Training with Dr. Elizabeth Grace

Elizabeth’s dedication to music extends far beyond her performances, with over two decades of experience as a dynamic educator. Her ability to connect with students of all ages has proven instrumental in helping them develop their individual craft and style. Elizabeth’s teaching focuses on vocal health, jazz improvisation, diverse musical styles, and confidence-building techniques.

Elizabeth’s passion for investing in the next generation of musicians is deeply rooted in her extensive academic and professional background. She has served on the faculty at prestigious institutions such as the University of New Hampshire, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Berklee College of Music. Additionally, she was a student-teacher at the New England Conservatory, where she later earned her Doctorate in Musical Arts in Jazz Voice Performance with a Presidential Scholarship.

Her doctoral thesis, “An Emerging Profile of the “Complete” Jazz Singer: An Equal Member of the Jazz Band,”introduces a new concept: the “Complete Ensemble Singer.” This work explores how this emerging role impacts the structure of jazz bands, ultimately advocating for a philosophical shift in how musicians perceive jazz vocalists. By highlighting the elite skills required to be an equal member of the band, her research challenges outdated notions of incompetency and elevates the status of singers within the jazz community. Elizabeth is a strong advocate for comprehensive music education and equality among all instrumentalists and vocalists. Her teaching is often shaped by an awareness of the sociological issues that professional vocalists face.

Training with Dr. Elizabeth Grace

Elizabeth has taught voice, piano, and improvisation throughout her career, leading jazz clinics worldwide in countries like Australia, Poland, and Panama, as well as across the United States. She has also developed curricula ranging from fundamental vocal technique to advanced topics in jazz history and improvisation.

At the New England Conservatory, she worked closely with Dr. Larry Scripp, a leading figure in music education. As his assistant, she supported his research and courses on talent and provided crucial assistance for departmental workshops and concerts. Through the conservatory’s Community Performances and Partnerships Program, she also collaborated with a vocal group at the Virginia Arts Festival, taught at the Panama Jazz Festival, and led workshops in various schools. Elizabeth is currently conducting research on sociological issues impacting contemporary vocalists

Studio and Masterclass

Elizabeth Grace teaches voice and piano in a studio setting focusing on jazz, musical theatre, pop, soul and other contemporary genres. She connects with students from all backgrounds, specializing in high school and university ages. Her specialty is in vocal technique and Jazz improvisational methodology. Elizabeth has designed a variety of masterclasses to suit various skill levels and ages.

Technique, Health and Vocal Awareness

Suitable for ages 12 and older with any background and skill level.
Class sizes up to 35 students.
Paper Laryngeal Model making requires desk space and classroom
resources.
Includes anatomical breakdowns of the voice with interactive vocal
exercises.
A larger focus on vocal health and preservation is optional.

Scatting 101 – Vocal Improvisation Workshop

Suits students of all ages, backgrounds and skill level.
Open to any class size or setting.
Includes learning tunes, trading melodic ideas and offering scatting
techniques.
Jazz piano accompaniment included within the booking.

Styles and Craft: Jazz, Blues, Soul, Theatre and Pop

Suitable for ages 12 and older with any background and skill level.
Open to any class size or setting.
Includes a focus on music styles with individual, positive critique for
performing students.
A focus on stagecraft, audience connection, song interpretation and
delivery.
Particularly well suited to students preparing for assessment.
Piano accompaniment included within the booking.

Lesson fees (as of 2026)

Single lesson: $120 p/hr Cash, Check, Direct Deposit and Credit are accepted.

Logistics

Lessons are held at Liz’s music studio on the UES. Accessible via the Q train. More information will be disclosed upon lesson booking.

Cancellation Policy

A lesson may be rescheduled more than twenty-four hours before the scheduled time. Within twenty-four hours of the scheduled time, lessons will only be rescheduled for emergency reasons (a declared weather emergency or sudden illness). You will be charged for missed lessons and lessons cancelled for nonemergency reasons within twenty-four hours of the scheduled time.

