Miriam Risko is a vocal coach, voice teacher, performer, and co-owner of Mike Risko Music, a nationally recognized music school and store in Westchester County, NY. She has over 30 years of experience helping singers develop strong, healthy technique and expressive, confident performance. She also fronts The Mike Risko Band, a high-energy pop/rock group that performs throughout the region and was featured at the 2025 NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA.
Miriam has completed training in contemporary voice teaching methods through the CCM Institute at Shenandoah University. She works with singers in pop, rock, and musical theater styles using healthy, functional techniques that support expressive, confident singing. Her teaching blends strong vocal foundations with real-world performance coaching, including mic technique, and she incorporates tools like SOVT (semi-occluded vocal tract) exercises to improve breath coordination and vocal balance. Lessons are tailored to each singer’s goals—whether they’re exploring their voice as a hobby or preparing for auditions, performances, or fronting a band. Miriam helps students of all ages and levels build confidence and discover their unique sound.
The vocal studio at Mike Risko Music is designed like a live performance space, complete with microphones, lighting, and room to move—so students can connect vocal technique with physical expression and build confidence in real-world settings.
Miriam holds a Bachelors degree in Communications and Literature with a minor in Musical Theater, and studied voice at Ithaca College and Pace University. She began her training as a young performer with classical and musical theater study, including at the Aaron Copland Music and Arts Program, and has spent more than three decades immersed in live rock and pop performance.
In addition to voice, she teaches piano and specializes in helping singers accompany themselves using chord-based piano. She brings energy, clarity, and creativity to lessons for students of all ages—including kids, adults, professionals, and first-time performers.
As co-owner of Mike Risko Music, Miriam plays a central role in both the educational and business sides of the company. She oversees programming, marketing, and daily operations at the school, ensuring that students and store customers have access to high-quality instruction, resources, and support at every stage of their musical journey.
She created the school’s musical theater program and has directed over 30 full-scale JR productions. Miriam also leads community outreach efforts, including Make Music Day Ossining–Briarcliff and the school’s musical instrument donation program—creating meaningful ways for people of all ages to engage with music.
Miriam is a member of both NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing) and NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants). She is a frequent speaker at industry events, including the NAMM Show, and has participated in NAMM’s advocacy Fly-In in Washington, D.C., where she represents and promotes access to music education at the federal level. She is also a recipient of the 914INC. Women in Business Award for her leadership and innovation in the arts.