Balme Music Studio

Cynthia Springsteen-Balme and John Balme are gifted at what they do. They are highly experienced, professional, outstanding teachers and performers, totally approachable, well loved by their students and associates, and down to earth. I have been studying classical voice with Cynthia since 2016, and have been a member of their adult Chorale, the Brookdale Concordia Chorale, since that time.

Cynthia is outstanding as a vocal teacher in ways that are hard to describe. She patiently and methodically guides the student to learn how to sing with their authentic voice, in the classical manner, with everything that entails. I had no skill when I started, other than a burning desire to sing and to find out what was possible. I have discovered, under Cynthia’s tutelage, that quite a lot is possible! After three and a half years my lessons and learning are still exciting, motivating and fulfilling. I had no idea whatsoever what a trained voice was, but I certainly am learning. Cynthia is an enthusiastic, insightful and motivating teacher, who inspires me to learn. She is always on the cutting edge of vocal technique and vocal teaching techniques, leaving no stone unturned to discover ways to help each individual student to learn in their own way.

John and Cynthia direct the Brookdale Concordia Chorale. Their renown in the professional music world attracts invitations for us to perform all over the world as well as locally. It is a highlight of my week to be with and sing with the members of the Chorale under John and Cynthia’s dynamic direction. Since 2016 we have sung at Carnegie Hall twice, going back again in 2020, with the Garden State Philharmonic Orchestra, with other local Chorales, as the choir in residence for a week at Exeter Cathedral in Exeter, England, opening twice for the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall, a tour in China, and numerous other exciting local concerts. We will be touring Spain and Portugal in 2021. What a thrill to be along for the ride with the Balmes!

I can say, without reservation, that the Balmes are the best music teachers bar none. You will not be disappointed!

My daughter has been singing with the Balme’s Concordia Youth/Junior Chrorale since 2008 and has been taking private lessons with the Balme Music Studio for the past few years. It has been an Ivy League experience right here in Middletown. Their expertise, knowledge and professionalism, their high expectations and what they accomplish with their students is truly noteworthy. The experiences they offer their students both globally and locally, from performances in Europe and Carnegie Hall, to retirement homes and cancer research fundraisers, speak to the rewards and obligations in sharing their talents.
As my daughter is now applying to college music programs, their guidance, support, and preparation for this challenging process has diffused anxiety for all. She is now auditioning feeling very competent, prepared and supported.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Balme Music Studio.

I have seen my daughter’s skill, knowledge, confidence and pure love of music blossom under the Balmes’ tutelage. The extensive experience the Balmes have as both performers and teachers is reflected in the ease with which they adapt their tutoring to the unique abilities and interests of the student. They have cultivated a vast network across the musical scene in NJ and our neighboring states which they leverage to expose the students to a variety of opportunities to perform and compete as well as help their students navigate a academic/musical path that is suited to their abilities and goals.

And they are just good people! I recommend them highly.

Mr. and Mrs. Balme have been the most influential instructors in my life. I have been a student of theirs for 9 years and do not have a single complaint. They teach a variety of ages and styles, and they are able to create a personal relationship with each of their students. They have taught me to read music, sing properly, play multiple musical instruments properly, and are constantly offering advice for life in the music industry, collages to apply to, career paths to take, safe ways to preserve and heal my voice and presenting me with every musical opportunity they can find in my best interest. They always go the extra mile to ensure that their students have the best opportunities and education and do not pressure students to do something they are uncomfortable with as most other instructors do. Being a student of theirs has changed my life for the better and I will continue to rely on them for the rest of my music career. I can not express how highly I would recommend Balme Music Studio to any aspiring musicians, or anyone who wishes to further explore their musical abilities.

Amazing experience! A musical gem.

Going to lessons with Cynthia and John is the highlight of my week. Cynthia is an absolute joy to work with and took my singing from nothing all the way up to a level I never thought possible. After 15 years of playing guitar, John explored Spanish guitar with me and helped me prepare for playing classical pieces in my friend's wedding ceremony.

The mastery and range these two exhibit is astounding, and I have so much to learn. This place is a rare find, and I am so lucky to have found these wonderful people.