Marquesses & Marchionesses

Welcome! To apply for our Adult Songwriting or Music Production Team (Ages 18+), please answer the questions below and review our policies to make sure this company is the right fit for you. All responses will be confidential per our privacy policy, and questions without an asterisk will be optional. Once submitted, you will hear back from us within a week. We will either schedule your 15-minute interview, place you on a waitlist, or direct you to one of our other programs. ✨

General Information

Home Address

Why we ask: Because our interviews and sessions take place online, we keep a current physical address on file for client safety. In the unlikely event of an emergency or crisis during a live video call, this will ensure that our team can promptly connect you, your teen, or your child with emergency services in your area.

Emergency Contact

Marketing

When you apply for any program at Once Upon a Voice, you consent to receive communications from us. These communications will include essential updates related to your participation, such as session notifications, billing information, and company updates, as well as optional marketing emails and text messages featuring promotional offers and educational content designed to enhance your experience.

Receiving essential updates will be necessary to access your programs and services. However, we recognize that not everyone wishes to receive marketing communications. For this reason, you may opt out of marketing emails or text messages at any time (by clicking or tapping the unsubscribe button in emails or replying STOP to text messages) without affecting your access to essential updates or the benefits of our communication. (Message and data rates may apply for text communications.)

We encourage you to remain subscribed to both essential and marketing communications so you can fully benefit from our trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming, and accessible offerings, including new opportunities and resources. If you choose to opt out of marketing communications, you will still receive all necessary updates to ensure a seamless and supportive experience with us.

By providing your contact information and subscribing to our services, you confirm your understanding and agreement to this policy. If you have any questions or concerns about managing your communication preferences, contact us directly for assistance.

Session Availability

Tuition

Communication

Marcelland, our private Discord server, will be our accessible and welcoming community for clients, parents, and guardians. It will offer a safe space for parents and guardians to connect, share updates about their children enrolled at Once Upon a Voice, and seek guidance on supporting their musical growth. Students under 13 may participate in designated channels under the active supervision of their parents or guardians. This supervision will ensure compliance with Discord’s Terms of Service and provide a secure experience for our youngest members.

For teen clients, Marcelland will be a platform to connect with peers, celebrate achievements, and seek advice on their professional growth. Positive and respectful interactions will be central to our trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming approach, ensuring every member feels valued and supported.

If you encounter issues on Discord, such as account access or platform errors, you will be able to reach Discord Support at https://support.discord.com. In Marcelland, we will encourage members to use The Bleux Castle channel to report community-related issues or share suggestions. Please contact our team directly for matters requiring private attention, such as inappropriate behavior. Open communication will ensure that we handle concerns effectively and professionally.

For urgent matters, call us at 702-941-6477 or text us at 702-582-8455. If unavailable, leave a voicemail, and we will respond within 24 hours. For all other inquiries, email us at info@onceuponavoicellc.com, and we will reply within 3–5 days. By following these guidelines, we will address issues promptly and efficiently, allowing Marcelland to remain a collaborative and compassionate space for our community.

Attendance

At Once Upon a Voice, we are committed to providing a smooth and supportive learning experience for all clients and families. Our policies reflect a trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming, and accessible approach that honors both flexibility and structure.

Caregivers will not be permitted to interject, hold side conversations, or otherwise cause distractions during instructional time. For ages 8–12, a caregiver will be required to stay nearby and available to help if needed, but not remain in the room. For teen clients, caregivers will not have to be present in the room or participate in sessions after the client's first month, unless an approved accommodation is in place. In all cases, caregivers or emergency contacts will be expected to remain reachable during each session in case of technical difficulties or crises.

Based on their availability, each Roster songwriter and music producer will be placed in one weekly studio session. This time will be reserved just for them and their teammates—and it will be held with great care. Roster writers and producers will be limited to one studio session per week except during scheduled breaks or additional studio time (purchased separately). Upon admission, you will be able to find those scheduled breaks in our private studio calendar.

We will not offer live makeup sessions. However, if a client cannot attend their scheduled session, they may request extra asynchronous instruction in its place, provided written notice is given at least 24 hours in advance. If the session is less than three days away, this notice willl have to be submitted by text to our business phone. If the session is three or more days away, notice will have to be sent by email. This documentation will be required even if the absence has already been discussed over the phone or through another method of communication.

