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“To Anyone Seeking an Outstanding Voice Teacher:

We--Michael, Avery, and Nadia Cole as 'The Voices of Glory' (Top 5 Finalists on America's Got Talent)--have been working with Roger and Karen Bergford for about 2 years.  Over the course of that time under their direction, our voices have grown incredibly, and the techniques they have shown us have boosted our confidence both as vocalists and as entertainers. Their teaching has truly put us on track to reach our full vocal potential.

The Bergfords have been with us every step of the way, helping us develop correct breathing technique, vowel formation, and word placement as well as clear diction.  They have also helped us learn how to convey a song’s 'message' more effectively.  Additionally, they are training us to sing classical literature in multiple languages to help us solidify our vocal technique.   We’re also working on pop and jazz standards as well as songs in other genres that we bring them from our theater performances. We have recommended them to many of our friends who would like to pursue singing and plan to recommend them to many more.”

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“The Voices of Glory”​
​Top 5 Finalists on "America's Got Talent" (2009)
Starring in the “AYO” Show at the Hughes Brothers Theatre (2013 - Present)
Branson, MO

​​​​​​“I have studied voice with teachers at Juilliard School and others in New York City.  By comparison, however, I found the Bergfords to be the most helpful.  Roger and Karen are unique voice teachers, and their partnership method brings out the very best in their students.  They are outstanding with young people as well as with older folks.  They have given my voice renewed strength, depth, and color.”

Jean Stevenson

(Professional Name: Jean Vail)
Formerly of New York City
(Sang leading roles in nearly a dozen major French and Italian operas in New York City)

​​​​​​​​“Your services as vocal appraisers for our singers were extremely valuable and useful.  Your evaluations were insightful, and I’m certain they were helpful to those performers who demonstrated ‘bad habits’ or who may have been at risk for future vocal issues.  I especially appreciated your diligence in compiling thorough critiques of each individual’s vocal production and your timely follow-up reviews.”

Brad Schroeder

Vice President, Entertainment & Events
Silver Dollar City Attractions
Branson, MO

Former singer with Fred Waring’s Pennsylvanians and The New Christy Minstrels

• Brad hired us as vocal consultants in Silver Dollar City’s Preventive Injury Program.  In this capacity, we were charged with evaluating and making recommendations to ensure the vocal health of its 50 singers on a monthly basis.
  

“I met Roger and Karen Bergford while singing in a “Motown Downtown” tribute show at the Hot Hits Theatre in Branson.  I started taking voice lessons from them in order to work on a few of the songs I was singing in the show.  The Bergfords really helped me with my breathing and support and with diction as well.  They’ve also helped me with details that have made a big difference in my performance, and the other singers I work with have even mentioned that I was “really sounding good and getting stronger vocally.”  In fact, I found that my most difficult song in the show became much easier to sing.

I’m looking forward to continuing to work with the Bergfords, and recommend them to any singer wanting to improve their singing.”

Frederick Berry

Hot Hits Theatre
Branson, MO

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​​“I am blessed to be able to recommend Roger and Karen Bergford as vocal coaches extraordinaire.  Their unique and innovative approach to developing the human voice is inspiring.

Their methodology in teaching proper breathing and breath control, correct vowel placement, phrasing, and interpretation of lyrics is exclusive.

My only regret is that I didn’t find them years ago.  My joy is that I believe you are never too old to comprehend, acquire, and integrate these specific skills into your own interpretation and performance.  They teach you how to accomplish all of that.”

Karen DeMille Tobin
Gospel Music Ministry
Branson, MO

​​“I began taking lessons with Roger and Karen at The Sound and Language Voice Studio in Branson over a year ago and have grown immensely as a vocalist since then. They create a comfortable and friendly atmosphere that allows students to step out of their comfort zones and grow their vocal ability while still challenging them to take their skills to the next level. 

​My vocal range has increased greatly, the overall richness and quality of my voice has improved under the Bergfords' guidance, and I look forward to learning more from them. If you are looking to grow and be a well-rounded vocalist, I highly recommend taking lessons at The Sound and Language Voice Studio. It is an investment in your vocal gifting that you will not regret.”

