Singer, songwriter, musician and teacher Machan Taylor, is an accomplished veteran of the music business for over 30 years. She has toured and performed with Sting, Pink Floyd, Pat Benetar, George Benson, Foreigner, Aretha Franklin, Billy Joel, James Taylor, Gov’t Mule, Stockholm Syndrome, Toots Hibbert, The Glenn Miller Orch, Bobby Caldwell, Steve Tyrell, and other internationally notable artists.
She has also sung on numerous national TV and radio commercials and film soundtracks, including a song written by Jerry Goldsmith and John Bettis for the Star Trek V soundtrack. She was also the singing voice of Lieutenant Uhura in the same movie.
As a solo artist, her 2004 CD debuted at #35 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Charts and her follow up release in 2007 was received with international critical acclaim. She has also written and published over 100 compositions which have been featured on network and cable television shows worldwide, as well as in major films. Most recently, she had song placed in the Golden Globe winning, Oscar nominated movie Boyhood.
A dedicated vocal teacher for 17 years, she is a certified Somatic Voice™ instructor and Functional Singing coach who has instructed amateur and professional singers to better understand the mechanics of their vocal instrument, enabling them to develop full command and expression of their vocal instruments. She has coached vocalists for live, studio and film performances. Machan is credited as the vocal coach and Associate Producer for Vera Farmiga’s directorial debut film Higher Ground, which included singers Amy Helm, Warren Haynes and Norbert Leo Butz.
With her extensive life experience and varied musical background, Machan inspires her students to not only become better singers, but helps them to realize their full potential as well rounded, contemporary performing artists.
Ms. Taylor holds a B.S. in the Arts-Contemporary Vocal Performance from the SUNY-Empire State College, and a Master’s Degree in Music-Theory and Composition through NYU’s Steinhardt School of Music. She is a longtime member of ASCAP, SAG/AFTRA, Equity, and Musician’s Union Local 802. She continues to enjoy a fruitful career as a performer, composer and recording artist.