I have taken lessons with Art for the past two years, and the effect it’s had on my confidence and abilities is nothing short of incredible.  He has a real talent for making students feel at ease, which reduces self-consciousness and fosters better learning.  Thanks to his guidance, I can now use vibrato and sing without straining my vocal chords.  Moreover, every lesson is enjoyable, and he never fails to make me laugh.  My only regret is not starting sooner!

My daughter was introduced to Art and his studio as a result of COVID. We were searching for some place for her to continue her vocal lessons and we happened upon his studio. We are so tremendously glad we did! Art has an amazing style that helped her come out of that shell and develop her vocal performances with confidence. We cannot that Art enough for his work with our daughter. We would highly recommend this studio for anyone. you will see success in whatever path you are following!

Years ago I took Art’s singing class to overcome my fear of public speaking, which really opened my eyes on how good I could be with some vocal training. Now I took classes with Art again to learn how to sing for my wedding, which was a smashing hit – everyone loved it, especially my wife.  So really appreciated it Art!

Great place.  Art has a great way of getting our very shy daughter to come out of her shell.  She looks forward to her weekly video lesson.  Her singing has improved so much.  She has learned many many new techniques and we enjoy the videos they make together with her songs!  So if you’re looking for an amazing instructor, this is the place to go hands down!!!! We started her lessons during covid and it’s been the best choice we made!!! Thank you Art.

My voice lessons with Art Nefsky taught me breathing techniques and vowel pronunciations.  He identified my strength and helped me work on it.  Art is fun, honest, and a great voice coach. I thoroughly enjoyed my Saturday voice lessons and recommend Art Nefsky’s Showoffs to anyone who wants to learn how to sing and improve their technique while having fun.  Thank you ART!

Showoffs alumnus here.  I had always loved singing (in my school and Church choirs) and had confidence to speak in groups of people.  A couple of bad relationships combined with a medical condition that made me start losing some hair made me lose that love for singing, and my confidence and the ability to speak in front of a group of people without shaking or stammering.

After seeing the ad for Showoffs to help with “stage fright” and meeting and speaking to Art, I signed up for classes.

Within weeks, I was regaining my confidence and love for singing.  Several months later I “graduated” to his performance classes and participated in several of the “Showoffs Showcase” shows. Sadly, between my medical condition taking a downturn and then moving away from Toronto, I was no longer able to continue in the shows, but now 30 years later, I still have that love of singing and the confidence in myself as a person that he had helped me regain.

Thank you, Art, from the bottom of my heart!!

I have been working with Art for about two months and already I notice a big improvement in my breathing and also in my comfort level.  He makes you feel relaxed in the lessons so you can be comfortable singing without any pressure.  I recommend Showoffs to anyone who loves to sing!

Finding Art Nefsky and Showoffs helped me find my voice. I’d always loved to sing in choirs and groups but solos terrified me. Art’s uncanny intuition about the barriers that hold you back from feeling comfortable on stage and his ability to help you break through those barriers truly changed my life. Participating in his fun yet practical workshops and performance classes, transformed me from a stage-fright-paralyzed person to a singer who can now truly feel the joy of connecting with a song and, most importantly, the audience. I can’t recommend Showoffs more highly or thank Art Nefsky enough.

I have been a nervous sort of person my whole life and I am quick to find fault in myself. One of my friends recommended Art’s classes to me. She arranged for me to meet Art and book my first lesson. I felt comfortable with Art from the first day. I have enjoyed all my classes that I have had so far. In fact I can’t remember being this happy and contented for a long time. I am singing every chance I get and driving my friends crazy talking about my classes. Many of my friends and colleagues have mentioned that my confidence has improved since taking Art’s class. Art is very patient, kind and understanding. He adds his unique sense of humour into my lessons and sees strengths in me that I didn’t see myself.

I’ve also been taking online lessons with Art for quite awhile now.  Although online lessons are different than lessons in Art’s studio, they are still a fun way to learn and grow.  I don’t even feel like the same person any more and have even tried my hand at community theater.  I am so grateful to Art for changing my life.