Alicia McDermott Yanik
Christian Singer/Songwriter
Republic/Springfield, MO

​“I have been taking lessons at The Sound and Language Voice Studio with Roger and Karen Bergford for over a year now, and I can’t believe the positive transformation that has taken place during that time.  The Bergfords’ method has been highly effective in producing results for me.   One concept I’ve learned that has been particularly helpful is that the “sound” of singing should be much more predominant than the “language” or diction.  

Roger and Karen are dedicated to finding the techniques that work best for each individual student, recognizing that everyone learns differently.   As a first-time vocal student, I have found their use of repetition to be very helpful.   They also present a comfortable, fun environment that encourages a student to step out and try new techniques.   For example, while always believing myself to be an alto, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I also have notes that extend up into the soprano range.  My confidence in singing in that increased range is also growing.

I am a firm believer that we should take care of and invest in our talents, and I fully trust Roger and Karen Bergford to help me achieve this level of stewardship.  Therefore, I highly recommend The Sound and Language Voice Studio to every singer desiring to develop and grow in their singing abilities.”

Whitney McDermott
Singer/Songwriter
Branson, MO

​Re: John Anthony Vineyard  (He is currently on a 2-year mission trip for his church)
Ava, MO

• John Anthony came to our studio when he was 12½ and had sung the role of Amahl in Menotti’s Amahl and the Night Visitors with the Springfield Symphony (at Juanita K. Hammons Hall) in 2007, to be followed by 2 return performances in 2008 and 2009.
  
• John Anthony’s high school music teacher reported that as he (at age 16 and still singing in his unchanged boy soprano voice and with such “a beautiful tone!”) left the room after singing at the State vocal solo contest (2013), the judge remarked to her, “I’ve never heard anything like that before in my life!”
  
• When his tenor voice emerged 8 months later (at age 17), it came “online” with amazing smoothness and the same richness and shimmering beauty that had made his soprano voice so distinctive.
• One of the voice faculty participants at the prestigious Missouri Fine Arts Academy (2013) told John Anthony that he could help him connect with contacts in Europe any time he wanted to pursue a singing career at that level. 
  

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“For the last 5 years—and at great sacrifice to our family—we chose to travel over 3 hours to and from lessons each week with the Bergfords, because we felt they were far superior to instructors who were closer to us.  We realize that wherever they go, they will be in demand as teachers.”​

Carolyn Vineyard

John Anthony’s Mother

​“I brought Faith to Karen and Roger after Faith’s voice teacher graduated from college and moved away (when Faith was 8).  Faith really couldn’t sing very high, but the Bergfords immediately started vocalizing her up way above the notes she’d been singing.

Their explanations were so easy to understand that even I understood what they were wanting from Faith and what they were asking her to do to make it happen!  And when Faith made the adjustment they asked her for, the difference was incredible!  I never cease to be amazed by what they are doing for her.

When Faith went to the 2011 Fair Grove Music Festival (vocal solo contest) in 5th grade, the judge wrote that Faith had an “amazing voice” and that she felt she could “just go home” now that Faith had sung (as the very first singer at 8:30 a.m.).

At age 10, Faith was asked to sing (5 songs) for a master class in voice at the Welk Theatre in Branson. When she was 11, she participated in Missouri Music Educators Association’s Honor Choir. In 8th grade, Faith sang the lead role in her Junior High musical, Zombeo & Juliet. 

The Bergfords have taught her operatic arias (in Italian), German art songs, sacred songs (which she’s sung at different churches), solo songs from oratorios, songs from musicals, and pop songs.  While making lessons challenging, however, they’re always fun.”

Kara Webb

Faith's Mother
Branson, MO

“I met the Bergfords when I transferred to Erie Junior Senior High School (Metro Denver area) in the 7th grade.  I began studying voice more seriously with Roger in the 8th grade at age 12.  During high school, I was the only person from our small school to be accepted into the Colorado All-State Honors Choir and by age 16, in my 4th year of vocal training, I won the Longmont, Colorado (Metro Denver area) Young Artist Competition (1981).  As first place winner, I was invited to sing "O mio babbino caro" from the opera Gianni Schicchi by Puccini and "Donde lieta" from the opera La Bohème by Puccini with the Longmont Symphony.  That same year, I attended the Colorado State University Summer Music Camp and was recognized as “Overall Most Promising Student.”

