Yuichi Sakai-Lelieveld

Hallo! Mijn naam is Yuichi Sakai-Lelieveld. Als Japanse bariton woon en werk ik in Nederland, waar ik actief ben als zanger en zangdocent. Ik spreek al een beetje Nederlands en werk momenteel aan mijn B1-inburgeringsexamen. Daarom geef ik mijn zanglessen in het Engels, maar ik vind het altijd leuk om voor of na de les een praatje in het Nederlands te maken.

Music has been a central part of my life for many years. My own musical journey began in elementary school, when I first experienced the joy of singing and acting in a musical theatre production. That experience sparked a lifelong love of music and performance, eventually leading me to a career as a professional singer.

Today, I am particularly passionate about opera, early music, and the connection between the body, breath, and voice. Through my own experience as a singer, I have learned that developing a voice is not only about technique, but also about discovering a natural and authentic way of expressing oneself.

I enjoy working with singers of all levels and helping them build confidence in their voices. My lessons take place in a supportive and relaxed atmosphere where curiosity, exploration, and enjoyment of music are encouraged.

For me, singing is deeply connected to the experience of being alive. Breathing is something we do every moment of our lives, and singing is a natural extension of that breath. I believe that discovering and expressing one's true voice is also a way of embracing one's authentic self and celebrating the joy of being alive.

The opportunity to sing has enriched my life in countless ways, and I hope to share that experience with others. Nothing makes me happier than helping students develop confidence, freedom, and joy through music.

My lessons are open to singers of all ages and levels, from complete beginners to experienced performers and professional singers seeking solutions to vocal challenges. Each student receives individual guidance tailored to their goals, experience, and unique voice.

Whether you are preparing for performances, studying classical singing, or simply singing for pleasure, I look forward to supporting you on your musical journey.

My lessons focus on helping students develop a free, healthy, and expressive singing voice. Whether you are a beginner, an amateur singer, or an advanced student, I aim to help you sing with greater ease, confidence, and musical freedom.

A central part of my teaching is the relationship between posture, breathing, and vocal production. Many vocal difficulties—such as tension in the throat, limited breath capacity, or difficulty sustaining phrases—can often be improved through a better understanding of how the body supports the voice. Students learn to develop natural alignment, efficient breathing, and coordinated body awareness, creating a reliable foundation for singing.

Technical development, however, is never an end in itself. The ultimate goal is to use that freedom to communicate through music. By discovering a natural and authentic voice, students can explore richer tone colours, longer phrasing, and more meaningful musical expression.