Jimmy Smits

Kevin in In The Heights, film

The West Wing, national television

NYPD Blue, national television

L.A. Law, national television

"Richie Liss" is the greatest. I couldn't have done "In The Heights" without him.

Matthew Morrison

Emmy Award-Winning Glee, FOX

Tony Award-winning South Pacific, Broadway

Tony Award-winning The Light in the Piazza, Broadway (Tony nomination)

Tony Award-winning Hairspray, Broadway

Footloose, Broadway

Once Upon A Mattress, TV

“Richard has helped me keep my voice in tip-top condition to match the grueling, eight-show-a-week schedule. His knowledge reaches beyond the Broadway or Classical realm as well. Whatever style of music you sing, Richard is the teacher for the Universal voice!”

Jeremy Noel

The Lion King (Simba u/s), National Tour

I was having trouble with the top of my vocal range and Richard came to the rescue. He quickly gave me the tools I needed to efficiently and reliably access my highest notes, which I need everyday!

Nicole Lewandowski

International Company of West Side Story

Coming from a predominantly dance-focused background, Richard took my vocal performance to levels I never knew I could achieve.  Since working with him, I feel so much more confident as a singer.  I feel truly honored to work with and be guided by such a remarkable teacher.

Hannah Kanter

Tisch School of the Arts/New York University

Richard is not just a voice teacher; he's been my mentor since high school. Thanks to his guidance, I've uncovered new facets of my voice, significantly improving my belting and legit technique. Beyond the practical skills, Richard delves into the science of vocal mechanics, providing a comprehensive understanding. As a person, he is simply the best—his support and expertise have shaped not only my voice but also my passion for singing.

Allegra Levy

Actor, Writer, Director

Richard’s unwavering support for his students goes beyond making them incredibly skilled vocalists, which is why he expects them to approach their work with equivalent heart, attention to detail, and determination. He not only focuses a great deal on exceptional vocal technique, but offers profound insight into the nuances of a performance, highlighting the joint intentions of the acting and vocal disciplines to complete the study of a piece.

Passionate and intelligent, Richard has taught me to approach learning with a thick skin and humility, preparing me well for the inevitable challenges of the industry, and I can’t thank him enough. Richard is just as tough as he is kind, and judging by the many loyal students who have worked with him for years and found success from his tried and true methods, he really is the best there is.

Chris Citera

Head of Voice & Music

Molloy University/CAP21
Adjunct Professor of Voice & Vocal Pedagogy, NYU

Richard’s prowess as a singing teacher is undeniable. More powerful than his technical and musical acumen, though, is his unwavering belief in his students’ abilities and his relentless pursuit of their highest potential. He possesses an uncanny ability to untie the most complicated of technical and psychospiritual vocal knots with the perfect balance of humor, rigor, and compassion. In our first lesson, he got my voice to do things that years of study with some of New York City’s top voice teachers never did. I am grateful to him not only for restoring my confidence in my own singing but also for how his guidance and mentorship have transformed my teaching for the better. 

Julie Ness

Soprano

Julie Ness Vocal Studio, White River Junction, VT

When I came to Richard, I was ready to quit singing. In my first lesson with him, he was able to get me to move through my registers with ease- something that several famous pedagogues at several famous conservatories had not been able to help me with. That lesson changed the course of my life. Within 6 months of working with Richard, I landed management and started getting hired. When I transitioned to teaching, he was my inspiration. Not only is Richard the most knowledgeable person about all things singing, he is the most generous teacher I have ever known. I hosted several weekend workshops (in Vermont) for Richard to work with my students in which every lesson and masterclass was a revelation, for both the students and me. All of my singing and teaching success is due to Richard’s vast comprehensive knowledge of singing, his brilliant instruction, and his huge generous soul.

