Here’s what our colleagues and former students are saying about us:

“Bob and Jan Klump gave me my first professional gig as a keyboard player. Still in college, I grew to learn and love the art of musical theatre and what it would take to make it in the business. On the side, I also studied voice with Jan who taught me valuable ideas, hints, and even warm-ups that I eventually used after moving to New York and coaching actor students of my own. Melinda’s talent was always a surrounding inspiration of hard work, but one also of keeping the joy in performing. Resultingly, this artistic family gave me the groundwork for beginning my exciting career in the arts.”

-Paul Loesel
Music Associate & Keyboard 2, Wicked (Broadway Company)

I’ve known Bob and Jan Klump since I was a kid and they were invaluable in helping me become the artist I am today…they are full of support, wisdom, and creativity, in teaching as well as directing – CALL THEM IMMEDIATELY!!

-Laura Jordan, actress
Crybaby and In My Life (Broadway Companies)

Starting with your teaching and directing in Michigan, I’ve noticed how devoted your students are to both of you, and how well they are trained as singers and actors. Your love of music, theater, and young people, has provided several generations with the skills that have enabled them to experience the joy and excitement of performing. That is why I am delighted that yet another generation of young performers will have the opportunity to work with both of you. Best wishes in your latest endeavor.

-Timothy Caldwell
Professor of voice and founding Director, Central Michigan University Music Theatre
Author, Expressive Singing–Dalcroze Eurhythmics for Voice
Training the Complete Music Theatre Performer

It isn’t really possible to adequately describe what my long association with Bob and Jan Klump has done for me. There’s no doubt that my life’s work in music, in the theatre, and in education is the direct result of the interest they took in my raw talent. As their protégé, I received excellent training in voice and acting, and they provided me with countless opportunities not only in those areas, but also in composition, education, and in instrumental and choral music. What’s more, I know first hand that my story is nothing unusual. The Klumps’ generosity toward a lifetime’s worth of students is unmeasurable.

I’ve had the pleasure to know Melinda her entire life. I’ve met few people as talented and have always known her to funnel that talent through a remarkable intellect and an uncompromising dedication to excellence. Her combination of skills and experience make her an excellent role model for young people aspiring to the theatre.

-Timothy Brown
Composer, Singer, Educator (New York, NY)

Taking classes with the Klumps has been a highlight of my career in show business. Jan Klump unlocked my voice and helped me gain the confidence I needed to take my performing to a new level. I carry the lessons and skills I gained from these classes into all aspects of my artistic life. As a director, I learned valuable tools to nurture growth in an actor during rehearsals. As a performer, I learned the importance of persistence, focus, and patience while remaining grounded in the work. Their talents as teachers and artists foster growth in a supportive and stimulating environment. I can’t begin to tell you how many “A-ha!” moments I had during my studies.

-Jeff Seabaugh
Actor, Writer, Director and General Manager, Broadway.com

Bob and Jan Klump are among the earliest – shoot, the very earliest – influences on my life as a performer, director and producer. I’m glad to have had their expertise as I was learning the ins and outs of technique – I still use Jan’s vocal exercises every time I warm-up a cast or choir – but I think the most important aspect of their instruction was more subtle. Through methods both outward and inward, Bob and Jan taught me how to do things WELL: what good performance looks, sounds and feels like; why strenuous preparation matters; and how that work can be just as fulfilling as the actual performance itself. These are the lessons I try to pass along to those in my charge whenever I can, and I am eternally grateful for them.

-Jeff Brown
Producing Director, Chattanooga Theatre Centre (Chattanooga, TN)

Having worked with Melinda over a number of years as a Performer, I continue to be amazed at her process as an Artist. I would count those who have the opportunity to study with her to be very lucky indeed.

-Erin Quill
Avenue Q (Original Broadway Cast)

Having known and worked with both Bob and Jan Klump over a period of over thirty years, I can comfortably say that they are among the very best at developing young talent and coaching careers. They have a real and practical knowledge of the stage and what it takes to earn one’s place on it.

-Ken Snoeck
Composer, Arranger, Conductor
Chicago, Illinois

Melinda is one of the most talented people I have ever had the privilege of working with. She has an uncanny ability to see what’s needed in any situation and provide it, and her warm compassionate energy brings out the best in everyone. Melinda brings the depth of her extensive experience as a performer into the teaching studio — she really thinks everything through for her students and thoroughly prepares them for their performances. A true artist with a generous soul and rock-solid vocal technique: you couldn’t ask for a better teacher.

-James David Jacobs
Musician, Composer, Teacher, Conductor

It is my distinct pleasure to recommend Bob and Jan Klump as truly exceptional teachers in music and the dramatic arts. Their teaching has enabled many to go on to distinguished careers in the theatre, in teaching, and in many other related fields. They demand much from their students because they care about them so much. Like many others, I was privileged to become part of their extended family. I recommend them enthusiastically and urgently to anyone seeking to learn more about music and acting, and even more importantly, to learn more about their own gifts and potential. You will be glad you signed on!

-Dr. Jonathan Bruce Brown
Professor of Music, Music Department Chair, Spring Arbor University
Composer in Residence, Jackson Symphony Orchestra

The Klumps bring unparalleled energy, enthusiasm and professionalism to their artistry in educating and coaching. They are the answer for the student looking for focus, spontaneity, flexibility, self discovery, a wealth of experience and knowledge and, above all, FUN.

