NYVC Singer Spotlight: Uma Scher

How did you discover your passion for singing?

My parents first discovered that singing was something I could be passionate about when I was still living in Jersey City as an elementary schooler, singing music from Frozen around our apartment. When we moved to Westchester, NY, my parents decided they’d enroll me in lessons at Crestwood Music, where I began building the foundations of my voice that I’ve developed all the way up to today.

What’s something recent or exciting in your singing journey?

I was recently accepted into New York University’s undergraduate Contemporary Voice program, with help from my vocal coach at NYVC, Andrea Grody, who gave me lessons throughout my audition prep process and even played live accompaniment for me during my online audition. Andy King, another great vocal teacher, also worked with me while Andrea was away. I’m so excited to continue my singing journey in college and to get to be a part of the rich music culture and community in the city!

 What is an interesting or funny fact about you?

My four-piece rock band, Crēver, plays all around the Westchester area. We recently got to play at the legendary music venue, Garcia’s, in Port Chester, and we hope to perform at other places like that very soon! We play a bunch of different genres, but our recent favorites are prog rock, hard rock, classic rock, and grunge. We’re also working on an album we plan to release within the next year.

What led you to studying at NYVC?

I did some research with my dad after we realized that I needed lessons outside of the ones I was taking at School of Rock, since I needed to expand my voice profile into genres and styles other than rock music. We decided on New York Vocal Coaching, since it seemed like the highest-rated and best quality program in the city that met my needs at the time. We also loved that Andrea was such an accomplished musician and director, so we decided that this studio would be the best fit for me.

Who or what are your biggest musical influences?

My style is rooted in rock and contemporary music, so my biggest vocal influences are Ann Wilson, Maynard James Keenan, Robert Plant, Amy Lee, and Amy Winehouse. I hope to integrate more musical theater influences into my singing, since I have recently discovered a love for theater as part of my school’s drama club.

What styles of music do you sing?

I have lots of variety in my repertoire; I sing mainly musical theatre, contemporary pop, jazz, and rock styles. I plan to release music, and when I do, it’ll be a little bit of everything I like: gothic rock, some jazzy stuff, and parts of grunge and shoegaze.

What is one piece of advice you’d love all singers to know?

Stage fright is completely normal. For me, I do experience much less stage fright than I used to, but the difference isn’t the actual level of nervousness; it’s whether you let it control your performance. Work on your technique under stress, and you’ll appear less nervous on stage and feel more confident as a result!

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced as an artist?

Creative self-doubt has been my biggest obstacle. I’ve often caught myself holding back in writing sessions by myself and with others because I questioned whether my ideas were good enough. Over time, I’ve realized that creativity isn’t about producing perfect ideas every time; it’s about being willing to share them and receive criticism. Pushing through that hesitation has made me a more robust collaborator and artist.

What has been your greatest victory as an artist?

Some of my greatest victories so far include being accepted to New York University and being selected for the 2026 Hawaii Performing Arts Festival. There, I’ll perform in a young artists’ showcase, sing in the ensemble of Carousel, and take advantage of voice lessons and masterclasses from professionals in the industry. As I turn 18 next month, I’m super proud of these milestones, and I’m excited for what’s ahead!

Where can people find more about you and your music?

Everyone can find out more about me on Instagram at @umaschermusic (the account is brand-new, so please show it some love!), and you can follow my band, Crēver, on there too, at @creverband. Also, I sing on my fabulous drummer and boyfriend, Cole Pagen’s, debut album, Taxidermy, available on all music streaming platforms. We are releasing a second album shortly, and I’m putting out a single of my own sometime soon, so please be on the lookout for those projects on my social media!