Art is a magician. That’s what my partner says, and I am in total agreement with him. Not only did he help me overcome my fear of singing in front of people in few months, but also helped me to connect with the audience and enjoy singing for them. And with his help I am singing in English, my second language, for the very first time in my life. I feel like I found myself.

Are you a closet Showoff? I know I was! I have loved to sing ever since I could remember. Trouble was, I could never bring myself to sing for other people and like it. My heart would pound and my voice would shake and it felt AWFUL. I probably sounded worse! I tried to solve the problem on my own and even fronted a band for a while, but one night my nerves were so bad I decided to either quit singing or get help. When I found Art’s website I knew that I’d kick myself down the road if I didn’t give it a shot. Art challenged me to think about performing in a different way. With lots of encouragement and exercises designed to diminish the stage fright demon, I have come to love what I do. The irony is that the enjoyment factor is what makes a performer really shine: it’s a win-win situation. I have since ventured into the recording studio with my own songs, played at local open mics and travelled to the States to perform with other Showoffs alumni who live there. There has been so many benefits of taking the leap and contacting Showoffs: flourishing self-confidence, exercising my creativity, connecting with like-minded people, to name just a few. By far, the biggest reward is the satisfaction of pursuing my passion. My motto: you never know ’til you try!

Born into a musically talented family, I have a passion for singing and what you might call the musical gene. But until I met Art Nefsky my voice was timid and I performed standing still, staring at an imaginary spot at the back of the room. Those childhood habits of a frightened chubby girl afraid of judgement, imperfection and failure took all the fun out of sharing my passion with others, and enjoying the thing I love most – singing! In the very first group class, Art pinpointed what was holding me back. His comedic yet realistic and firm yet caring approach helped me get out of my own way. I’m now not only comfortable on stage, I crave the experience! I thank Art and Showoffs for that amazing life change; I’m a confident and calm presenter, speaker AND singer, and all without fear.

I have known Art for over 20 years and have numerous clients that we have both had a hand in developing. I have not only worked with Art, I am also a fan of his vocal instruction and live artist development. I have experienced first hand, the improvement both vocally and the artist’s stage presence. The before and after video clips really say it all. We are still in touch and have recently discussed a new music development company that would get us working together again.

I have always been a closet singer, but was terrified to speak let alone sing in front of people. When I describe myself to students at Art’s classes, I describe myself in the beginning as his worst student. But by trusting in Art and his exercises, I discovered that I was having fun and getting better all the while. Art has a knack of reducing the things that stop us from performing, and encouraging us to grow in confidence. It is a paradox, when you discover that, when the voice is not that important, the voice does get better. Since then, I have performed at many different functions and at many showcases and have always been able to feel that link with the audience, and left knowing that I have shared some emotion with people. I have also been able to use those skills in my working field. I can now speak / present where before I would have been terrified. Being prepared, and knowing your material is only a small part of it. The intangible portion is being able to sing/talk sincerely with your audience, to respect them and share your thoughts with them. Art is able to bring this intangible out in his students, and that is what makes his classes different and very special. Showoff’s has since become a welcome part of my life. Thank you Art, for helping me grow.

A Toronto Independent Music Award winner, Daphne Darling sought out performance coaching and vocal technique from Art for the release of her debut EP ‘The Darling Project’. Darling did a mini tour of the US and opened for country super stars Rascal Flatts in 2008. “Art was amazing with me. He helped me with stage performance and didn’t let me compromise my own style and personality to make it the way he thought it should work. That meant a lot to me as an artist. I was so impressed with how keen an ear he had to help me develop my voice for recording and performance. His easy going, patient, genuine nature, is what made learning from him sooo simple.”

My name is Anne, and I live in Atlanta.

I’ve been a music student most of my life, majored in voice in college, been a soloist in my church, and given concerts off and on over the years, but this thing called stage fright kept me from being able to relax in front of an audience.  When I would get up to sing, first of all, I would be so out of breath, that I had no breath support or control.  My hands and  legs would shake uncontrolably.  My heart, well that’s another story!  All of a sudden, it became a hammer that would beat so hard and fast that I could hardly breathe, much less sing.