Jill Scott

"Liz was the singing teacher at Concordia College whilst I was a classroom teacher there. I had many students of Liz in my classroom. I had to assess their performances and always found them to be thoroughly prepared with an excellent repertoire and confidence that I knew I could spot Liz' students above others. Liz also taught my daughter and she developed an excellent relationship both as a teacher and a mentor. Students sought her musical and personal opinions and thoughts and always felt cared for, nurtured and respected. Liz is an outstanding vocal teacher who approaches her teaching as she does everything in life with professionalism, compassion and flare. Liz works hard and is honest and thorough and treats every student as an individual always.She was sorely missed when she left Australia. A loss in so many ways to the City of Adelaide and Concordia College."

Cinzia C

"Liz Tobias was employed at St John's Grammar School, Adelaide, South Australia as a vocal tutor specialist for senior students completing their final year of secondary study in Music Performance. She was also employed as a guest moderator and conducted several outstanding masterclasses and workshops on vocal techniques, jazz improvisation, vocal health and tonal colour. Liz is a professional, hard working and passionate educator. Her biggest strength is her manner and friendliness towards her students. She invests her time in their education and is willing to go above and beyond for them, so they are able to achieve great success. She is highly knowledgeable in her subject field and eager to pass this onto her students. She is a talented and extremely gifted musician in her own right and strives for excellence at all times within her craft. Liz is constantly aiming to grow as a musician and is a mentor and leader to those around her. To compliment and add to her teaching, she thrives on helping others and is always invested in their well being. She approaches all things with a fun and positive nature, is always friendly and full of life. "

Morgan C

"When I started out with Liz I was only booked to be learning piano. I loved singing too but I was always too nervous to do it, Liz taught me to be confident with my music, to be expressive, how to read chords and improvise music to make it my own. I honestly cant say enough about her, she is the best music teacher I've ever had. She's so talented, friendly, inspiring, approachable, passionate and committed to her work and it shows through with her students and with her own work. Liz ended up starting up a singing group with myself and some close friends also taught by her and they are some of my favourite memories, I can't thank her enough for all the extra effort she time and time again put in with us. Plus she also has the voice of an angel, and piano skills enviable of some of the best jazz musicians in the world. There's not enough positive words in the English language to describe her."

Amy H

"Liz was really fun and she tried really hard to find songs that I liked and wanted to sing. I think because she took the time to know me I worked harder to get songs right. Singing is something I love doing and Liz has a great way of getting the best out of your voice and gives some science behind singing as well!"

Immie M

"I had the pleasure of Liz teaching me piano and singing for 2 years, and she has been a massive inspiration in my life!! I always looked forward to lessons - Liz introduced me to so much cool music and opened me up to the jazz genre which I have loved ever since! Liz taught me about jazz chords in piano and a lot of theoretical jazz, and singing technique in a very proficient and most impressive way!! She went above and beyond for us students, sourcing songs, CDs and sheet music for us to work on! Liz was always on time and very organised with our student schedules, proactive at making up any missed lessons, and always communicated with us!! Above all, lessons were fun, and Liz brought enthusiasm and passion to her teaching role unlike anyone else I have come across! I feel very privileged to have worked with and been mentored by such a talented, down to earth, genuine person. Liz is an amazing teacher and any student will be lucky to have her! 🙂 "

Jessica M

"Liz Tobias is a wonderful human being with a big voice and an even larger soul. Liz guided me through my first ventures into the land of contemporary singing and for that I am incredibly grateful. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and friendship with me and I wish you the best of luck with your continuing adventures in the US!!"

Oliver L

"Liz was my singing teacher in my first three years of high school, a time in which my voice was transitioning into a low bass register, something that isn't easy to navigate. She gave me confidence in my vocal ability, teaching me how best to utilise my range and natural ability. In my lessons, Liz perfectly balanced understandable technical tuition with a focus of performance and style, something that I have kept with me to this day. I always found it incredibly inspirational to work with someone with such a tremendous talent herself, and singing together with Liz was always a highlight!"

Martin C

"Liz was a dream to collaborate with. She and I have performed together numerous times at vocal workshops and entertainment functions and she is always the consummate professional. Her knowledge of jazz technique is outstanding and her ability to be flexible, not only with performance logistics but also with repertoire, is second-to-none. Liz is a highly experienced singing and piano teacher and I would recommend her to anyone."

