Current and FORMER Students

maria arroyo

​There is no other vocal coach out there like Zuke! On top of her infinite wisdom and knowledge of the human voice and her dedication to teaching singers about the importance of vocal health, she cares deeply for all her students and their unique talents, stories, and backgrounds.  She continues to help me realize my voice’s full potential in ways that I never thought I could experience. Her commitment to creating healthy vocal habits while embracing my individual sound is something I continue to appreciate about her. In just a handful of lessons, my vocal delivery had become stronger, both emotionally and physically, and the ability to move more freely between my registers became easier. Ever since I met her back in 2019, she has encouraged me to continue my growth as both a singer and songwriter and believed in me even when I didn't believe in myself. Without her support as a vocal coach and mentor, I can confidently say that the growth I've seen in myself as a performer would not have been possible. Zuke will always have a special place in my heart and I am truly honored to have her as a vocal coach!

dan john
the view from here

I cannot recommend working with Zuke enough! I have been singing in bands for over a decade now and had never had formal lessons. The reasons were partly because I thought online videos could do the trick and because I hadn’t met a teacher who I felt could help my unique vocal situation. I have a type of reflux called silent reflux that would get in the way of me singing to my full potential. Since I have been working with Zuke she’s helped me immensely with warmups and techniques to help condition my voice. I was nervous at first because it was a new experience, but I love the way she works and let’s me dive into the areas where I personally feel I need improvement rather than a formal course structure that touches on points I am already confident on. The flexibility of her booking is also super convenient and she never hesitates to answer any questions I have after the session as well to really help nail down points from the lessons. I couldn’t be happier with the coaching I’ve gotten from Zuke and look forward to more lessons!

​JAKE ​ANTHONY SALAZAR
RODERIK

Zuke is by far the best vocal coach I’ve ever had the opportunity to work with. I’ve been under the guidance of other coaches in the past where I felt like they were trying to mold my voice into what they thought I should sound like, but Zuke doesn’t do that. She makes sure to help me refine tactics to reduce any strain or friction in my throat, while bringing out a voice that is authentically mine. I don’t feel like she wants me to sound like anybody but myself. She works with a huge variety of genres, so you don’t have to worry about feeling like she might not be the right fit for you. I highly recommend her and look forward to working together for a very long time!

Elle Taranis

Zuke is extremely knowledgeable and has helped me grow so much as an artist and vocalist. I’ve learned different vocal techniques from her that have literally changed my career for the better! With Zuke’s help, I’ve finally been able to ‘crack the code’ on different ways I’ve wanted to sing but could never figure out how to do so on my own. She helped me learn how to apply my classical singing background to becoming the rock singer I wanted to be and now am. Her lessons also provide a comfortable environment so you explore who you want to be as a vocalist and how to do it without hurting your voice. If you have the chance to take lessons with her- do it!

Maxwell Getz

dead motel
Taking lessons with Zuke has honestly changed my life. Not only has she helped me learned the fundamentals of singing and accessing my voice, but she’s given me the confidence to actually sing and be vulnerable. We go through my lyrics and tap into the emotion of my songs; something I never expected when I first contacted her about lessons. She reminds me that I’m an artist and that my art matters. That in itself is invaluable. 

MICHAEL SCARABINO
QU!ET

I've been a recording artist for years playing many instruments, but I never studied the voice until I was 21, and that really back fired on me when it came time to sing live and in the studio. A friend of mine introduced me to Zuke, and she changed everything for me! With consistent lessons and practicing, I learned so much about the voice, and I was able to gain control of my own. Due to so much failure with singing in my past, becoming a great singer was something I never thought I could accomplish. Zuke erased all of my negativity, and now I have a voice that I'm proud of, and its become a focal point for my success as a musician. Most importantly, her charisma and positive attitude made me a more confident and grounded individual. I wouldn't be where I am today without Zuke Smith!

Bree Iafelice

Throughout my many years of singing and performing I have never found such a supportive, educational and caring vocal coach as Zuke. Without her knowledge and guidance I wouldn’t be the confident singer I am today. My passion for singing and performing has only grown since I’ve met her, and I am so grateful to have had her as a teacher for so many years. Zuke has taught me how to safely use my voice while singing and in my every day life as a performer, because my voice “is apart of who I am”. I will always remember her fondly as the best vocal teacher I’ve ever had! If you’re looking for an experienced and technique driven vocal coach, look no further.

