Teaching

“Thank you, Ilene and Ben. Your workshop has been a delight for me. Ilene is a wonderful taskmaster, listener and able to truly hear and convey to the singer what works best.”

— Elaine DiBlasio

“I absolutely LOVE being in Ilene and Ben’s workshops. Working with them and being part of this professional ‘family’ is a privilege as Ilene helps us to get to the core of our performance. They make everyone look and  sound great!”

— Lynette Smith

“To perform live with such an accomplished pianist was the thrill of a lifetime. Where else would one get an opportunity like that, except in a concert hall? This from one who’s been to every karaoke bar from Los Angeles to Tokyo.”

— Pam

"It was just by chance I joined Ilene and Ben's workshop and I am so glad I did! Ilene's coaching, which focuses on interpretation, musicality and presentation is always intuitive, positive, fun and often enlightening. The coaching, the music and the people are top notch. All with the added bonus of making fantastic new lifelong friends."  

— Joyce Wolfson

“Being a part of Ilene and Ben’s class over these many years has not only been fulfilling for me as a musician but has given me a community of music lovers to be a part of. Ilene and Ben have given me an extended family by being a part of this class and I am eternally grateful to have them in my life!”

— Angela Bice

“Ilene, along with being a wonderful actress, is the best singer I know. Not just Broadway singer. Singer, period. She and her husband, Ben Lanzarone, who is a composer, arranger and music director, are really special talented smart and funny people. And born teachers.”

— Joanna Gleason, TONY® Award Winner

“I had given up singing for many years, and decided to go to class to try to find the joy in performing I had lost. Ilene and Ben offered a safe, welcoming, supportive, nurturing and very creative space for all of us. I can honestly say I rediscovered how much I loved to sing and perform in Ilene and Ben's class. I am so grateful. Now I am singing more than I ever have in my life!”

— Therese Lee

“Ilene creates a safe and welcoming atmosphere to explore songs at a pace that works for each of her students. She expertly finds a way to unite students of all different levels on the same path towards mastering the skills required to internalize and express music and text. Every session of her class brings students to the next level from where they entered and results in impactful performances.”

— Jonathan Sandler

“Ilene Graff's workshop is a life-changing experience. A musically gifted singer, performer, and director, Ilene and her wonderfully talented musical director husband Ben Lanzarone, create a safe and delightful haven to explore the motivation and personal emotions that connect us to the song. She expertly guides us through the creative process of emotionally committing to the song, from song choice to monologues, to story arc, pitch, tempo, rhythm, vocal tone, focus and blocking and lens work, all the way through to creating a polished performance, in person and on camera.”

— Deborah Myers Cregar

“So grateful to Ilene and Ben for keeping us singing through thick and thin! The workshop always offers a safe and supportive space where creativity is encouraged to bloom.”

— Megan Folsom

“I had terrible stage fright when it came to singing. I sang fine when I was alone, but when I was in front of another human, I could barely get anything above a whisper to leave my mouth. In the Making the Song Your Own workshop, Ilene shared techniques I could rely on, which helped me to overcome my fears and actually enjoy singing in front of an audience. I ADORE Ilene and Ben and I am grateful for the enormous amount they have taught me over the years.”

— Romi Dames

“Making the Song Your Own has been life-changing. Prior to class, I had never sung in public except at a humble karaoke joint with friends. I truly didn’t know what I didn’t know! It was immediately clear that Ilene teaches students at all levels. I worried that I was in over my head, but was deeply impressed by how Ilene protects her students’ dignity while providing specific, effective tools to help them grow. Regardless of where you are in your own progress as a singer, you can count on Ilene to bring integrity, dedication, an expert eye and ear, plus wit and wisdom, all to help you elevate your performance and best serve your audience.”

— Karen Nadalin

“At Making The Song Your Own, Ben and Ilene’s talent and experience provide a safe space to learn and improve whatever level you are at. I not only improved, I found a musical family that consistently enriches my life.”

— Joyce Malloy

"From the moment I stepped into Ilene's workshop I felt welcomed, safe and supported. I have spent years with terrible stage fright, but wanted to get back into performing. Ilene, Ben and the other students cheered me on and changed my life. I gained so much confidence from the workshop, as well as made some wonderful friendships."

— Emily Pascale

“I can’t say enough about the Making the Song Your Own Vocal Performance Workshop. Ilene and Ben provide a welcoming, supportive and creative environment for singers of all ability levels. Despite many years away from the stage, I was able to find my voice again. I’ve learned how to approach a piece of music, developing a deeper connection with both the lyrics and the audience. And I have been given the tools to help overcome pre-performance jitters. Beyond that, Ilene and Ben have created a beautiful community of performers, who simply love to sing and share music together.”
— Melanie Goldstein

“Ilene is a generous coach who sees unique potential in all of her students and uses her deep well of knowledge and experience to enhance it.”
— Matthew Ramos