About
What makes me different than other vocal coaches? Most other college level professional teachers are classical leaning and will have you do outdated boring scale exercises. If you want to learn how to sing the styles on your play list, classical training won't help you. I find many of today's singers want to learn textures and raspy sounds, and how to hit those powerful high notes with ease without sounding operatic. I get faster results in a more fun way! Curious? Text (707) 992-5111
I'm a Certified Voice Technician, Contemporary Vocal Coach, a Singer and a Songwriter. I probably have been where you. I didn't think I had "that type of voice" either. Now I know differently. So many possibilities! Did you know you're not "stuck with" the voice you have? Your voice is a choice. Current specials are listed on my website, ZingliZh.com
I teach a variety of modern and old school contemporary styles: Pop, Rock, Metal, RnB, Jazz, Folk, Americana, Country, Musical Theatre, and Songwriting. My goal is to help singers of all levels learn styles sung by commercial pro-singers in various genres, and sound authentic doing it. And my lessons are fun! Text (707) 992-5111
Specialties
Musical styles
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Photos and videos
Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
The lesson depends entirely on the goals and needs of the student. I don't do anything "generic" or "boring." Be prepared to have fun and laugh, make weird animal noises while you are learning. HA!
My favorite thing is when students bring a song they think they'd never be able to sing. YES! Let's do this! And then they can. Cool!
You are welcome to bring any material that you’ve been already working on, or that you would like to start working on. You can sing it without music, or with recorded background music.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
The more I know, the more I can help you! I continue to study with various specialists and take courses in specific genres by teachers from all over the world. My goal is to keep up with the latest information by continuing my education on a daily basis. I'm also currently co-writing a book.
But as far as my education history: I graduated with an AA degree in music/vocal in 1991 from Mendocino College, where I also tutored beginning piano and music theory students. In 1992, I began studying at Santa Rosa Junior College: songwriting, contemporary composition in Jazz, Rock and Pop, video production, multimedia and theatre arts. I spent 13 years being part of the teaching team for an adult education singing class at SRJC. I also taught songwriting at a middle school in Rohnert Park, and Musical Theatre in Santa Rosa.
In 2016, I completed an intensive training course on vocal anatomy at one of the largest music schools in Manhattan: New York Vocal Coaching. Also, I was the first US teacher to attend an Advanced Voice Teacher Training Retreat from The Vocal Process in the UK in 2019 and Boston's Berklee College of Music's On-line Certification program in songwriting.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$47 per 45 minute Standard Lesson via Zoom
Also packages, but see website for more details ZingliZh.com as Specials change per season.
Gift Certificates Available
How did you get started teaching?
I love to teach! Nothing excites me more than helping others become more of who they are. I had taken lessons from voice teachers that bored me to tears doing classical scales that didn't seem to help. Sometimes the coach was harsh and critical and wanted me to sound classical, boring and pretty. I wanted to sing rock, folk, country, and learn styles that had power and textures. So I set out to become the teacher I always wanted to find, someone honest and fair and encouraging, and teaches the styles people actually listen to and sing along with. And I'm fun!
What types of students have you worked with?
I mostly work with students 18 and older, many of my students are retired ages, and all ages in between. I like to teach styles that people listen to and sing along with, not classical stuff, but real radio play type music of all eras, not just modern, but old school, too.
I had one student who just wanted to not be embarrassed singing happy birthday at parties. And on the other end, I've had students who are making recordings and touring as professionals writing their own music.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I LOVE when students who think they can't sing something, after just a few lessons, they nail it, and are so excited that the weird vocal things I am having them do is actually working.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
When looking for a singing teacher, look for someone who is a voice technician, not just a vocal coach or great singer, as great singers may not understand what it's like to struggle or have had the education in how the voice actually works. You wouldn't take your car to be fixed by a race car driver! Go to a great mechanic!
Look for someone who can work with your voice in a way you understand and gets quick and long lasting results with clear instruction and understands the style of music you are wanting to sing.
A teacher should be someone who is nurturing but not patronizing, someone who is honest and will tell you the truth without discouraging you, someone who continues to learn, someone who feels joy in your success. And is FUN!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What is your singing experience? What singing skills you would like to improve? Who are your favorite singers or why do you like them? Styles or genres of music you'd like to be able to sing well?