POP/ROCK/R+B TRAINING
You don’t need another class.
You need a sound. A style. A fire.
You need to walk into the audition room and own the space — not just because you’ve trained hard, but because your pop/rock/R&B game is undeniable.
Most actors play it safe in these genres. They hide behind technique. They “kind of” get it. And they wonder why the room doesn’t light up.
Groove Playground changes that.
Welcome to NYC’s premier training ground for professional actors ready to own their voice, command their style, and ignite their presence.
Led by Broadway coach and genre expert Kyle Branzel, this isn’t a casual jam or karaoke night. It’s a lab. A proving ground. A no-BS space where talent turns into truth — and safe turns into stunning.
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WHO IT’S FOR
Musical theatre pros who never got real style training. You booked the show, but when the track flips to Aretha, Bruno, or Paramore, you’re faking it. Not anymore.
Classically trained singers who sound “too legit” for pop. You’ve mastered control and clarity. Now it’s time for texture, edge, and soul.
Performers who are used to playing it safe in the room. You hit the notes. You take the direction. But no one’s on the edge of their seat. Let’s fix that.
Artists who are done being told to “just feel it.” You don’t need more vibes. You need clear steps, real tools, and a system that actually works.
Groove Playground is NOT for dabblers. It’s for doers.
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WHAT WE DO
Genre mastery. Learn the vocabulary, phrasing, styling, and nuance of authentic pop, rock, and R&B. No Broadway-izing. No traces of “musical theatre” where it doesn’t belong. This is the real thing.
Vocal delivery. We’ll build your vocal agility, resonance, groove, and edge. You’ll sound like you — but bigger, braver, and more emotionally alive.
Performance coaching. Your body, your story, your soul. Get direction that actually helps you land the song, not just sing it.
Repertoire strategy. Ditch the tired cuts. Find songs that light you up and get you work. Build a book that books.
This ain’t karaoke. It’s craft.
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WHY IT WORKS
Because Kyle’s not guessing.
He’s trained hundreds of Broadway actors, taught college MT programs, directed and music-directed dozens of shows, and built a powerhouse community of pros who trust his ear, his taste, and his coaching.
He speaks fluent industry. And he listens deeply.
You’re not getting formula. You’re getting real coaching. Tailored, truthful, and totally driven by your goals.
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RESULTS THAT MATTER
Actors from Groove Playground have:
Booked Broadway roles.
Landed pop-heavy callbacks they used to dread.
Reclaimed their artistry, not by playing it “right” but by playing it real.
This isn’t “sing it again, but louder.” This is redefining how you show up in the room. This is getting seen and heard because of the new you.
Technique is just the start. What you do with it — that’s the revolution.
SUMMER HIATUS
⏸️
GROOVE PLAYGROUND
IS ON PAUSE FOR THE SUMMER
Sharper, louder, and ready to blow the roof off.
We’ll be back in the fall.
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WANT IN?
Registration opens ONLY to the mailing list first. And spots disappear fast.
We never spam or share your info.
4 x 3-hour in-person classes to unleash your inner superstar
🧑🎤 GROOVE PLAYGROUND
This is the flagship. Groove Playground is a hands-on, high-impact training experience for pro actors ready to master the how of sounding authentic in pop/rock/R&B. Equal parts vocal styling, physical performance, and artistic risk, it’s built for serious growth and repeatable breakthroughs.
Each session begins with group exercises to isolate specific skills, followed by individualized coaching with a live pianist. You’ll get custom feedback on your voice, your vibe, and your performance — plus a toolkit of techniques to take anywhere.
Whether you’re prepping for an audition, chasing a creative jolt, or reclaiming your sound, this class meets you where you are and pushes you where you need to go.
Includes access to the online “Just the Basics” workshop.
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REAL TOOLS
Forget “just feel it.” Groove Playground gives you a full system of tools, frameworks, and strategies that actually work. Learn a proven method you can use over and over again.
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VOICE + BODY
Break down stylization, phrasing, movement, and connection through high-level group drills and personal coaching. It’s not just about how you sound, it’s how you show up.
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ALWAYS EVOLVING
Built to be repeatable. Each round follows a familiar structure with rotating prompts, exercises, and stylistic focuses — so returning artists always find fresh terrain to explore.
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SMALL CIRCLE
Capped at 6 participants. Designed exclusively for pro artists. You’ll learn from each other as much as from the coaching — and build real creative momentum together.
This is where performers become artists. Get the reps, the rigor, and the real-world edge.
Be the first to know when class is offered next.
Not sure if it’s right for you? Let’s talk it out.
“Kyle’s musical knowledge is BEYOND.”
★
“Groove Playground is an artistic home.”
★
“Kyle is a rockstar.”
★
“I learned so much and I had the MOST fun.”
★
“Kyle’s musical knowledge is BEYOND.” ★ “Groove Playground is an artistic home.” ★ “Kyle is a rockstar.” ★ “I learned so much and I had the MOST fun.” ★
“Kyle not only gave me incredible tips, tricks, and tools, but also the confidence that I’m capable of doing anything in the pop/rock world.”
★
“Kyle has such an amazing style of teaching that really made the experience unforgettable and life changing.”
★
“Kyle runs the class in such a way that the new information is not only approachable, but is easy to follow and, in turn, master.”
★
“This is a class that is unlike anything that I’ve experienced and witnessed in our industry. It should truly be a requirement of any training programs.”
