After you have launched your private study with Nancy, she might determine you would benefit from doing a batch of your Braintracks coursework lessons with our in-house acting specialist, JEFF FREEMAN. Jeff is the only other teacher of this Braintracks Audio coursework that Nancy has officially authorized. Click here for more on Jeff.

APPOINTMENTS
Private appointments are $160 per fifty minute session. Coaching times are on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Non-weekday appointments are available every other Saturday. These Saturday slots tend to book up far in advance.

All appointments are scheduled VIA EMAIL, NOT VIA PHONE.
To request a time slot please email Nancy at braintracksaudio@yahoo.com.
We are in back-to-back appointments with folks throughout the day and locked in the recording studio, and as such, email is often the only way for us to communicate all the details, set appointments, field cancellations, etc.

Are you an eager and diligent student looking to get lessons more frequently? Click here for info.

NOTE FROM NANCY
What you are about to read will explain a lot, save us time and it will include some free advice. It's a lotta info....

I don't want to overwhelm you or give you the sense that you ought to sign up for anything more than just your 1st appointment. But I want to give you a sense of what the process will look like should you elect to go the distance with me as your Personal Trainer, and probable Inside Access Point Person to a TON of new VO Casting that I’m doing on line and in person to help cast my students via agents all over the country.

I work with tons of working pros, beginners, and everyone in between with refining their VO skills and ascertaining personal branding. I'm the only former agent out there teaching this material, and as such, this course of study offers uniquely tailored advice on the particular likes and dislikes, needs and tools required by the very folks you're soon to be pursuing for job access (agents in LA, agents outside LA, internet casting, casting thru me, yadda yadda).

Because the days of needing to have some kind of special VOICE (deep/raspy/sexy/ bold/sunny) are gone, because ad agencies are really looking for any and every kind of sound out there that can connect with the consumer, I firmly believe that anyone who has enough acting skills under their belt to tout a marketing tool called a “head shot,” or any singer out there with the skills to be pursuing work in that area, ought to also have the VO skills and marketing tool called a Voice Over Demo. Voice Over is simply another arena in which you folks can get a job, so you ought to have the skills and the tool just in case the opportunity comes up for you by default or design. Who knows - VO could wind up becoming a big piece of your acting income's pie chart - maybe it will only prove profitable in bits and pieces...but it is wise to have it in your acting bag of tricks.

And if you’re not coming from an acting background, DON’T FRET. This stuff is TOTALLY TEACHABLE.

I teach the acting that is necessary to service advertising, help you folks recognize the patterns in which ad copy is written (kinda like the Stanley Kaplan approach to VO), and — perhaps most importantly — help you better understand how casting directors and agents perceive your personal style.

By the way - this is not one of those VO classes that offers acting exercises to people who already know how to act.

Because I currently do a ton of casting with agents here and in other markets, because I used to be an agent and department head myself, I know and experience every day how much MORE there is to booking these auditions than just good solid acting.

I believe I am now one of the only coaches in town who can give my students access to current auditions even if they have not yet procured VO representation - this is pretty cool - very new - and loads of fun.

These days, a VO talent MUST learn how to work their own HOME EQUIPMENT, how to direct yourself on your own auditions that I will help you procure from your own home system, how to work mic technique, how to market yourself...all of that and so much more.

The acting is an important foundation, and if you need help in that arena, I can get you where you need to be quickly on that matter. But there is so so much more for us to work on beyond acting if you are to make the money at this that is totally out there for the taking, in a way that has never been possible before.

Once we are confident your audition skills are competitive and I have a very specific take on your brand, I will produce/direct a demo that reflects these skills & unique style ($1,500). I will also help you “brand” the graphic packaging/web design ($1,500-$1,750-ish, all of which goes to my graphics associate, Village Green Studios, not to me).

Nobody (not even I) can tell whether or not you are a "natural" until we find out how well you interpret copy.
That takes more than a few privates, and certainly more than a brief conversation.
And if it turns out to be harder than you had guessed (maybe it will, maybe it won't), I can teach you the skills that will help you get your performances where they need to be.

It would be irresponsible to guess in advance just how many privates it will take someone to learn the skills – my curriculum is 15 chapters long, so the average person needs about 15 privates before they are prepared to have me make them a demo.

(OK, having said that, I just produced a demo for a woman recently who flew through my 15-week curriculum in just 6 privates, so one never knows...that’s why I don’t commit people to purchasing any given number of privates in advance.)

You have to trust that I will get you to your goal as expediently as possible - it serves us both to work hard and fast and yet we both must be patient with whatever pace your particular learning process requires.