If a student is late to their session, it will still end at the originally scheduled time to respect the instructors' and other Roster members' schedules. We will remain available for the full duration of the session in case the client is running late due to anxiety, executive functioning challenges, or other barriers. However, if the client does not arrive and no timely notice is received, the session will be considered missed and extra asynchronous instruction will not be offered.

While we understand that needs can shift, excessive rescheduling, absences, or tardiness may signal that sessions with us are no longer the best fit. In those cases, we may gently discontinue enrollment to make space for clients better able to engage consistently.

While all purchases will be considered final, there are thoughtful cases in which a prorated refund may be granted. These will be limited to situations where a client is unable to continue due to documented physical or mental health reasons, when Once Upon a Voice discontinues enrollment due to a safety or conduct concern, or when the instructor becomes temporarily unavailable due to illness, emergency, or another reason unrelated to scheduled studio breaks. If the instructor must cancel a session, extra asynchronous instruction will be provided whenever possible. In the rare event that asynchronous instruction cannot be provided within a reasonable timeframe, a prorated refund may be issued instead. All refunds will be calculated from the date proper documentation was received or the date the family was officially informed of disenrollment. We will not honor retroactive dates or issue refunds for temporary absences initiated by the student.

These policies will help preserve the consistency and care at the heart of our studio. We will be deeply committed to each client's growth, and your partnership in upholding these standards will help us maintain the customized, high-quality value that defines Once Upon a Voice.

Media Release

Photos & Videos

We will record all studio sessions to provide clients with a valuable educational resource. These recordings will allow clients to revisit our trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming, and accessible instruction at their convenience. Official recordings will be proprietary and shared only with the enrolled client and their parent or guardian, if applicable. To protect this material, clients and their families may not share, distribute, or post these official session recordings.

However, clients and families will be welcome to record and share their own content from sessions through screenshots, videos, or photos. We will encourage everyone to be mindful of personal privacy when sharing session-related content.

Occasionally, we will feature clients in marketing and promotional materials. We will only do so after obtaining written consent. Only our team may post official marketing content to ensure privacy and consistency. Clients, parents, and guardians will always be welcome to share or repost our approved content!

Medical History

We ask for information about any medical history that may affect your ability to participate safely.

Health & Safety

At Once Upon a Voice, we will prioritize vocal health and provide a trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming, and accessible environment. We will welcome speaking and nonspeaking clients, including those who use American Sign Language (ASL) or other forms of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Sessions will be tailored to honor each client's expressive style and support meaningful engagement, with caregiver collaboration as needed. Our programs and services will promote sustainable voice use and creative exploration through music production, songwriting, and recording. However, we are not medical professionals and cannot diagnose or treat physical or mental health conditions. We encourage clients and families to consult licensed healthcare providers, such as pediatricians, laryngologists, or psychiatrists, for assessment and care. For clients in speech or voice therapy, we will be happy to collaborate with their speech-language pathologist to support their progress in music.

Clients may be unable to participate if any of the following apply at enrollment or during their time with us:

•  Recent Vocal Surgery: Medical clearance will be required. We will be happy to coordinate with healthcare providers to ensure a safe return.

• Throat Infections: Full recovery from acute conditions such as strep throat or tonsillitis will be necessary before resuming participation.

• Vocal Health Concerns: Persistent voice issues lasting more than two consecutive weeks require medical attention. These include chronic hoarseness, vocal fatigue, or pain while speaking or singing.

• Respiratory Illnesses: Full recovery from conditions such as bronchitis or pneumonia will be required before participation.

• Allergies: Clients will have to wait until acute throat or respiratory symptoms improve.

• Post-Dental Procedures: We will require sufficient healing time after dental work affecting the mouth or jaw.

• Acid Reflux: Clients with unmanaged acid reflux that significantly affects their voice should seek medical management before starting or continuing.

• Feeding or Swallowing Challenges: Clients who experience discomfort or difficulty with vocalization due to feeding or swallowing disorders, such as dysphagia or frequent aspiration, should consult a healthcare provider before engaging in singing or rapping activities.