I searched for stage fright and found Art’s website!  How exciting to think that there might be some help out there!

Art is an incredibly perceptive teacher who knows how to get past those obstacles and bring out the performer in you.  By the end of the workshop, I was singing with more confidence and freedom and feeling more comfortable on stage.

The workshop, and Art’s encouragement and support have helped me to believe that dreams can come true.   It’s really a wonderful and exciting feeling to know that I can now perform without having to hide behind a pill, mask, piano or podium.

Thank you Art for chipping away things that have kept me from enjoying performing, and being the best performer that I can be!

Anne Martin

I’m Cathy Sanchez and I came to Showoffs because in my years of singing in bands and various venues, I have always felt that I was lacking as a performer.  While I knew I could sing, I never was able to open myself up to my audience.  In my visualizations of myself as a performer, I am a dynamic outgoing performer, but I’ve never been able to bring this out in reality.

Art has such a great talent for empowering people to be free and break their barriers.  This has been such a liberating experience for me.  I wish I lived in the Toronto area to work with Art on a long term basis.

Cathy Sanchez

What the workshop meant to me!

I wanted to learn to sing at least one song as well as I could sing it with what I believed, and was led to believe, was a very limited voice. I had tried to find a teacher through the conservatory of music or church choir leaders etc. but nobody was interested in such a small project. My secretary who knew of my plan saw a notice in a newspaper for “Showoffs” and I signed up.

I screwed up the music for the song I wanted learn. Art picked “Happy Birthday” to start me off because I was so unprepared. I practiced with that the first day. He then chose, of all songs, “Danny Boy”, one of the toughest Irish songs to sing. At the closing exercise I sang it. I know I made a number of mistakes but I enjoyed singing it. I now have the confidence to improve on it some more and I believe I can sing.

This is a huge transformation at my age, 52, to have no clue about music and sing all the way through “Danny Boy”, mistakes or not.

Way to go Art! Thank you for your professionalism and support.

John Church

I was truly amazed at the incredible transformation that took place in myself, as well as my husband and the rest of the class. Art instills a belief in yourself that allows you to achieve levels never before thought possible. He is ‘the wind beneath my wings’. He’s taught me to soar.

Micki Moore

The Performance Workshop has helped me to open up a part of me I never knew existed  — all of my dreams and passions that has laid dormant for so long.  I’ve become more confident, more creative and more expressive.  It’s helped me to acknowledge and validate my unique self-expression, and to take huge emotional risks in a very safe and secure setting.

Art’s sense of humor, caring for people, and trustworthy soul (with his magic), has allowed me to see parts (spiritual and emotional) of me that I had denied.  The workshop has been a catalyst for tremendous spiritual and personal growth.  The workshop, and of course with Art’s encouragement and support has helped me to start believing in myself — my abilities and talents, and to believe that dreams do come true if you let them.

Patricia McAdam

I’ve never felt so energized, so truly empowered, and so guilt-free about my performance AND singing in my life. Even though I’ve known you for such a short time, I feel as though I’ve known you for much longer.

I completely respect so many things about you already. Firstly being your extreme professionalism, your frankness and honesty, as well as your expertise at what you do. Your ability to be patient when needed is admirable, but you seem to push people, including myself, in just the right ways too.

Thanks for an absolutely amazing and eye opening weekend, both on my part, and on the part of others I learned from as well.

Ashley Alford

The workshop has changed the fear of being on “display” into a workable productive energy that is useful in regular, non stage life. It has caused me to do a little “emotional housecleaning” and has given me a new and growing confidence. By removing the fear of making blunders, fewer blunders get made and actual success is achieved in all things more often.

This is a powerful process, and well worth the money and effort. I seem to be able to sing as well. Who knew?

