About
After ten years of studying music at the University level and earning four degrees including a doctorate, I strive particularly to offer students high quality Classical, operatic, and musical theatre training. I am well versed in the standard repertoire in these fields, and enjoy taking my students to statewide and out-of-state competitions to sing for other highly qualified teachers. I want to foster a passion for the classical genres of singing, and am glad to help students from high school to late adult ages. I particulary enjoy helping high school students with the college audition process, and navigating various in-state and out-of-state schools, going over in detail scholarship options, school programs, and helping them to find what they desire most out of an upper level music education.
Degrees Obtained:
Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance - Samford University (2009)
Masters of Music Education - Samford University (2010)
Master of Music in Voice and Opera - Northwestern University (2013)
Doctorate of Musical Arts in Vocal Performance - The University of Alabama (2015)
I select my students by in-person audition.
I enjoy helping students find their best physical, mental and emotional abilities to perform. Through extensive training in breath management, proper alignment, release of tension, English and foreign language diction, and stylistic nuances of various genres, I like to help students create a musical experience with each piece assigned. Students can either treat music as "singing a song" or "performing a piece" - I like to help them achieve the latter in all aspects - text, music, and drama.
I enjoy helping students to finesse new languages. Students have the option of singing in the following languages, which I am well versed in the diction nuances of:
English, Latin, Italian, French, German, Russian, and more.
Highlights
Reviews
Cynthia M.
Hannah B.
Jeffrey G.
Rebekah A.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
When meeting new students I listen closely to their desires for furthering their musical education. Do they wish to win college scholarships? Do they wish to better contribute to their local community or church choir? Do they intend to audition for a musical theatre production? After I learn this, I am able to tailor the appropriate repertoire to a student's range, age, ability, and voice type. Then I will challenge students to increase their skills in breath management, clarity of diction, posture/alignment awareness, and tone production to produce a well-rounded performance, with the addition of emotion and drama.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance - Samford University (2009)
Master of Music Education - Samford University (2010)
Master of Music in Voice and Opera - Northwestern University (2013)
Doctorate of Musical Arts in Vocal Performance - The University of Alabama (2015)
I have seven years of experience teaching high school and college level students, both non-music and music mminors, and adults up to age 70. I have taught undergraduate students at The University of Alabama, had a student in the top 10 (semi-finalist) at the Miss Alabama pageant.
I was on faculty at Judson College for four years, and helped many students carry out successful recitals and auditions, including one student who won 3rd place for first year college women in the Alabama National Association of Teachers of Singing competition in 2017. I have also had high school students place in the ALANATS competition in the classical and musical theatre categories.
I am proud to have helped many high school students realize their dreams of being accepted into the music departments of the following colleges and universities: Lee University, Samford University, Belmont University, The University of Alabama, The University of Montevallo, Elon University, and Reinhardt College.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
30 minutes - $45
45 minutes - $65
60 minutes - $80
How did you get started teaching?
Through parents of young aspiring singers
What types of students have you worked with?
High school age - senior adult
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
A recent student of mine gave a recital in November. For those 30 minutes, she wore a stunningly beautiful gown, and displayed all of her vocal talent, as well as the confidence gained from hard work and persistence in practice that we laid the foundation for in her weekly private lessons. Her family beamed with pride and happiness at seeing their daughter mature and take responsibility for her learning and betterment.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Choosing a voice teacher can be a daunting task. A student's private time with the teacher can be highly enriching if the student and teacher jive on an emotional and personal level, with the appropriate amount of give and take, challenge and encouragement from both parties. Parents and students should get along personably with the teacher, and fully trust the teacher to take the voice in hand to mold it into the most powerful and efficient instrument the student can manage.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What are your goals for lessons? Do you desire to win competitions, sing in a church choir, audition for college scholarships, audition for musical theatre shows, or do you merely wish to strengthen your knowledge and natural instrument? Who are your vocal models? Who do you want to sound like, or whose voice do you admire most? Knowing these answers will help you to figure out with your teacher how often you should have private voice lessons.