What is your greatest passion or joy as a singer, voice teacher, or vocal professional?
For me, music is simply joy; it has always been a light that helped me see life with greater clarity, even in the darkest and most confusing moments. But the reason I do this will always be the emotion I feel when I see how singers can not only communicate their message with greater beauty and improve their skills, but also experience how resonant, intense, and expansive this is within us. Being able to overcome barriers and beliefs about our voice and our identity as artists allows us to become more complete human beings. A large part of this is due to vocal training. It’s incredible!
Something I also enjoy about my profession is that every singer is unique, with their own needs, goals, and ways of learning, so it never feels routine or boring! Every lesson is different—different exercises, different objectives, different repertoire, different pedagogy—and that, as a life rule, also allows you to improvise, respect the individuality of each human being, and be creative!
Tell us the latest news about you, your studio, and your work!
For some reason, last year I had the opportunity to connect in a very sincere way with highly passionate singers and teachers. Thanks to the work we did, they began to feel increasingly prepared and confident to take the next step and share their voice and message with the world. Many of these singers started releasing their music. Contributing in that way is simply wonderful. And it taught me so much about how to support others in a much more complete way in the studio, learning to see far beyond technique or exercises.
I think that many times, as teachers, we can become very cerebral and start transmitting that to our students. That’s why it’s always important to return to the root of why we do this, as it allows us to understand our students’ needs on a deeper level and prioritize them in a way that’s fairer for them. I don’t like measuring victories by success, because often that’s beyond what we can control. But without a doubt, being able to learn, share music and knowledge with passionate people, and hearing on more than one occasion that meeting me was a turning point in their voices and careers, is an enormous victory.
Also, last year I gave several workshops and lectures throughout the year, both online and in person, which allowed me to meet many people and dedicate myself to studying a lot, expanding my knowledge, creativity, communication, and self-confidence.
What is an interesting or funny fact about you?
One interesting fact about me is that I’m a sound technician specialized in music production. I believe the reason I studied this was because I didn’t see myself as good enough or capable of being in the spotlight. Even so, it has undoubtedly become a great complement and a huge help when I’m in the studio, whether I’m there as a singer myself or supporting my clients.
I also study classical piano and I’m a big fan of Chopin. I really enjoy exercising and training my body, and I love reading about all kinds of training methods, learning techniques, personal development, and psychoanalysis.
I’m constantly switching between roles: singer, teacher, technician, student—and I really enjoy how all of them inform each other.
One book that has been a major influence and a great source of inspiration for me is Mastery by Robert Greene.
What led you to the NYVC Voice Teacher Training & Certification Program?
Having studied other methods and models, I realized that all of them had their limits, as the tools they offered were often restricted and couldn’t help every singer. This, combined with the often toxic approach of “my method is the best,” made me feel very limited in my creativity as a teacher when designing and leading a class.
The NYVC Voice Teacher Training offered a completely holistic, open-minded perspective. Not only did it teach in a very deep way the what, how, and why of all pedagogical, technical, and stylistic tools, but it also allowed me to be a teacher who can teach with freedom, creativity, and personal insight, while creating truly personalized plans for each singer.
What was your experience in the NYVC Voice Teacher Training & Certification Program?
It was a turning point in my career as a teacher. The information and the diversity of tools for all types of learning are incredible. But beyond that, it’s important to highlight all the reading, assignments, and complementary activities within the program, as well as, of course, the level of professionalism of the entire NYVC team. They make you feel truly heard and cared for; everything is designed to provide the best possible experience.
Justin, from the first to the last class, conveys and shares his enthusiasm and passion for pedagogy, voice and singing. For some reason, even if a topic is very complex and English isn’t your native language, you end up understanding everything! It’s also amazing how he can demonstrate everything he teaches. He is definitely a huge inspiration in terms of training, discipline, and passion.
After a few years, I still watch some of the classes and always find inspiration.
What advice would you give to future participants of the Program?
Keep an open mind! We’re here to learn. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and ask again if there’s something you don’t understand. Justin always finds a way to make sure you get it and remember: there are no silly questions!
Try to stay on top of the classes and make the most of the Q&A sessions, they’re a great opportunity to clarify any doubts. Listen carefully, take notes, and write down your questions.
Approach everything with curiosity and enthusiasm, and you’ll get the most out of the program!
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced as an artist, teacher, or vocal professional?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as an artist and teacher is truly believing in the value and beauty of my own voice. As singers and performers, when we express ourselves from the deepest and most sincere part of our hearts, it’s very easy to feel vulnerable and experience impostor syndrome. Voices in your head tell you: “Your story isn’t that important,” “Your voice could sound better,” “You’re not ready for this…”
Perfectionism often adds to those voices, making us focus more on what we think is wrong than on what we are achieving. Over time, I’ve learned that those internal criticisms don’t define my truth or my art. Every performance that comes from authenticity has a unique value, and allowing yourself to be heard—with all your imperfections—is an act of courage and deep connection with others. Learning to trust your voice and your story and accepting that perfection is not the goal, but honesty and expression are, is what transforms your artistry into something truly powerful.
What was your greatest victory ever as an artist, teacher, or vocal professional?
Being able to put the joy and magic of singing back as a priority, beyond any technical challenges, has been one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned as a teacher and singer. Often, both students and teachers focus too much on technique, mistakes, or perfection, and forget what originally drew us to music: the emotion, the expression, and the connection with ourselves and with others.
That’s exactly what I always try to convey in my classes. It’s not just about learning scales, exercises, or styles, it’s about helping each singer rediscover the pleasure of using their voice, feel confident in their expression, and enjoy the process of making music. For me, seeing my students find that joy and freedom in their singing is one of the greatest satisfactions of my work, and the true victory as a teacher.
When we achieve this, making technical improvements and changes becomes much simpler and more sustainable, and artists become more proactive, engaged, and confident in their own process.
What is one piece of advice that you would love all singers to know?
Not every construction has to be perfect. Trust the process, and don’t transmit to yourself the inability to fail; in fact, it is part of this! You need to fail, explore, and try to find answers. It is part of the path toward the light. It’s easy to feel stuck, but when we try to challenge ourselves, we often end up in the same stagnation that makes us feel uncomfortable for not “sounding good” or for not achieving what we are looking for in record time. Do I explain myself? It’s like going in circles of discomfort! The only way to break this is by seeking help, taking on reasonable challenges, and going through the process. Every change and improvement requires greater effort. Meanwhile, on this path, enjoy and be aware of the small achievements. Improvements in the voice and artistic development take time, but if you really want to improve your skills, work hard and build the necessary habits, you will achieve it!
What is something you've learned on your journey that you would love other vocal professionals to know?
Be yourself and trust your instincts. These days there’s so much information out there that it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or even start thinking that you don’t really know anything, especially on days when self-doubt kicks in.
Of course, studying, continuing your education, and staying up to date are important, but it’s just as important to trust your own experience, your journey, and the perspective you’ve built over time. Everything you learn really comes to life when you apply it in real situations, with real singers, in the studio.
Trust your judgment. Allow yourself to make decisions, make mistakes, reflect, and try again, that’s all part of growing as a professional. It’s not about knowing everything, but about learning how to listen, observe, and adapt to the person in front of you.
No one teaches the way you do. Your voice, your sensitivity, and the way you communicate are part of what makes you a great teacher.
How can we find out more about you and your work?
You can find all the information you need about me and my studio at www.bavocalstudio.com. Thank you very much!
