About Vanessa Purdy

As a professional artist and musician, Vanessa Purdy entertained audiences for many years with her eclectic musical range and rich vocal styling. From pop to jazz, Vanessa headlined in the top resorts, nightclubs and hot spots throughout Phoenix, Arizona.

Vanessa was also awarded an “Outstanding Citizen Award” from the City of Phoenix for her performing contribution to the community.  In addition, she received several nominations for “Performer of the Year” by the Arizona Entertainment Awards.

As her musical career and popularity continued to rise, tragedy struck. Vanessa suffered a tear in her vertebral artery which resulted in a stroke.

Initially, the stroke left Vanessa unable to walk or talk. After more than two years of intense physical therapy, she regained her mobility.  Vanessa eventually could speak again, but the damage was unyielding. Her left vocal chord remained paralyzed - permanently.

It was every professional singer’s nightmare. Vanessa lost her voice, and more importantly, her career.
None of the ear, nose and throat specialists or physicians at the Mayo Clinic and other healthcare facilities knew how to help Vanessa rehabilitate her paralyzed chord. Rejecting their suggestions of experimental surgery and other invasive alternative treatments, Vanessa sought another solution.

Vanessa scoured the libraries and professional music directories in search of options in vocal rehabilitation. She came across a unique method of vocal training called "Speech Level SingingTM" developed by a remarkable man, Seth Riggs.

Seth Riggs created the proven method that allowed vocal artists to sing with a strong, clear, flexible voice over a range that exceeded one’s expectations. Plus, he had over 100 Grammy Award winning artists using his technique. With names like Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder, Annie Lennox, and many, many others on his roster, Vanessa began working with Seth Riggs’ associate teacher, Dave Stroud (CEO - Speech Level Singing) and soon after, Seth himself.

Physicians once told Vanessa not to expect to sing again. The problem is -- they forgot to tell Seth Riggs and Dave Stroud. The pair helped Vanessa retrain her sound.

That was almost fifteen years ago. Today, Vanessa Purdy is serving others by teaching Seth Riggs’ Speech Level Singing method to vocal students and voice teachers throughout Arizona, across the country and around the world.   A Level 5 Certified Speech Level Singing Teacher, Vanessa works tirelessly with all levels of singers: students entering the music profession; artists looking to perfect their sound; music teachers; and even vocal rehab patients.

Vanessa also accompanies Seth Riggs as a member of his teaching staff at the prestigious “Seth Riggs Summer Vocal Program” and has contributed to the development and education of young, emerging artists at the program for six years.

Remarkably, Vanessa is performing live again and also works as a studio backup vocalist for various artists.
Whether her students are singing in church, karaoke, or performing live in-concert or in the recording studio, Vanessa’s dream is to continue to bring Seth Riggs’ elegant musical method to life for others.
And along the way, Vanessa joyously continues to find her own voice.