Teaching Philosophy

BE. YOUR. own. Light.

Ever since I was little, my grandma would remind me that my last name is Ilaw, and since “ilaw” means “light”, no matter how dark life may seem at times, there is always light: because I am that light.

You yourself may not be an “Ilaw” (or maybe you are? If so, hey fam!) but I am a firm believer that deep within each one of us there glows even the faintest of luminescence. You may not know it’s there, but it is. Since establishing my studio in 2009, I’ve helped my students and clients allow their light to shine through their Art.

I understand that many come to me in search of vocal technique. In lessons, I blend methods of bel canto classical voice training, speech level singing, vocal therapy/recovery, Linklater, Feldenkrais, and yoga. Still, I believe singing is about so much more than technique. As we collaborate, I hope to explore the root of why we sing, what inspires us to sing, what characters we are bringing to life, and what stories we are trying to tell through song. Notes when sung are merely empty vibrations in the air if we do not have a deeper understanding of the text, acting, performance, and story: the vibrant soul of our songs. Through my experiences as a Broadway leading actor (auditions, nerves, callbacks, anxiety, confidence, successes, failures, opening nights, closing nights, long runs, etc.) and having worked as a teacher with performers from a range of backgrounds and ages, I have picked up a lot of good shit along the way on my own artistic journey. My hope is that whether you are preparing to start your 5th Broadway show, prep for college auditions, or perform in your high school musical, you walk away from our work together with your very own arsenal of tools and tricks, ready.

Together, we’ll explore your voice and work outside-the-box in the hopes of discovering what sparks your inner light and helps you feel the most confident and present with your own unique talent. When you’re amplifying your own inner light and truth, your Artistry and your Voice will be free to soar.

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TESTIMONIALS

CREATIVES

CLIENTS

STUDENTS & COLLEGE

CREATIVE TESTIMONIALS

Creative Testimonials

Katy Pfaffl

“Devin Ilaw is a UNICORN: a beautiful, magical creature that brings joy to everyone who has the pleasure of meeting him. He approaches everything in his life with mindfulness, appreciation, dedication, passion, and grace and infuses that into his work on stage, his voice lessons, and his relationships. Devin is a complete artist. He has the technique, knowledge, talent of the highest caliber, combined with the imagination, playfulness, and resilience necessary to continuously grow and evolve. His ethics inspire his students and fellow performers to work harder and challenge themselves to reach farther into the unknown parts of themselves to become better performers and also better humans. Devin Ilaw is the gift that keeps on giving - a gift I am endlessly grateful for.”

– Katy Pfaffl, Co-Founder & Artistic Director of Broadway’s Babies, performer in Broadway’s Warhorse

Matthew Scott

“Devin has saved me so many times! His insight as a performer, music director, and vocal coach make him the ONLY person I turn to when I need a coaching. Though we have been friends since college, Devin is all business in the studio - professional, punctual, and prepared. I cannot say enough amazing things about Devin Ilaw Vocal Studio.”

– Matthew Scott, Creative Education Director of Broadway Dreams, performer in Broadway’s Jersey Boys, An American in Paris, Sondheim on Sondheim, A Catered Affair

Jamie Maletz

“I have worked with Devin multiple times as a performer. He is the absolute best kind of human to collaborate with, and you always want to have him in the room, because he's the kind of smart, caring, fun person that makes everything he's a part of a joy to work on. Not to mention, he's ridiculously talented and he really knows his stuff. I feel very lucky every time we get to work together.”

– Jamie Maletz, composer & lyricist

Nic Cory

“Devin is a phenomenal instructor: kind, knowledgeable, articulate and detail-oriented. Not to mention one of the funniest people you will ever meet. With his unparalleled experience, he brings out the best in every student. There isn’t a better coach around!”

– Nic Cory, Assistant Director of Broadway’s The Lightning Thief

Joel B. New

“Devin is easily one of the most flexible and generous artists I know. He always shows up with an open heart, fully present, ready to do the thing. His skills as a true musician make him an invaluable asset to the development of new musical theatre works. I'm grateful to call him a colleague, a collaborator, and a friend.”

