing Cabaret" (Rowman & Littlefield, 2020) with David Sabella, I am now offering classes on various performance topics. I am also currently working on a companion workbook. Please read the incredible raves for this book under REVIEWS and get your copy on www.Amazon.com!

I have taught classes at: UCONN's Osher's Lifelong Learning Institute, Fordham University at Lincoln Center's Musical Theater Dept., The Canadian School of Performing Arts, The Theater Barn and MAC-to-School. I also have a popular performer's advice column called "Sue's Views" which you can read right here on my BLOG page.

What I offer is a safe, fun and educational experience in learning all aspects of the Art of Cabaret, Patter, How to Write a Show, The Business of Cabaret/Theater, how to speak to and lead a band, and how to present like a professional.

Have you ever had a secret dream to sing? Let me help you achieve that dream. Please read the brief descriptions of the classes I offer below and call me to discuss or to get a full description of each class along with a list of all of the written materials that will be provided. All of these classes can be taught at your venue as part of a performance, as a series of classes with a class performance or virtually.

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THE ART OF CABARET PERFORMANCE / LYRIC CONNECTION

Whether you’ve been singing for years or have never sung before, if you've always wanted to sing on stage, let me teach you how and have fun learning! You do not have to read music. You will learn the history of Cabaret, mic technique, how to connect to a lyric (singing from a true circumstance), how to talk to a musician, how to count off a song and how to write a few lines to introduce your song (we call this “patter”.) This can be a 4, 6, 8 or 10 week 2½ hour course or an on-going course and may be taught on different levels. Read the comments from my class here. A class show ends the semester.

Here is a "review" from someone who took my Master Class:

"My voice teacher encouraged me to attend a recent cabaret masterclass taught by Sue Matsuki and Gregory Toroian. I'd never sung cabaret before, but I was eager to glean anything I could from such masters of their crafts. Sue illustrated how we could dig into our lyrics, order those words in realistic speech patterns, and accentuate unexpected words in ways that add layers of subtext and that build authentic connection with our audiences. Gregory shared insights into how to effectively communicate with an accompanist. The two of them were generous to allow any of us who wanted to perform a chance to do so -- and gave constructive and insightful feedback as to how we could bring even more out of our songs." - Jen Biddison, Maryland Vocalist

LYRIC CONNECTION, MEMORIZATION & PHRASING CLASS OUTLINE

Topics covered in this class will include:

The grammar of a song – punctuating and identifying important words to learn how to sing the song as you would speak it. Being “organic” to who you are when you sing.
Exploring what is it about how you currently connect to a song and how it can be a deeper connection.
Exploring how you honor your feelings in the moment and still give a great performance.
How to walk that fine line of singing and entertaining and connecting vs. “therapy” on stage.
How do you sing and deliver a Broadway song or a song sung by a specific character as you.
How to sing a song with a one-sentence, automatic, mini-placement suggestion.
How to learn tricky lyrics. Study suggestions.
For more information or to sign up: https://cabu.cabarethotspot.com/courses/lyric-connection-memorization-phrasing/

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HOW TO PUT A SHOW TOGETHER

Taking you to the next level of Cabaret performance involves learning how to set up your songs and write patter. In this class you are also taught how to write a joke that’s about you and then we create your opening “Welcome” monologue for your show. Next comes some exercises that help you learn how to take 14 tunes and put them in an order that makes sense for a show using your newly found skills at patter and joke writing! This is a 4 week 2½ hour course. A class “stand up” show ends the semester.

BUILDING YOUR SHOW CLASS OUTLINE

We start with 14 tunes and, as an exercise, (and by the end the class), you will learn the process of putting together a show! This exercise may or may not produce the show you may wind up doing, but it is designed to give you an idea of how to start.

In this class we will discuss:

Different types of shows (theme, composer, comedic, series, concept).
“Formulas” for the flow of a show.
Song positioning – opening, song clusters, “11:00” number and closer/audience thank you song.
Writing patter (how much and where to chat).
How to write a killer opening!
Promoting your show concept.
The advantage of using a postcard and what attracts the eye.
AND MORE!

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THE BUSINESS OF CABARET/THEATER

This class teaches the business of how to present like a professional, how to do your own Public Relations, how to write a Press Release or One-Sheeter, how to identify your specific real life/singing passion, the art of Time Management in relation to singing, how to create a master To Do List, the benefits of fliers, postcards and E-Fliers and how to use the internet to promote yourself, what a postcard can say about you, creating an image, creating a logo and “hook” and, for those more interested in auditioning for Broadway, how to create your audition book and how to enter the room like a professional. I provide handouts and reading materials in each class and there is also a recommended reading list.This is a 4 week 2½ hour course.

THE BUSINESS OF CABARET CLASS OUTLINE

Topics covered in this class will include:

Self-Promotion and Optimizing Social Media.

Open Mic Protocol and how to speak to an MD.

Creating a “Brand” (Press Releases, One-Sheeters, Organizing Tips, Press Kits, and more!).

How to Save Money by DIY.

Building a Budget and Understanding Club Contracts.

How to set up an in-house club, rehearse and present like a professional at a virtual gig.

This is a Non-singing class with vital information!

For more information or to sign up: https://cabu.cabarethotspot.com/courses/the-business-of-cabaret/