I always had a passion to sing ever since I was 2 years old.  However, I was always a “closet singer” and never really had the guts to sing in front of others even though inside I always wanted to. In high school, I summed up my fear and sang I will always love you by Whitney Houston at the annual jam night.  I can still remember having my eyes shut the entire time and my knees shaking. People loved my voice but I knew that I had to address my fear that could hinder the development of the rest of my life.  I began looking in the Yellow Pages (the internet was in its infancy). There I found Art’s Showoffs Studio for Performers. Once I met Art I knew this was exactly what I was looking for, so in 1994, I signed up for his Level 1 classes. His classes were so much fun, I made lots of friends and realized that I wasn’t the only person who felt this way. Art taught me to never be afraid of making a fool out of myself. I was able to finally let go of my fears and develop a comfortable stage presence. After only 8 weeks I was promoted to Level 2! In this level we performed to family and friends and got to really showoff the skills that Art has taught us.  I was then able to enjoy going out to karaoke bars and sing at weddings and corporate functions and even won several singing contests!  His classes not only helped me with singing but also transformed me into being able to address groups of people in my career as a Realtor.  I am very grateful for having met Art, he has helped me in more ways than anyone could imagine. I highly recommend anyone who has similar fears to give his classes a try, they will provide you with the core life skills that I believe will enrich your life.

Bess Stathopoulos

I had the chance to experience joy and freedom while singing in front of others.  I’ve only ever felt fear and nausea while singing before the workshop.  It’s helped me tap into other aspects of myself.  I’ve discovered that my potential as a singer is now more than just potential, it’s developing into reality.  For the first time in my life I have confidence in my singing voice.

I selected Mr. Nefsky to train with simply because his first name is Art.  It was as random as that and I couldn’t be more grateful I wound up under his mentorship. I am a ballerina who sings and after only a few private lessons with Art,  I noticed a huge shift in my confidence and ability.  He prepared me for Broadway show call backs in NYC and catered to my individual needs with a natural finesse.  He is an extremely intelligent and sensitive coach with the type of high standards and attention to detail that I value, but also a great sense of humour and the ability to make each session worth it’s weight in gold.  I always left feeling on top of the world.  Now I live in the U.S. and miss training with him very much!  Whenever I return to Toronto I make sure to book a class with him.  My work with Mr. Nefsky proved how seeking coaching in various fields benefits every other avenue of performance all the while.  I recommend him whole heartedly.

Art’s workshop has helped me to come out of myself.  Doing this amazing and sometimes difficult process stirred up what needed stirring.  From where I was in April (internally, emotionally) is quite different.  His workshop showed me how to give myself permission to “step out of my box”, free myself up to perform in whatever manner, and have fun.  To stop worrying about judgment and be okay making mistakes.

I let go, I lightened up.  I had fun!  Getting/being wild and crazy was very liberating.

What an incredible four years this has been.  The list of adventures and opportunities continue to grow with each passing day.  I must admit however, that much of what has happened to me was a result of the guidance and direction of one very unique individual; Art Nefsky, whom I believe has been endowed with talents, gifts and wisdom from the good Lord above.  So, here’s my story…

It all began in 1995 and shortly after attending the concert of my then all-time singing icon, Celine Dion.  I was struck with such an overwhelming dose of inspiration during her show that I vowed to no longer put off my own lifelong dream of becoming a professional performer and recording artist.

I could think of nothing else the days following but my new venture, so I immediately set off on a rampage through the yellow pages in search of the appropriate music school that would eventually lead me to my goal.

As my eyes surfed the various advertisements, they were instantly captivated by a small ad displaying a simple, yet creative drawing of a masculine caricature.  Although the ad was inviting, there was one feature that left me feeling slightly wary and uncomfortable.  It was its name — I guess my humble/modest nature had me somewhat concerned.  I wondered what kind of a person would be so bold as to call a legitimate vocal school by a name as “Showoffs Studios” and expect inquirers to take it seriously.

But despite my rationale and resistance, I couldn’t help but be enticed by that odd little caricature, so I dialed the number listed.  Much to my surprise was a professional sounding man on the other end, and after answering all my questions, he invited me to a free interview and consultation. 

I was a bit apprehensive about coming to his studio when I learned that it was in the basement of his home, but nevertheless, I accepted.  I think it took me a while to admit this to Art, but prior to our appointment that evening, I informed a few friends of my plans, just in case this man happened to be some deranged maniac who was using “Showoffs Studios” as a front for his masochistic rituals (ok…so maybe I should ease up on those horror flicks for a while). 