After demo production, there is at least one necessary post-demo private wherein I advise you on how to proceed with submitting to agents, provide an inside list of agents to whom you ought to submit, tailor your letters to those agents, discuss artwork branding, etc.

Beyond that, most folks come in either once every other week at the most or once every six weeks at the least to keep their chops up until/during/after work opportunities start to come around. As I mentioned, I become a bit of a career coach in this endeavor, so it is wise to check in every now and then for an update as the business changes constantly and I get new casting opportunities in now REGULARLY.

This audio portrait we paint of you is an important one, and it must be done properly so as to last you for as long as a couple of years. You must have a finished presentation on yourself (that means artwork, website) in order to pursue representation properly and competitively, and if you are already repped by an agent and somehow got that representation without having presented them with a demo CD/web site, you will have to have one produced for you eventually. Everyone must have one - even celebrities - as the CD is a critical tool used by the agents to procure work for you, introduce you to casting people, etc.

The goal is to help agents and buyers see what is unique about your personal style (beyond your pitch, beyond natural dialect) so they can know what you are likeliest to book, thus helping you help them help you, etc.

Making money in this area of performance is more determined by one’s ability to interpret copy than by the genetic sound of the voice.

And speaking of making money: I have some major new casting avenues that have opened up in the last 3 months that are allowing me to put real auditions in front of people who have gone thru the full course of study with me into demo, which is great (more on that when we chat.)
Just last month, I cast 26 characters for a new animated series, and most of the roles went to my students!

Turning that genetic gift into something that makes you money is all about learning how to think like the folks at the ad agency are thinking, break down ad strategy, and ultimately, with solid acting skills, provide an audition that shows you can be of service to their needs.

That is what we do in here – learn the patterns of how these ad agency writers think. Well, that plus everything I said about branding, plus learning the business of the business, protocol, etc.

I am typically booked up about 3 weeks in advance; emailing a request for a time slot well in advance is advised.
Also let me know if you ware interested in being put on the Wait List – many cancellations crop up each week that afford eager and available people to get in much earlier than we might anticipate!

So – now that you know how it works, EMAIL to get a time slot and we will get you started: braintracksaudio@yahoo.com.

THANKS

Only several sessions into working with Nancy in preparation for my new demo and amazing things are happening. Immediately, Nancy saw that I've been perfecting an archetype, not developing my brand. Okay, so that's a-changing! Her material is super and we are on a roll. I can't say enough about the impact she is making on the way I approach material.
-Ellen Dostal (VOX)

Nancy is the consummate maestro of Voice Over.
She is meticulous, has great insight and knows how to maximally cultivate your intrinsic vocal capacity.
Bottom line: the woman is an extraordinary teacher.
In less than two years, I've gone from being a complete neophyte to a WORKING professional with a number of TV spots I booked through Nancy,
including Blu-Ray, DirecTV and Sybase.
I couldn't have done it without the work I've done with Nancy.
-Chris Amodeo (VOX)

Hey Nancy,
I landed the MSN campaign! I recorded 2 spots today and Wes is in negotiations for the rest of them. So I get to Pacific Ocean Post and the first one is okay, but then they hand me the :60. This time its the freakin' Iliad. And of course, I have to read it in 12 seconds. I'm thinking, "How am I going to get through this?" Then I remembered that talking with your hands thing you taught me. IT SAVED MY LIFE!!! It was like a miracle!! In short, thank you thank you thank you!! Coaching with you has made such a difference already and I know it had a direct effect on me keeping the campaign.
-C.C. Boyce (VOX)

VO going very well for me these days; 2 years now – Voice of Audi, Callaway Golf, SRP Energy Co. of Arizona, A& E Making of Hollywoodland, just to name the highlights.
Thank you again for all your incredible tips, insights, and guidance.
In just about every session, a client, director, or writer will ask for something and I’ll know exactly what they’re after cause Nancy taught me how to interpret and respond.
Thanks again and warmest regards,
-Jeff Le Beau (ICM/DPN)

Great job. You really are like some kind of Voice Over savant. And I mean that in a good way, a great way. It is truly amazing how your brain works - when God wired you, he wired you in a way so that you can "see the code" in the system.
-Charlie Shanian (VOX)

Wow! I sent out the demo you produced. An agent had me in to audition for a national commercial, strictly on the basis of your demo. No interview, just straight into the recording booth. Just a few weeks after being picked up by that agent, an ad agency heard my demo and booked me on an AFTRA commercial – no audition required. Now I’ve been Taft/Hartleyed by AFTRA. Unbelievable. And to think that everyone kept telling me how hard it is to break into Voice Over! Thanks for “getting” me, helping me to get out there, and getting me started. You’re priceless.
-Brian Beljanski (Cassell-Levy Inc.)