• Sensory Sensitivities: We will aim to create a welcoming environment for clients with sensory sensitivities. However, those who experience extreme distress from sound, music, or interactive engagement may need additional accommodations. We will be happy to discuss options to support participation.

• Communication Support Needs: Clients will need a reliable method of communication that allows the instructor (and peers, when applicable) to understand their responses, preferences, and ideas. We will welcome nonspeaking students; however, real-time interpretation or caregiver support will be necessary to help facilitate participation when an AAC device requires assistance. We will be committed to providing an accessible learning environment and value partnering with families to ensure each student’s communication needs are fully supported.

• Emotional Barriers: Clients who struggle with self-reflection or emotional exploration may need additional support. We will be committed to helping students who find this difficult due to trauma, neurodivergence, or disability by collaborating on appropriate accommodations.

• Discomfort with Feedback: Clients who are unwilling to accept constructive feedback may not benefit from our collaborative programs and services.

• Lack of Commitment: Consistent practice and engagement will be essential for progress and creative growth.

• Social or Performance Anxiety: We will offer accommodations to help clients participate meaningfully. If anxiety significantly interferes with engagement, we may recommend seeking professional support before starting or continuing in a program.

  
  

We will accommodate individual needs whenever possible. If participation is determined to be unfeasible, we will recommend exploring music therapy for clients who still wish to sing, rap, write songs, or produce music. The American Music Therapy Association offers resources to help families find a qualified music therapist.

We will take every precaution to provide a safe and beneficial learning environment, but no activity is entirely risk-free. By enrolling in our programs and services, you acknowledge and accept the inherent risks of participation, including the possibility of vocal fatigue. Clients and families assume full responsibility for their participation. Once Upon a Voice does not and will not accept liability for injuries, vocal strain, or other health-related concerns that arise from participation. In jurisdictions that limit liability disclaimers, our liability will be restricted to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Mental Wellness

Creative Boundaries

At Once Upon a Voice, we will prove that commercially competitive, deeply authentic music does not require putting your private life on display. We will be committed to a trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming, and accessible space where recording artists, songwriters, and music producers can tackle what the world tries to silence—including gender-based violence and its related issues—without ever compromising privacy or safety.

Two non-negotiable studio frameworks will guide all projects:

✨ The Three-Layer System

Structured around the anatomical layers of the vocal folds, our song catalog and production themes will be gated by age and developmental readiness:

• Layer One (Ages 8+ | Mucosa): Family-friendly exploration of identity, self-esteem, body image, and boundaries, building a foundation of personal sovereignty.

• Layer Two (Ages 13+ | Ligament): Examination of dating, consent, and complex relationship dynamics to identify abuse and cultivate relational sovereignty.

• Layer Three (Ages 18+ | Deep Muscle): Full adult deconstruction of sexual health, desire, harassment, and assault recovery, empowering creators to reclaim intimate sovereignty.

✨ The Once Upon a Character Method: Protecting Privacy

To ensure creative sessions remain empowering rather than invasive, every project will operate behind protective character boundaries. Using this method, authenticity will be preserved through emotional truth, not literal facts:

• Emotional Authenticity over Personal Disclosure: Artists, songwriters, and producers will channel 100% genuine, raw human feeling—joy, heartbreak, rage, or empowerment—into a track. However, the specific plot points, names, dates, and locations will belong entirely to a fictional character narrative.

• Sensory Embellishment & Universal Lyrics: Creators will be taught top music industry workflows to blend real-life sensory memories (like "ripped blue jeans" or "sunshine piercing my glasses") into imagined storylines, stripping away private markers to turn hyper-specific experiences into universal truths.

• Universal Studio Standard: The character framework will apply to everyone in the room—clients and instructors alike. No one will ever be put on the spot or asked to explain if a song is autobiographical, observational, or pure fiction. You, your teen, or your child will always have a built-in cover story: "It's just a story made up for the character."

• Total Post-Production Agency: Creators will maintain full authority over their narratives after a project is mixed and mastered. They will decide how much or how little emotional context to share in interviews, on social media, or with co-creators.