Stephen D'Amico, CCC-SLP

Voice Pathologist

Bari-tenor

I started working with Richard when I was in a state of vocal crisis. Uncertain of my own vocal identify and unsure if I’d ever be on stage again, Richard was the first person to deeply understand my past experiences as a singer, accept and meet me where I was at the time, and envision where I could be. He has instilled in me a sense of agency in how I choose to use my voice that is invaluable and a lesson I wish I’d learned in my early singing career. After much detangling, I am so grateful to have ventured back to performing again. Richard absolutely gave me my voice back. 

Dylan Riley Snyder

Actor, Writer, Director

Kickin’ It on Disney XD

Young Tarzan in Tarzan, Broadway

“I began instruction with Richard when I first moved to New York and within 6 months, I booked the role of young Tarzan in the Broadway musical.  He gave me the confidence in understanding my range to be able to walk into a room with Arthur Laurents and discuss the different keys I would be able to sing for him. He’s the BOMB!”

Jennifer Paige Chambers

Tony Award-winning The Producers, Broadway and National Tour
Radio City Music Hall Rockette
Tony Award-winning Cats, National Tour
Copa Cabana, National Tour

“Wow, what can I say about you? What can’t I say? You ARE the reason I progressed and worked!!! You are the reason that I got the chance to go on for Ulla with Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick on Broadway!”

Jennifer Dunne

Tony Award-winning Chicago, Broadway
Tony Award-winning Curtains, Broadway

“Richard has the ability to help you embrace your natural voice while at the same time helping to develop and strengthen it to be a superior standard in our competitive industry. He teaches in a fast, effective manner to help you sound better in auditions immediately. He helps you find the best sounding version of you.”

Kate Bartholdus

Professional jazz singer

“Richard has very simply revolutionized the way I approach singing. He truly understands the science of the voice and is quickly able to pinpoint the subtle bad habits that keep us all from our best voice. He has made me a stronger, more confident performer and I don’t know what I would do without him!”

Anya Turner

Greetings From Yorkville, SOHO Rep
singer-songwriter

“Finding Richard was like finding the needle in the haystack. He offers a pure and simple technique that works for any style of singing.”

Sara Inbar

Tony Award-winning Mamma Mia, Broadway (original company)Olive in Tony Award-winning 25th Annual Spelling Bee, Broadway

“Richard is one of those teachers I will never forget. His ruthless sense of humor and belief in the power of my voice allowed me to find authentic ways to communicate in multiple styles. I love him and miss him and hope we can sing again soon!”

Callie Carter

Tony Award-winning Rock Of Ages, Broadway
Tony Award-winning Spamalot, Broadway and National Tour,

Tony Award-winning 42nd Street, Broadway, Radio City Radio City Rockettes

“Richard is the best teacher I’ve ever had! Finally, someone who caters to dancers who are trying to make a break into the singing world! I wouldn’t have been able to do it without him.”

Jessica Leigh Brown

Tony Award-winning Follies, Broadway
Spiderman, Broadway
Radio City Rockettes

“Plain and simple, you will become a better singer working with the talents of Richard Lissemore.”

Kevin T. Collins

Actor, Director, Writer, and Singer/songwriter

“Like a triage nurse at one of America’s busiest emergency rooms, Richard Lissemore instantaneously diagnoses his patients’ vocal problems. Then, with skill and alacrity he stabilizes his student with knowledge, compassion, and great humor. The singer, with a class of witnesses, improves immediately. In my opinion, his technique and speed are unmatched, and his results are undeniable.”

Melissa Mahon

Tony Award-winning Chicago, Broadway and National Tour, Tony Award-winning The Producers, Broadway and National Tour, Tony Award-winning 42nd Street, Broadway, Radio City Music Hall Rockette

“I highly recommend Richard’s honest approach. He doesn’t let you get away with anything. I went from squeaking by the vocal audition for the chorus to playing principal roles with confidence. I finally feel that I have the technique to make smart vocal choices. The days of crossing my fingers and hoping for the best are over. Thanks Richard!”

Hans Piesbergen

Major roles throughout Germany and Canada

“I worked with Richard in Stuttgart, Germany and he really gave me some new ideas about presenting myself in an audition. He helped me so much in the development of my voice and has been a very strong influence. I hope to work with him again as soon as possible!”