Nancy, You really have a unique ability to critique while building up one's confidence. That is a tremendously positive aptitude. Keep that Braintracksaudio party train rolling!
-Paul Fanning

Also meant to tell you how much I got from your very succinct, informative, and incredibly helpful Braintracks Philosophical/Instructional pamphlet you gave to me. Quite a textbook (in the right way) of the task(s) that are placed before the voice/over actor to work on. Also your delivery, as in the way you presented your advice was most 'up' and spiriting. Quite a valuable booklet. I will keep it close by.
-Michael Cooke

Last Thursday we did group reads in the booth. When I got the copy in my hands I was able to dissect it and make it come alive because of my training with you. Also, because of your training, I feel I’m holding my own with people who have much more experience than me. Thanks for all your help. Cheers,
-Alex Ullrich (Independent Artists)

Everyone I've ever studied with has told me to go listen to commercials,
and I never understood what I was supposed to be hearing in them
when I did that. But now that I've learned your techniques, it 's the
first time I am actually able to hear and understand what is going on
inside the reads.
-E.D. (VOX)

You'll be happy to know that your tutelage helped me land three
Dodger Fan Club spots. Your last lesson - the ‘Threes’ Chapter
came directly
into play.
-Lindsay Jackson (NBC, On Air Promos)

You saved my life again today. I recorded 2 spots, a :30 radio and a :60.
The :60 was long, but I was unafraid. I gave them more variations than
Elton John's closet. I was doing the whole contrast and juxtaposition
thing, so if they wanted another "give us something different" read, I had
it all prepared. I was "moving furniture" all morning. They were
SO IMPRESSED.
Thank you so much!
-C.C. Boyce (VOX)

Not just blowing smoke. I feel that one of the smartest things I've done
in Show Biz is get coached by you.
-Steve G.

I had another great audition this morning and wanted to thank you for being such a great coach. Your lessons have stuck with me and leap into my brain whenever I'm in the clinch. It's so much fun to leave the audition elated by delivering the goods, so to speak. I wouldn't be here without you.
-Lisa Medwid

Okay, you can be proud of me...but only if you heap on a bunch of proudness for yourself. Without you, none of this would've happened. Y'hear? NONE.
-Bruce Barker (Imperium Seven)

Nothing has made me stronger than working with you! Nothing has made me sharper and more focused... For this, as well as for everything,
Thank you so much!
-Kimberly Kramer (Big Fish Voice Co.)

Nancy was terrific. Already, I can see an improvement in my way of thinking and approaching the copy and spot. Nancy does an excellent job of cutting to the heart of the piece and is aiding me in reframing my mind to help use my voice more effectively and appropriately. The suggestion to work with her was spot on. I'm excited for our next session next week.
-Jonathan Levit (VOX)

Your incredible gift for teaching and producing and your unbelievably comprehensive curriculum is sending me out into the world of commercial VO work fully loaded with confidence, technique, and inspiration. Thank you for this and for a sublime VO demo...thank you for you!”
-Maia Guest

I just wanted to let you know how excited I am for us to be working together! I loved yesterday’s class and found your approach totally different (in a very positive way) to any I had experienced before. I felt as though I ingested more useful information yesterday than I had in all my previous classes put together. Thanks again,
-Emma Brovsky (Daniel Hoff Agency)

Thank you for your incredible coaching and for the great demo. You are an amazing teacher with an uncommon sensitivity for words. Your continuous encouragement has been priceless. I love the energy and passion you put in every class. It's been a pleasure to have met you and to have worked with you.
-Adriana Moure (Independent Artists Agency)

I am damn excited about this whole thing. You've been really amazing through this whole process and I wanted to thank you for that. From day one, you've been a great teacher -- encouraging, knowledgeable, insightful and funny. I actually feel like I know what the hell I'm doing. Which is huge compliment to you as I started out knowing pretty much squat.
-Jon Brockett

NANCY IS THE MOST INCREDIBLE INSTRUCTOR I'VE EVER HAD THE PLEASURE OF WORKING WITH. SHE IS A DEAD-ON SNIPER WITH THE GENEROSITY TO LET YOU LOOK THROUGH HER SCOPE. EVERY PERFORMER SHOULD BE SO LUCKY TO BE COACHED BY HER. MIL GRACIAS. TU AMIGO,
-Pepe Serna (VOX)

I must say how very unique you are to all of us aspiring to wrap our heads around this otherwise ephemeral vapor of what constitutes voice overs. Before you, it was like trying to pin down a cloud. You're demystifying the fog. You've brought voice over instruction to its highest pitch.
-Bob Duncan