I attribute all this early success to Roger.  He exposed me to many styles of music, including jazz, opera, and art song.  He also worked continuously to refine my vocal production and technique, which helped me tremendously throughout the course of completing an Honors degree in voice at the University of Denver.  Roger is a gifted pianist and accompanist, skills that are invaluable during lessons.  He also made me aware of the wider community events and opportunities which are so important for the training of a well-rounded singer.  Karen assisted with my music education also, choosing appropriate repertoire for my particular voice type (lyric soprano).

Perhaps most importantly, Roger and Karen instilled in me a lifelong love of music, so that now, as a family physician, I continue to enjoy singing in a community chorale and local musical theater productions and have been able to help my own children become fine musicians.

In my small high school, they gave me a glimpse of a larger and most beautiful world of music, and I can’t thank them enough.”

Louise A. Simons, M.D.

Wenatchee, WA 98801

​“My new professor is now back from vacation, and I just wanted to let you know how pleased she was with my progress since I sang for her earlier this summer, as I began preparing for my senior recital.  I went into today’s lesson with more confidence than I have ever had, and at the end of a number of vocal exercises, she said she didn’t notice any of my former problems.  I am so indebted to both of you, as I know I couldn’t have achieved this without your help.

I also really appreciate your allowing me to read your copyrighted vocal methodology document.  It is brilliantly written and has the same clarity as your teaching.  It really helped cement the concepts of your singing method.”

​Sabrina Elliott
(Formerly of Springfield, MO)

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“Although I grew up in a musical home, I was a beginning singer and musician with only church and community chorus experience when I began working with Karen and Roger Bergford in my late sixties. I have found their method to be non-threatening and easy to understand - very “user friendly.” They explain very clearly what I’m not doing quite right and what I need to do differently to “fix it.”  As a result, I’m beginning to be able to change what I’m doing vocally when asked, and I can really hear the difference.

The Bergfords have been very specific about how to move from a lower note to a much higher note without squeezing my throat.  I’ve also learned what to do when I move from a relatively high note to a much lower one, something I always struggled with before beginning study with them. 

They also always explain the musical symbols and terminology written in the music as well as the musical styles of the pieces I’m working on. Additionally, they explain what I need to do “technically” to better express a particular song’s “message.” I’ve also learned how to breathe correctly and how my posture affects my sound. I particularly appreciate their help with foreign language pronunciations and their explanations about rhythms.

Finally, I really love the music they’ve introduced me to.  Some of the pieces I’d never have dreamed I would be able to sing at all are now among my favorites and have really helped me improve my high notes.” 

​Carolyn Crawford
Branson West, MO  

​​“Karen Bergford was my first voice teacher and coach, and I studied under her superb guidance from 1975-1979 and again from 1980-1981. Although I always loved to sing, it was under Karen's tutelage that I was able to learn breath control and techniques that strengthened and maximized the effective use of my voice.

After three years of study, I auditioned and was accepted into the Madrigal performing group at Niwot (CO) High School, the All-State Choir and National Choir, and performed in Europe with America's Youth in Concert. I also successfully auditioned for Niwot High School’s “Evenstar” show choir during the 1978-79 school year, performing alongside Cynthia Lawrence, now an internationally renowned opera singer.

Karen also helped me prepare for my successful audition for a voice performance scholarship to Brigham Young University in 1979. Although in 1981, I chose a different career path, I have continued to sing and perform with local country western and rock and roll bands and to pursue my interest in songwriting, which led to the creation of a CD by our group--Runaway Goldfish--entitled ‘In the City with New Fins.’

Additionally, Karen introduced me to many different styles of music, to which I might not have otherwise been exposed.  She also consistently emphasized and encouraged good musicianship and musicality.  For all of these reasons, I would recommend her as an outstanding voice teacher and coach!”

​Suzanne Turner Kloster
Singer/Songwriter

Longmont, CO

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“Roger and Karen Bergford have served as vocal teachers for our cast at the Hughes Brothers Theatre for over three years.  They are proficient and exceptional instructors in vocal pedagogy and are very dedicated to their craft.  Our youth and adults have both improved in their vocal abilities under the Bergfords’ tutelage.  We have enjoyed working with them and highly recommend them to anyone seeking to maintain and even improve their vocal skills.”

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​Lena Hughes
CEO/President, Hughes Entertainment, Inc.
(Hughes Brothers Theatre)
Branson, MO​​