After arriving at the studio, I spent the next hour discussing my singing aspirations with Art.   Our conversation soon led to the viewing of a promotional video.  This was a compilation of various students’ remarkable performance transformations that had occurred after only a few sessions.  What truly impressed me, however, was the live workshop experience.  As I watched Art teach, I was fascinated and moved by his honesty, integrity and skill.  Although I could sense the anxiety and apprehension of most students as they took their turns on stage performing, they were soon reassured and diverted by Art’s guidance and rather unorthodox techniques.  It was clearly evident that they were also having a fun time. The transformations that had taken place in these students’ performances were so great that I knew I wanted and needed to be a “Showoffs” member. 

Added to Art’s range of talents is his comedic abilities.  One can’t walk away from a class without giggling or smiling all the way home.  The experience that evening left me feeling excited, hopeful and optimistic, and I was certain that my training with Art would lead to an enjoyable and eventful journey thereafter… and that was just the case.

I have learned a great deal from Art Nefsky.  His workshops are not just limited to vocal and performance training and techniques, but they also act as an outlet for expressing one’s fears, inhibitions and limitations without the risk of being judged or ridiculed. 

Art has tremendous intuition and is able to help individuals with their struggles through their own insecurities and self-image, whether on or off the stage.  Art is not only a great teacher but also a true counselor whose philosophy on performance has certainly changed the perceptions of many ambivalent minds.  Art is committed to helping people achieve over and above their personal best, and it was that commitment along with his faith, encouragement and support that enabled me to “soar like and eagle” (pardon the cliché).

Within months of taking Art’s workshop, many opportunities began to surface.  It was an exciting time for me when I auditioned for and landed the lead role of “Ruth” in a musical theatre production titled “Come Away – The Story Of Ruth”. 

From then on, I began performing cover tunes and comedic parodies for numerous private and public functions and charitable events.  Through recommendations, I was contracted to perform at wedding ceremonies, receptions, showers, holiday and special events.  I’ve also had the privilege of working with two very gifted and creative Showoffs performers on several of these special events.  Mercedez Decastro, Julia Wilson and I have successfully produced, written, choreographed and performed shows for many audiences over the past two years.  I have also been invited to sing at various church denominations, one of which is attended by another very talented showoffs member.  Caroleen Whiteley is a regular soloist at her church, and over the past couple of years has graciously invited me to perform for her church’s congregation.

To date, I would say that my biggest achievement has been the writing and recording of a full-length CD of contemporary tunes which was completed and released in April of 1999.  Although I had received a great deal of support from many family and friends on this project, the birthing of the album would not have been possible if it wasn’t for Mercedez.  It was through her contacts that lead me to several talented artists and musicians whom I ultimately collaborated with on most of my songs.

The CD release party was a great success.  I was honored to have Mercedez MC the performance, as well as the musicians and artists who worked on my songs backing me up on stage.   To see so many of my family, friends, co-workers, showoffs members and passers by supporting me that evening at Club C’est What was truly euphoric. 

Well, the excitement certainly did not end there.  A few months later one of the songs had received airplay on a Montreal radio station, and the album was later featured and reviewed in one of the city’s local magazines and TV stations.

Despite all of these accomplishments and experiences, the direction that I have chosen was certainly not met without a great deal of resistance.  Several close family members had much reservation about my career choice.  Coming from a very conservative and overprotective culture that sometimes looks upon the arts as something that is futile, my journey was often met with much conflict.  Understanding, however, that the objection stemmed from fear and lack of knowledge, I took it upon myself to educate certain individuals about the business (at least to the extent that I was familiar with it), and about my intentions and motivations.  As much as I love to sing and write, I find much satisfaction and reward in the ability to inspire and touch the hearts and minds of others.  I believe that reaching people through music is my vocation as the desire to sing has remained within me since I was very young.  Although the music business is highly competitive, often filled with rejection and disappointment, I believe if one is truly committed, works hard and has faith, they will overcome the obstacles.