Elana B

"Throughout three years of being a voice student of Liz Tobias, she was able to help me an immeasurably huge amount. Beginning as an inexperienced young singer who had never previously sung solo, Liz's enthusiastic manner and incredible wealth of knowledge gave me confidence to step outside my comfort zone and sing in front of various audiences, as well as learning rapidly about different musical styles including musical theatre, jazz and pop. While learning lots of vocal technique and the anatomical structure of the voice, it is safe to say that being a student of Liz Tobias was a pivotal part of my singing education amd experience as a singing student!"

Sophie M

"I spent 3 years studying voice with Liz and the difference she made was unbelievable! Her knowledge of both the way the vocal chords work as well as her extensive knowledge in Jazz and so many other genres meant that she could always help me with what I wanted and needed to sing. Liz was always so supportive and understood in a second whatever problems I was having and was amazing at explaining how to fix it so I was always improving. This added together with her beautiful character and enthusiasm made Liz to be and incredible teacher for me and I enjoyed every second!"

Madeleine D

"Liz was my singing teacher throughout high school, and I couldn't have asked for a more dedicated, talented, beautiful person to learn from over those 5 years. Every time she opened her mouth I was blown away by her ridiculous vocal ability, and she took me from being a mediocre, run-of-the-mill singer to someone actually worth listening to. However, more importantly, Liz was a friend. In our earlier lessons, I remember constantly apologising whenever I sung the wrong note or messed up words; but Liz would have none of this. She taught me to never say sorry when I was trying my best, and to be unapologetic for who I am, what I'm proud of and what I stand for. Liz taught me to be positive; that even if only 1 person in a room of 100 people likes your voice, you've made that 1 person happier, and that's what matters. She taught me courage; to stand up and do my best, because life is short. Because of Liz, I've grown to be the confident, positive, headstrong woman I am today, and I'll never be able to thank her enough for this. She had a priceless influence on some of the most important years of my life, and it's that guidance which sets her apart from any other teacher I've ever had. "

Wonmi J

"She really cares about students with her heart, and knows how to help her students improve and more motivated. She's a truly inspiring person whether in music or in life in general. Liz Tobias is definitely the one everyone could follow!"

Alexandra H

"Liz has been the best vocal teacher I have ever had. Without Liz my voice could have been seriously damaged. I wouldn't have gotten through my vocal exams without her. Liz is impossible to replace. "

Stefani M

"Liz was my vocal teacher for 5 years during high school. Liz assisted me with so many various vocal things, particularly vocal techniques, how to look after my voice and most importantly finding a style that suited my voice. Our vocal lessons went for an hour, once a week. Lessons with Liz were so enjoyable and definitely a highlight of my week. There was always something new to be taught. Liz was very punctual to all lessons. She always made sure not one minute of the lesson was wasted- the time was extremely well spent. I would say Liz went above and beyond for all of her students, she payed so much attention to detail, making sure that I was able achieve the best I could. There's not really much more that could have been done to improve the lessons. I loved having lessons with Liz and had she not moved overseas I definitely would have continued lessons with her!"

Mark S

"Working with someone as gifted as Liz is an opportunity that doesn't come around every day. To say that I am the performer i am today without the guidance of Liz, would be a lie. She helped me reach the goals i needed to achieve to make sure that music was and still is a part of my everyday professional life. I will always cherish the time I had with Liz when she taught me, and I would recommend her teachings to any performer who wishes to maintain a professional career"

Sam J

"Liz Tobias is one of the greatest musicians I have had the pleasure to work with, as well as call my friend. Her impeccable ear and talent is world class, and she teaches with such respect for her students. She truly wants her students to succeed more than anything and would bend over backwards for them. She's an incredible musician and human being. "

Madeleine H

"I would not be who I am right now without having Liz as a teacher. I think about what she has taught me still to this day. She bleeds passion, love and devotion through music and makes it contagious. She taught me not only the technicalities of vocal training but how to make my voice my own. This is one of the most important lessons any vocalist can learn. "