  
  

✨ Absolute Creative Sovereignty & Safety

1. Immediate Route Changes: If an instrumental track, lyrical concept, or vocal direction feels uncomfortable or too close to home, instructors and producers will pivot the session immediately.

2. Veto Power: Clients will retain final authority to veto any lyric, production choice, or thematic direction at any stage of the creative process.

3. Accessibility & Delivery: Sessions will be conducted online via Zoom and SessionWire with high off-screen activity ratios to prevent digital strain. Full details on our methods and grant-funded pathways are available on our FAQs page.

English Language

We understand that language abilities develop at different rates, and we celebrate all forms of growth. To help us tailor our instruction, please indicate youcurrent English speaking, reading, and writing levels below. This information will allow us to meet each client where they are and support their musical journey with care and creativity.

Learning Style

Music

Ownership

At Once Upon a Voice, we believe in complete financial transparency and protecting our creators' rights. Every project created in our studio will be carefully documented with clear split sheets to ensure everyone is credited and compensated fairly across all programs and collaborative structures.

✨ Independent Program Ownership

Clients enrolled in our Independent Program will retain 100% ownership of their musical compositions and master recordings. Because Independent Program clients will participate solely for instructional feedback, creative guidance, and peer community support, Voicebound Publishing and Voicelore Records will not take any percentage, ownership share, or publishing rights from their work.

✨ Roster Composition & Master Ownership Splits

When a track is created for our Roster catalog, ownership of the musical composition copyright and sound recording copyright will be allocated to protect both the creators and the supporting infrastructure:

• Publishing Share (50% Total): Allocated as 20% to the Music Producer(s), 20% to the Songwriter(s) (if applicable), and 10% to Voicebound Publishing as our in-house publisher.

• Writers / Artist Share (50% Total): Allocated as 20% to the Music Producer(s), 20% to the Songwriter(s) (if applicable), and 10% to the Recording Artist (if applicable, for bringing the song to life with their unique vocal performance and identity). If a song is placed with an external artist, that artist’s team may request a share of ownership.

• Sound Recording Copyrights (Masters): Allocated as 40% to the Music Producer(s), 40% to the Songwriter(s) (if applicable), 10% to the Recording Artist (if applicable), and 10% to Voicelore Records as our in-house label. If a master recording is placed with an external record label, that label’s team may negotiate a modified master ownership structure.

✨ Team vs. Individual Project Allocations

For collaborative group assignments across our Kids, Teens, and Adult teams, we will use equal team splits (commonly referred to as a Nashville Split or Pop Split), where the team's designated percentage will be divided equally among all enrolled members on that project:

• Production Teams: The 20% Producer Publishing Share and 20% Producer Writers Share will be divided equally among team members (guaranteeing at least an 8% total share per member for a 5-person maximum team).

• Writing Teams: The 20% Songwriter Publishing Share and 20% Songwriter Writers Share will be divided equally among team members (guaranteeing at least an 8% total share per member for a 5-person maximum team).

• Individual Projects: Roster instrumentals and songs developed during one-on-one sessions or worked on asynchronously will not use team splits; percentages will be finalized based on individual contribution within our standard songwriting, publishing, and master formulas.

✨ Placements & One-Stop Representation

By agreeing to this policy, roster creators authorize Once Upon a Voice (through Voicebound Publishing and Voicelore Records) to act as their exclusive "one-stop" representative for all placement opportunities—including major and independent label artist cuts, feature collaborations, and sync placements across film, television, games, and advertising.

• Deal Negotiation: To secure high-value opportunities, we reserve the right to negotiate placement and pitching deals directly, or to retain specialized industry consultants, pluggers, A&R managers, and entertainment attorneys to represent our catalog.

• Placement Flexibility: While our baseline splits serve as our standard model, creators grant us authorization to adjust ownership or royalty percentages when an extraordinary placement opportunity arises—such as an external record label deal, a major recording artist cut, or a high-tier sync placement—where a customized deal structure is necessary to secure the deal and advance the creator's career.

✨ The Executive Guarantee

Our clients' baseline ownership percentages will remain fully protected. External mentors, advisors, and guest collaborators will be compensated exclusively through consultation fees and/or percentages drawn directly from Voicebound Publishing’s and Voicelore Records’ shares—never from our clients’ allocated ownership.