– Joel B. New, composer & lyricist

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

Client Testimonials

Kara Lindsay

“I have been learning from Devin since we were both Freshman at Carnegie Mellon University. He spent his free time accompanying our classmates, teaching us new songs, coaching us and sharing his brilliant insight as the stunning musician that he is. I had vocal cord surgery several years ago. The person I called when attempting to sing for the very first time post surgery was Devin. He created a safe space for me to make mistakes, learn and to find my new voice. Forever grateful for him!”

– Kara Lindsay, Newsies, Wicked, Beautiful

Manuel Herrera

“I’ve done five Broadway shows, four of those being original casts, and I never in my entire career have ever met a vocal coach that actually understood how to talk to me, and by me, I mean a dancer. It’s very rare to find a vocal coach who has the ability to speak to dancers and understand how a dancer breathes. You also gave me the confidence to be able to believe I was capable of going in for roles. I never really thought I could aspire to that and you gave me that confidence. I truly appreciate all that you have done!”

– Manuel Herrera, Wicked, Legally Blonde, West Side Story, Sweet Charity, The Music Man

Amy Keum

“When I first came to Devin, I felt so stuck in my vocal progress. I’d been studying voice for years, but I just didn’t know how to get closer to that polished “broadway pop” sound that I’d always aspired to have. Since working together, we have made so many breakthroughs (let me tell you, he packs a lot into that one hour session!) and being an Asian American singer, I’m so thankful to have a teacher who just GETS it. Devin is razor sharp in his observations, creative in his approach, and simply good at what he does. If you’re a singer looking to get your voice to the next level, I’d highly recommend booking a lesson with Devin. I know he has already made all the difference in my singing!”

– Amy Keum

Diane Phelan

“Devin is the rare coach and teacher who is as knowledgeable as he is inspiring. He is incredibly gifted at assessing what your needs are in the work and getting you to the next level. Being in a room with him raises your vibes so you are able to do more than you imagined. I can’t say enough about working with Devin!”

– Diane Phelan, School of Rock, The King & I

STUDENT/COLLEGE TESTIMONIALS

Students & College

Major Curda

“Devin is always honest and will hold you accountable for being your best, he’s one of those rare teachers who can level with you when you need it. After over a decade of studying with Devin and many other voice teachers, taking a lesson with Devin is still a special treat; his confidence in you is infectious and he’ll be the first to let you know when you’re getting in your own way. Without Devin’s mentorship I would not have the trust in my own voice needed to grow.”

– Major Curda, “Riverdale”, currently attending CMU

Jenny Mollet

“Devin is my go-to Vocal Coach! I still go to him to this day even being a college graduate. He is truly incredible at what he does and also one of the sweetest people on the planet. Preparing for college auditions is obviously a stressful time, but working with Devin made my life a WHOLE LOT easier. He works with you on everything from technique, how your music should look, sorting out repertoire, coaching/interpretation, to even what outfit you should wear (he has great fashion taste by the way). With Devin, you not only learn so much but have such an amazing time that you often forget that you’re in a coaching session. I’m very grateful And honored to know him and I think Everyone needs to have a Devin in their life.”

– Jenny Mollet, recent graduate of CCM

Kylie Liya

“Devin Ilaw is not only an outstanding performer and vocalists, but he is also one of the most knowledgeable and gifted vocal coaches I have ever worked. I started working with Devin 8 years ago when I was 14 years old and in that time he brought my voice to the next level. His guidance & coaching helped in my being cast in several productions and I credit him completely with helping me to get into many of my top choices when I was auditioning for college musical theater programs. I just graduated from CCM (College Conservatory of Music) at the University of Cincinnati and because of him I've grown more confident and trained in my ability. He helped to cement a foundation of technique so that the work can focus on finding the right songs that speak to me. He has an innate gift in communicating vocal ideas and possibilities because of his own remarkable foundation as a performer and vocalist. I always feel honored working with someone who can help me reach new heights & access a higher potential in myself as an artist.”