Alyson Greenfield

Working with Zuke is an empowering, joyful experience! After working with Zuke, I very quickly could tell a difference in the flexibility and elasticity of my vocal range, and the overall quality of my voice! Zuke tunes into your needs as a student and brings the right elements from her extensive experience to help you wherever you are at. Being in Zuke's presence is a true joy in itself, and you will walk away from lessons not only feeling stronger and more connected to yourself and your vocal instrument, but also lighter from the joy, laughter, attention, and presence Zuke provides!

EMMA BROOKE

Zuke Smith - no paragraph will fully capture how consequential this woman is in my musical and personal journey. I started taking voice lessons with her when I was 14 years old. I remember gripping the armrests of my chair as I sang to her for the first time. My stage fright was horrible but I could not deny my deep call to sing. Up until I moved to Nashville at 19, Zuke invested so much time, care, direction, and confidence into me. She encouraged me to start teaching voice lessons myself, my budding songwriting, and networking skills. I’ve now been a professional songwriter here in Nashville for the past few years of my life. Without a doubt, I wouldn’t be where I am without Zuke. I will carry things I’ve learned from her for the rest of my life.
Both of my daughters have taken lessons with Zuke over the years. Zuke is more than a ridiculously talented and experienced voice coach. She is a never ending cheerleader, supportive and kind, knowing intuitively just exactly how to pull out of your children, their strengths, and their unique gifts. She creates an environment where kids feel valued, and safe to explore their musical creativity. I have also gone to Zuke for lessons, and as an adult, I feel she does the same! Her expertise, and in my opinion, intuitive gifts as a coach, combine to make every experience with her enlightening, educational, and filled with “ah-ha” moments as related to the magic of the voice!
Dina Scalero-Grizzuti, Mom of Mia & Sophie

​SOPHIA METCALF

I started singing with Deb when I was 12 years old, and now, almost 15 years later, I remain an ardent fan. Zuke doesn’t just teach you how to sing — she teaches you how to love music. That’s the greatest gift you can give someone, no matter their age. I still remember her referring to your voice as a color palette, and encouraging her students to sing with all the colors available to them. In my own work as a voice and speech teacher now, this is something I still encourage my students to find. Be a chameleon, and sing with Zuke! 

TOM CAMP

Working with Zuke was honestly life changing. Not only did she help improve my voice ten fold, but she helped me overcome struggles in my voice that I was dealing with for years... in just a few short lessons.
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On top of that, she really worked to help me find the authenticity in my artistry. This revelation has helped me so much in music and in my life. Finding your voice isn't about emulating your influences! It's about becoming YOU. 

BRIANNE NEALON

I am so grateful for Zuke! I was introduced to Zuke recently & I must say it genuinely feels like I have known her for all of my singing life! I put off vocal lessons for years but after the first lesson with Zuke I noticed my voice no longer felt tired or strained after my weekly band rehearsals! In each session I learn something new about my voice and add it to my ‘vocal toolbox’. Zuke brings her positive energy and expertise to each session, she is one of a kind! I look forward to continuing to learn from her for years to come! 
Zuke is more than a Vocal Coach.She is an extraordinary teacher who sees the light in her students
and uniquely empowers them to embrace this light. From there, they shine on stage and in their own lives.
​-Anne Scala, mom of Jennie & Katie

nadje NOORDHUIS

If you are looking for some virtual hand holding and consistent encouragement as you are learning how to use your vocal instrument, look no further than the amazing Zuke! I took around 30 lessons with her during the pandemic, and she single-handedly gave me the confidence to go forward with my recording project. I wasn’t able to sing in front of anyone before my lessons with her. Zuke opened up my voice and made me sound better than I had ever heard myself. I’m forever grateful for her kindness and expertise. And I’ll be back soon for more lessons!

Dani Zanoni

I started taking lessons with Zuke close to 8 years ago and she has been such an amazing mentor and musical mother to me. She cares so much for her students, and her lessons go way beyond just the voice. Zuke helped me out of my shell and helped me embrace who I am and the emotions I feel. I struggled for a little while finding my “authentic sound”, and I honestly don’t think I would have ever found it if it wasn’t for Zuke and her constant encouragement. Not only did she help me find my sound, but she also helped me to become a better songwriter. She gave me the courage to write whatever I was feeling and not be afraid to share it with the world.  I’m sure all Zuke’s students past and present, will agree with me when I say how thankful we are for her loving, nurturing, empowering, all around wonderful self.