Partnership

Songwriters and music producers signed to Voicebound Publishing will have the freedom to release their own music or sign with other companies as artists, and the publishing administration of their catalog will automatically be included in their monthly membership. However, our artists will release their music exclusively through Voicelore Records. For artists who want full independence over their records, we will offer the Independent Program.

✨ Our Label Structure

Voicelore Records will operate as Once Upon a Voice's "Integrity" pillar. Just as record labels work through structured rosters, we will maintain an exclusive artist model designed to protect, uplift, and advocate for our stars:

• Brand Integrity & Quality: It will ensure that all releases associated with our name reflect the highest professional standards, protecting the reputation of both our company and our clients.

• Dedicated Career Guidance: It will allow us to fully invest in each recording artist—providing hands-on support, strategic direction, and creative contribution as they share their work with the world.

  
  

✨ Approved Outside Features

We deeply value creative growth and collaboration. Our artists will be fully supported in collaborations, provided they receive written approval from Once Upon a Voice before each external project's release. Should this approval not be received, the artist will be at risk of roster removal. 

✨ The Independent Program

We recognize that some artists will want to learn from our curriculum while maintaining complete autonomy over their releases. If an artist wants to study with us while managing their music independently, they will be invited to join our Independent Program. This pathway will give our educational support without the exclusivity requirements of our official roster.

Technology Requirements

To participate in our trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming, and accessible programs, all roster members will need:

✨ Required Supplies

1. Quiet, distraction-free learning environment

2. Desktop or laptop computer compatible with SessionWire

3. Stable internet connection (preferably wired)

4. Ableton Live as their digital audio workstation (DAW)

   • Intro for Beginner Music Production

   • Standard for Intermediate Music Production

   • Suite for Advanced Music Production

5. MIDI keyboard

6. Recording microphone with a boom stand, pop filter, and XLR-to-XLR cables (not required if nonspeaking)

7. USB audio interface

8. Closed-back headphones with a 1/4-inch adapter to record

9. Open-back headphones with a 1/4-inch adapter to mix and master

10. External or cloud-based storage to save projects

(Note: Clients may access Ableton Live Intro, Standard, or Suite through Ableton’s 50% educational discount for K–12 and college students (as well as teachers). However, the educational discount does not apply to upgrades. Clients who plan to stick with music production may find Ableton Live Suite to be a worthwhile long-term investment, as it supports more advanced creative and technical growth over time. Ableton Live Suite is also available through Ableton's rent-to-own program.)

✨ Recommended Tools

1. Semi-occluded vocal tract (SOVT) tool 

   • To use with water

   • To use without water

2. Personal steamer

3. Nebulizer with isotonic saline (0.9% sodium chloride)

4. Panels for absorbing high and mid frequencies

   1. At least 1 floating ceiling panel

   2. At least 2 wall panels for absorbing high and mid frequencies

5. At least 4 bass traps to manage low frequencies

6. Area rug or carpet to assist with acoustic treatment

7. Mic preamp if XLR mic has low gain

8. Splice for samples (loops and one-shots)

9. Waves Ultimate for beneficial plugins

10. Studio monitors with stands or isolation pads and balanced cables

(Note: There is a free alternative for each recommended tool.)

✨ Accessibility Gear

Students who use augmentative or alternative communication (AAC), are Deaf or hard of hearing, or benefit from visual, tactile, or sensory supports may need additional music-specific aids. Because these needs differ from student to student, we will offer guidance individually. Examples may include visual beat or tempo trackers, vibration-based tools to feel rhythm, LED sound-level indicators, gesture-based conducting tools, enlarged or high-contrast notation, tactile or color markers for keyboard navigation, raised or braille overlays for specific keys, simplified DAW templates, alternative ways to monitor vocal input (such as waveform or pitch-tracking displays), adapted mic positioning aids, or camera angles that support visual monitoring during singing or recording. If you, your teen, or your child requires accommodations like these, we will help you.

✨ Technology Boundaries

Required supplies, as well as recommended tools (or their free/DIY alternatives), will need to be obtained within 30 days of enrollment. Failure to do so may result in disenrollment.