★
“Kyle not only gave me incredible tips, tricks, and tools, but also the confidence that I’m capable of doing anything in the pop/rock world.” ★ “Kyle has such an amazing style of teaching that really made the experience unforgettable and life changing.” ★ “Kyle runs the class in such a way that the new information is not only approachable, but is easy to follow and, in turn, master.” ★ “This is a class that is unlike anything that I’ve experienced and witnessed in our industry. It should truly be a requirement of any training programs.” ★
“Kyle’s tools are digestible, actionable, and truly makes it so that anybody can sing and become their own inner rockstar.”
★
“I would recommend Groove Playground class to anyone who has ever been afraid of singing pop/rock to those who already feel comfortable. There is so much to gain no matter where you are in your pop/rock journey.”
★
“I have always been apprehensive about singing pop/rock music because I was under the impression that it was something you were just born with. Since taking Kyle’s classes I’ve learned it CAN BE TAUGHT and all are welcome to play in the pop/rock sandbox.”
★
“As someone who doesn't always feel comfortable singing pop/rock material, with the help of Kyle's Groove Playground, I was able to channel my inner rock star!”
★
“Kyle’s tools are digestible, actionable, and truly makes it so that anybody can sing and become their own inner rockstar.” ★ “I would recommend Groove Playground class to anyone who has ever been afraid of singing pop/rock to those who already feel comfortable. There is so much to gain no matter where you are in your pop/rock journey.” ★ “I have always been apprehensive about singing pop/rock music because I was under the impression that it was something you were just born with. Since taking Kyle’s classes I’ve learned it CAN BE TAUGHT and all are welcome to play in the pop/rock sandbox.” ★ “As someone who doesn't always feel comfortable singing pop/rock material, with the help of Kyle's Groove Playground, I was able to channel my inner rock star!” ★
💻 JUST THE BASICS
1 x 90-minute online workshop to decode the pop/rock/R+B formula
New to the genre? Or just need a smarter system? This online workshop is the perfect starting point for actors who want to understand how pop/rock/R&B actually works.
Through a dynamic mix of lecture, listening, and live discussion, you’ll unpack a repeatable framework for making this genre feel natural, expressive, and honest. Expect audio/video analysis of real-world artists, concrete tools you can apply immediately, and space for your biggest questions.
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PROVEN FRAMEWORK
You’ll learn a clear, tested methodology for vocal and physical stylization that skips vague advice and gets results fast. Use it on your next audition cut or your next gig.
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RADIOACTIVE RESEARCH
Study superstar performances and break them down like a pro. See and hear what makes them hit, and learn how to channel the same instincts in your own work.
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FRESH EXAMPLES
No canned slides or recycled playlists. Each class includes new clips, niche insights, and specialty topics — so even returning students stay on their toes.
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LIVE + REPLAY
Not some pre-recorded video course. Always taught live. Always open to questions. Can’t make it in real time? You’ll get a replay so you can catch up anytime.
Start smart. Build your base. Unlock the code to pop/rock/R+B performance.
Be the first to know when class is offered next.
"Groove Playground should be a requirement of any training programs."
★
“Kyle is a rockstar.”
★
“Groove Playground is an artistic home.”
★
"It’s so easy to go to this very simple, easy-to-remember system.”
★
“I learned so much and I had the MOST fun.”
★
"Groove Playground should be a requirement of any training programs." ★ “Kyle is a rockstar.” ★ “Groove Playground is an artistic home.” ★ "It’s so easy to go to this very simple, easy-to-remember system.” ★ “I learned so much and I had the MOST fun.” ★
“You are allowed to play, discover, and create. You are allowed to be right where you are. It’s just the perfect place to experiment in freedom and without judgement.”
★
“After working with Kyle, I now feel capable of singing any genre of music, which was not the case before.”
★
“Groove Playground equipped me with the ability to understand the style, tone, and interpretation of Pop/Rock music in the Musical Theatre framework.”
★
“I come from a traditional classical singing background. I didn’t know what would happen if I went to a class and focused on this kind of singing for a month. I’m so glad I did."
★
“You are allowed to play, discover, and create. You are allowed to be right where you are. It’s just the perfect place to experiment in freedom and without judgement.” ★ “After working with Kyle, I now feel capable of singing any genre of music, which was not the case before.” ★ “Groove Playground equipped me with the ability to understand the style, tone, and interpretation of Pop/Rock music in the Musical Theatre framework.” ★ “I come from a traditional classical singing background. I didn’t know what would happen if I went to a class and focused on this kind of singing for a month. I’m so glad I did." ★
“If you’re ever stuck, it’s so easy to go to this very simple, easy-to-remember system.”
★
“I actually enjoy listening to my old favorite stations on the radio more than I used to because I have new ears to make sense of things.”
★
“I have been challenged every single time I’ve stepped into that space and I’ve always walked out feeling so full and encouraged to try something new the next time and push myself further.”
★
“If you’re ever stuck, it’s so easy to go to this very simple, easy-to-remember system.” ★ “I actually enjoy listening to my old favorite stations on the radio more than I used to because I have new ears to make sense of things.” ★ “I have been challenged every single time I’ve stepped into that space and I’ve always walked out feeling so full and encouraged to try something new the next time and push myself further.” ★
STAY GROOVY
Join the mailing list to find out when classes are offered in the fall.
We never spam or share your info.