I am happy to report that I now have the full support of my family.  They have actually been giving me advice and ideas for my next album.  So now I continue to promote, perform and shop around my songs while pondering new topics to write about.  Networking is essential in the music business, and I have registered with several music associations (Songwriters Association, Socan, and the Gospel Music Association in Nashville) in order to keep me up to date with the industry. 

On a final note, I would like to add that not only has Showoffs Studios paved the way for my singing career, but it has also introduced me to many special individuals whom I have bonded with on both an emotional and spiritual level.

I really enjoyed the Performance Workshop.  I was also impressed with the methods that Art used to teach.  Each of the participant’s had different problems to address, yet Art was able to bring out the best.

I went to the workshop to improve my singing and stage performance.  I learned a lot from watching the other participants as they sang their songs.

I would highly recommend Art Nefsky’s Performance Workshop to anyone that may be having problems singing or making presentations or public speaking.

I might also say that the workshop was a lot of FUNNN!

Although singing is the pretext for value in what you deliver, it is none the less the backbone of your leverage with your students. This is what distinguishes your program from essentially all others being offered in the domain of corporate effectiveness training in the world today.  In the sales arena for instance: the 500 lb. phone is a recognized phenomenon by sales managers and personnel alike.  Or cold calling: sudden cases of influenza.  Or car needs oil, or gotta get a new suit.

In commerce we use all manner of stories and distractions or pretense (old warriors thick skin) to set ourselves aside from confronting a definitive yes or no answer from our colleagues and or prospective clients.  This is called, fear of rejection.  What we are really doing is rejecting ourselves prior to initiative.  We don’t even give our clients a chance to do it for us.  We eliminate the possibility of a yes!  I submit we do this for the most part because we are scared little children inside and we don’t want anyone else to see him or her. We are ashamed of our vulnerability.  I will never forget looking goofy beyond my wildest dreams and you quietly screaming at me: “in their eyes Blake, in their eyes the eyes” and really hearing and following orders and: finding the outlines of my true voice.  How can I truly be me if I am operating overtop of fear of seeing me? When I cold call today, I look ’em in the eyes. It’s true, sometimes they say no: I simply view this as a no, for now.  I currently have over $12M of well-priced listings in the Toronto Realty Market.  Really, really great stuff Art.  I still sing in my car, the shower and to my nieces and nephew.  They don’t pay much but they think I’m great.

The Performance Workshop helped me gain confidence and assured me that it is okay to make mistakes.  I am more self-confident now, believing that I can speak/sing in front of people without being embarrassed and always thinking the worst.  The workshop has also made me feel part of a group, a great group of people who had a fear and conquered it together.

I came to the weekend workshop to help bring myself out of my shell and unleash the passion for song that I have inside.  Art has given me the permission to let that happen and the workshop was invaluable.

I look forward to working with Art in the future and fulfilling all my dreams.  Thanks to all of the other “showoffs” in the workshop for the unconditional support — and a special thanks to Art Nefsky for making it illegal to say, “I can’t!”

Hi to all you Showoffs!

My name is Laura and I took one of Art’s workshops a few years ago.

Things have really changed for me in the last year.  I’ve been doing weekly open mic. nights, singing my own songs in public and I’ve met a bunch of great people.  It just so happened that before I took Art’s workshop, I’d been writing songs and had even recorded quite a few, but really thought that it was IMPOSSIBLE for me to sing to people, with the exception of my friend Daryl, who did my recordings.  In fact, I even thought that I didn’t have any interest in performing my own songs.  I thought that I didn’t have a “performers bone” in me.  I thought maybe I’d like to try to place my songs with a “real” performer.  Once a good friend of mine suggested that maybe I DID want to perform my own songs, but that the fear of performing them was so great that I didn’t even want to toy with the idea.  I remember disagreeing with her about it.

And I think that I’m a person who knows myself.  HA!  She was right.  It took me quite a few tries before I was actually at all able to enjoy myself singing to people, but the thing that kept me going was that the friends at the coffee house were so wonderful.  They enjoyed hearing my songs even though I was nervous, and they kept me going by taking an interest.  I had no idea that I might have something to offer anyone, but I did.  I’m here to tell you that you do too!  So, keep on going for it!  The rewards are great!