JENNIFER STELLA

Zuke is not only a wonderful teacher but an amazing person. When you take lessons with her you find out very quickly she is so much more than a vocal coach. With her guidance and knowledge, she not only helps you grow as an artist/singer/songwriter but as a person who understands yourself and your art so much better. She makes you dig deep down to become the best version of yourself. There have been many times I go into a lesson with her not really knowing what I wanted to get out of it but I always leave the lesson getting exactly what I needed. I am truly grateful to her for all she has done and continues to do for me in my music journey.
Deborah Zuke Smith is a professional, kind and talented educator.
She helped prepare my daughter for some incredible audition opportunities.
My daughter was well prepared and went into those auditions with confidence and knowledge to conquer!
Our family cannot say enough wonderful things about this incredible teacher/person!
​-Bo Sommer, mom of Julia

LEXI O'FLAHERTY

Zuke is a one of a kind vocal coach, and mentor who cares so much about each and every one of her students. She has amazing education and experience and a work ethic to match. My daughter has learned so much from her from technical aspects, to stage presence to confidence. Zuke knows her stuff and teaches with enthusiasm, care, and fun all while fostering students’ individual strengths. I am so grateful that we found Zuke and that she has been such a big part of my daughter’s musical journey! -Nancy O'Flaherty, mom of Lexi

jack reilly

My son, Jack, started taking voice lessons with Zuke when he was 7 years old. At the time, Jack was a shy kid that needed some confidence. I didn’t know if he could carry a tune, but he was always singing to himself around the house. Zuke was amazing with him. After the first consultation, Jack was hooked. What started as a confidence builder quickly turned into a love for singing and performing. Zuke quickly became Jack’s second Mom. She was able to help Jack keep his musical range intact through the dreaded voice changes of middle school. Jack is now 17 years old. Once shy and timid, he is now thriving as a junior in High School. I will forever be grateful to Zuke for helping Jack find his voice, and for helping him create such an immense interest in music. 
​-Joanna Reilly, mom of Jack

Dan Toth

Zuke Smith is more than a vocal coach—she is an artist mentor who understands the business of music, the anatomy of the voice, the art of live performance, the creative process of making music and so much more. Zuke embraces a judgement-free, wholistic and honest approach to mentoring students, focusing not only on the physical elements of mastering their true voice, but helping students prepare on an emotional level as well for the rollercoaster ride that is the music industry. I have known and worked with Zuke for more than 14 years at this point and she continues to be a major support system and resource for me as I move through my professional career as a singer, musician, performer and audio producer. I recommend her at the highest level and I cannot express my gratitude enough for how she has helped prepare me for all the things I do today in my career.

- Dan Toth, Owner of Audio Riot Music LLC, singer/songwriter/performer /audio producer

ERIK PARIAN

     I am the worst student.  And even still, Zuke has been able to ingrain the most influential and guiding vocal principles in me.  Unlike many other coaches, Zuke is first and foremost your ally and friend.  This is so important, as exposing your voice (and all of its oddities) to someone in a 1-on-1 context is so difficult for many of us.  Such vulnerability.  Zuke makes it like you're just hangin with a buddy--who happens to know more about vocal pedagogy than you could ever imagine! Haha.
Also, Zuke is constantly in pursuit of more progressive ways to teach and improve vocal fundamentals....can not understate this!
​     In short--there are intangibles that eclipse reputation, who someone's worked with, price, etc.
​     Zuke has these.  Trust me.

TIM CANALI

     Zuke is the reason I sing, and probably the reason I dance too. She has a wholistic approach to her mentorship, crafting an environment that invites every face and facet of her students into the studio. I remember my first lesson with Deb I was terrified. Singing was so precious to me - such a raw, intimate piece of my identity- and some stranger was going to tell me how to do it? How NOT to do it? How I’ve been doing it wrong all along, and how I must do it her way from now on. What if singing didn’t feel as special when done her way?
     Of course that didn’t happen. Within minutes my highly skeptical 13 year old self felt safe, supported, and excited to explore the artistry that (unbeknownst to me) I already had - plus I had a new friend to share the journey with. And on this journey, singing has never been more fun.
​     Zuke is a champion, a cheerleader, a confidant, and a splash of cold water to the face when you need one. The way she approaches teaching is the way she approaches life: with an open heart, fervent curiosity, and plenty of laughter. Everyone should have a Zuke in their life. The singer, artist, and person I am is largely thanks to Zuke, and I am eternally grateful for that.

Sky Flaherty

1st National Broadway Tour of Mean Girls

Matt ​Roy