– Kylie Liya, recent graduate of CCM

Zach Landes

“Devin provides a level of practical, relevant coaching that can’t be matched. When I began studying with Devin, he took the time to understand my voice and made a tangible plan for my growth, creating a foundation to build upon for the future. He knew exactly how and what I should be singing, and this allowed me to remain confident and stress-free during my college audition process. Throughout school I continued to use Devin’s techniques and I continue to work with him post-graduation, as he can pinpoint specific issues I’m having and help me navigate different types of material like no one else.”

– Zach Landes, recent graduate of Baldwin-Wallace University

Devynn Pedell

“Devin has been my guiding light since I was 12 years old (so we're going on 11 years now). He not only coached me for my college auditions, but he has also been there for me through ups, downs, lefts, rights, last-minute auditions with challenging material, long-term projects with months of preparation, triumphs, and disappointments. Not to mention his incredible ability to find and choose material that is unique, unexpected, and catered specifically to your strengths as a vocalist and as an actor. He has made me a better artist through and through, and I am incredibly grateful to have him in my life.”

– Devynn Pedell, recent graduate of Ithaca College

Avery Rose Pedell

"I have been lucky to work with Devin for almost ten years now. When I was applying to colleges, Devin not only helped me with my actual audition prep, but he was also there as a support system every step of the way through every rejection, every anxiety, and every small victory. I am so grateful to call Devin a mentor and a friend."

– Avery Rose Pedell, Wesleyan University Class of 2021

Noah Dunton

“I’ve had the pleasure of studying with Devin for the better part of the last decade. He is a brilliant and patient teacher who cares deeply about his students and caters to their individual needs . Between his understanding of technique and attention to detail, he helped me grow tremendously. I was lucky enough to have him guide me through the college audition process, during which he built up my confidence and carefully curated my audition materials. His guidance was invaluable during my time in NYU’s musical theater program and post-grad, and I continue to carry what I've learned with him into audition rooms today.”

– Noah Dunton, recent graduate of NYU Tisch New Studio on Broadway

Theo Silverman

“Working with Devin is amazing on so many levels. We collaborate on song choice and storytelling, technique, performance and audition prep. My favorite lessons are when Devin and I “riff” - he is an epic teacher, mentor and inspiration.”

– Theo Silverman, School of Rock

Noah Baird

“Devin is more than just a voice teacher. Devin is a mentor, a friend and a support system in the crazy business of performing arts. I started learning from Devin while living in California by using Facetime and Skype. When I moved to New York City, I was lucky enough to see him in person once a week. He always encourages me to learn new repertoire and try singing songs that are not in my comfort zone yet he makes sure they are songs fit for my voice and type. Devin taught me how to sing properly and keep a healthy voice while performing on Broadway as a ten year old kid. He also helped me learn how to warm my voice up and practice at home and he prepared me for so many auditions and callbacks. Devin always makes time to coach me when I have songs to learn last minute and he is incredibly encouraging. He makes me feel positive and totally prepared to walk in to the room. Now that we are not singing in person I feel just as excited to have my "Devin lessons" because his personality is super engaging and he always makes me laugh. Devin keeps me working and focused whether it's in his studio or across the internet.”

– Noah Baird, Matilda

May Chan

“Devin is the kind of extraordinary voice teacher you want everyone to know about but don't really want to share. In working with my daughter for the last six years, he has both been incredibly patient in nurturing her confidence while also challenging her to always do better. What amazes me is that he just gets her personality (which is quiet and private) and somehow works with it to make her stand out, whether in choice of music or in how she uses her voice. He has been instrumental in her being cast in two national Broadway tours. Every person that I've ever referred to Devin (and I have been very selective because I hesitate to share) has immediately been grateful and wished they had known about him sooner.”

– May Chan, mother of Sydney Chan, The King & I