Thank you for your great smart self. Truly. You are a great director/producer and I am happy to have you here to help!!! It is a pleasure to work with you. I have/am learning so much. I am very happy to have my demo on your website - that is great, too.
-Wendel Josepher

I had a great time working with you. I felt like I learned a tremendous amount, and I would and will recommend you to anyone and everyone.
All the best,
-Molly Hagan (VOX)

Thanks for your continued help and counsel. For a person so young, you are wise beyond your years.
-Steve Warren

As a 20-year veteran of Voice Overs, I've been a bit skeptical of the value that a coach can offer an experienced talent.
You have shown me how invaluable a coach can be to a Voice Over career.
Thanks.
-BT

I was reflecting about this year and my accomplishments.
I was so thrilled that I finally got a voice over coach, and little did I know that it would be the great and wonderful you.
I, too, feel so so very fortunate to have met you.
You have no idea how much you have added to my professional goals.
-Vanessa Bell Calloway (VOX)

Yes, Yes, I know you have a million emails to read, but I could not
go another day without thanking you for your class today. It is so
funny how it took me a very long time to fix the Voice Over training I
had had before. With you after just one lesson, you have made me
feel more empowered. I cannot tell you how exciting it was to feel
the light bulb go on with a vengeance, when you gave me the concept of acting as "Tour Guide."
Thank you so very much for today.
I will see you next week, so happy you decided to coach me Nancy.
Your friend and eager student,
-Terri Hardin Jackson

I have tears of joy. I couldn't have asked for a better experience or a more supportive coach -
thank you from the bottom of my heart.
-Edie Caggiano (Big Fish Voice Co.)

As you may have heard, there was a first-time
Voice Over conference held in Las Vegas this past week. It was
actually pretty good. There were about 300 people there of various
talent levels (full time voice over, part-timers as well as newbies or
people just curious about the business), and I anticipate it growing
next year.
...on the last day, they pulled voice over demos randomly so that
the room could hear them and their professional panel critiqued them.
My demo ended up getting pulled for public evaluation. Of the five
panelist (which consisted of pretty seasoned Voice Over talent/producers
and one Las Vegas agent), all five loved the demo and hardly had any
critique on how it could have been changed. They loved the variety of
styles as well as their positioning on the demo. For example, after my
"attitude" duel read with the delivery guy spot, there is a short
"Smores Pop Tarts" spot, then an "interrupt" of my abuse PSA. They
believed that this "interrupt" re-engages the listener to continue
listening to the piece to the end and shows that I can do a multitude
of styles. They also liked the ups and downs of the spot placement.
Out of the 8 demos we listened to, mine was in the top 3. Overall, it
was a hit.
As a result, the Las Vegas agent has asked me to submit my demo to her
after April 20th (she is going out of town), and an AFTRA rep (one of
the conference sponsors) that is in charge of the commercials and
promos division asked me to send the demo to Don LaFontaine's agent,
per her recommendation (he was there on Thursday night).
Many of the voice talent from around the country asked where I received
my training, and I redirected them to your ad in the gift bags, so you
may be getting some referrals.
Thanks for the fabulous training and branding :-)
-Euvonka

You pushed my brain today;  I'm so aware now of my propensity to say "I'm sorry" too often
and the difference between my "realities" while acting.
One thing is for sure, "I'm not sorry that you're my coach."
- Carol

When I walked into your office for the first time, you immediately challenged my life-long notion that I lack a brand or that my "normal speaking voice" is in any way unique.  I have always felt that in the absense of character voices to "hide" behind, I had little to offer casting directors than what they'd get from any other Joe walking through their door.  You said I immediately reminded you of John Malkovich.  Now my tendency would be to TRY to sound like Malkovich on this and any other - audition - thinking my old crutch would better serve me than "being myself."  I guess I've never trusted the idea that, by being myself, I might have something unusual to offer.
I cannot adequately express in words how much I appreciate what you've done in two sessions to re-ignite my creative fires.  Other than some announcing gigs I'd rather forget, ALL I've done for the past 30 years is character voices and impressions.  You've, for the most part, made me believe I've got a fighting chance at being a real Voice Over artist.  And for that I am very, very grateful.
-Ron "Grasshopper" Russ

Thank you so much for your guidance and expertise. I have so much more confidence in
my own abilities and feel armed with an arsenal of skills that heretofore I had not even
begun to imagine existed. Yup, I used heretofore - hence why you love me :P
I now feel like I know how to "do my own voice," because before I started studying with you,
I felt like I was, in many ways, just copying other people's voices, but now,
I know how to "Do MY VOICE" and what that voice sounds like.
So thank you Nancy for helping me find "my voice."

-Jenn Wong (Arlene Thornton & Assoc.)