-Jane Rhodes

The Klumps, unlike many drama/musical theatre teachers, teach a professionalism that is essential to success as a performer. They understand how to train individuals and have been doing so successfully for years. Their knowledge of the industry through direct experience is invaluable. They are teachers that nurture all aspects of a performer while being critical enough to instill the skills that command success in this lifestyle. I went through 3 voice teachers before going to Jan, and never liked an acting coach before Bob. Choosing to study with the Klumps has been one of the best choices I’ve made.

-Colleen Finnegan
Teaching Artist

Bob and Jan trained me in acting and voice when I was in high school. Not only did they help me improve in both voice and performance–always encouraging and precise in their suggestions, supportive and honest at the same time–but they also discovered that I was a playwright and helped me develop as a writer. They generously created opportunities to have my work read and performed by their other students (several of whom have now become theatre professionals). Their guidance, caring, and expertise inspires my own work now as a professor of playwriting. They bring fun, dedication, and real wisdom to the teaching of the arts. Bob and Jan are the best!

-Dr. Catherine Keyser
Assistant Professor, English Department
University of South Carolina

I won the lottery the day I walked into the classroom of Bob and Jan Klump. The lessons learned while under their care went far beyond the tricks of the trade or how to become a more confident performer. The circle was large. There was room for all of us. Each student was unique, each with a different story that Bob and Jan wanted to hear. Their success as teachers comes from the simple fact that they have never stopped being students themselves in the classroom of life. They never pretended to know all the answers. While working with them I always had the impression that we were on a treasure hunt together – an adventure designed to help me grow and maximize my talent — but with each step forward we all became richer. They belong to that lucky group of people who have never ever found life to be boring. Even if you “can’t sing or act your way out of a paper bag” these people have much to teach you. And you can be sure that they will learn something from you too.

-Maria Infante
Rome, Italy

I was fortunate enough to study acting and voice as a teenager with Bob & Jan. Working with them gave me the skill set and confidence needed to study theatre at the collegiate level. I am so grateful that I received many of the invaluable building blocks of my career at such a young age!

-Kate James
Co-Founder, Schadenfreude Sketch Comedy Ensemble
Actor & Writer, Second City Communications

I discovered my love of theatre because of the Klump family. Thanks to their direction early in my life I was able to discover my passion for the arts and it gave me a family in each city I’ve lived in–currently NYC, where I direct, produce, stage manage and design for both Off Broadway and Off Off Broadway. One never knows where that first voice lesson or first play will lead you.

-Alexis Hadsall
Artistic and Technical Director for TheatreRats, NYC

I was lucky enough to have Jan and Bob at my disposal when I was deciding whether or not to pursue a career in theatre. Without their encouragement, knowledge and patience I would never have had the courage to take a calculated risk and try to live my dream.

-Tom Bruett
Actor/Writer, I Love a Piano (National Tour)

I was lucky to find the Klumps mid-way through high school where I was “serious” about wanting to become an actress but really had no clue of the dedication, practice and and skill it requires. I also had never met any professional artists so had little knowledge of the day to day life of an actor. The Klumps encouraged my talent and knowledge of the field by not only introducing me to music and plays I never knew before, but by introducing me to professional working artists who shared their experiences with me. Subsequently I was admitted into SUNY Purchase’s Acting Conservatory and have been on my way to forging a career. I still believe I would never have found the motivation on my own without the help and support of Bob and Jan Klump. They are wonderful teachers and are vital to help shape any young artist’s dreams.

-Meredith Burns
Actress

I was 15 years old when I first wandered into Jan and Bob’s living room to take voice lessons with Jan, and shortly after I began private acting sessions with Bob. The Klumps quickly became not only my teachers, but mentors and dear friends, and their living room more than a studio but a safe-haven.

I studied with Jan and Bob all through high-school, cultivating new skills, improving old ones and discovering gifts I never knew I had. The Klumps introduced me to experienced professionals, exposed me to classic music and great works of theatre, and initiated me into a network of young, talented students who shared my ambitions and passion. By the time I graduated, I was well-prepared for the rigors of a college training program and confident enough to embrace the challenges that come with it.

Jan and Bob are exceptional teachers with years of experience and a fantastic rapport with children, teenagers, and young adults. With Jan, it’s the warmth and compassion with which she teaches. She meets every student where he or she is. Heavy on praise and discerning with criticism, she draws out the very best in her students. Bob’s strength is an emphasis on honesty and simplicity. He creates a safe environment—free of pressures and judgments– where students can simply be themselves and make their own discoveries.

I am so grateful to have begun my theatrical career with these two and it brings me such joy to know that Jan and Bob continue to provide this sort of guidance, support, and professional quality training in voice and acting to young people. It has become the foundation of all that I have learned since and all that I will learn in the future. Fortunate is the student who wanders into Act Too Studio, as it will be a solid beginning to a lifelong study.

– Kate Derosa
Administrative Manager, Enchantment Theatre Company

During my high school years, I was privileged to be under the instruction of Bob and Jan Klump. I grew in my musical, acting and personal skills due to their fine teaching abilities. I was one of three students who won full-ride vocal music scholarships to Central Michigan University. I would recommend Bob and Jan Klump’s voice and acting studio to anyone searching for excellent teachers and mentors.

-Kathy Decker