About
Do you want to MASTER YOUR VOICE (meaning *really sing*)..., or do you want to sound like everyone else? Find the RIGHT teacher for yourself (PLEASANT HILL, CA or ONLINE)!
Master your voice and make your mark as a unique singer, not as a cookie cutter version of every other singer in the world!
I have been teaching beginners through seasoned professionals (teens to adults, including seniors) for 27 years in styles ranging from Opera to Pop, both locally and internationally. I have studied voice for 40 years from some of the most renowned teachers in the world (and still continue to study)! I perform regularly in Classical, Pop and Classic Rock. My teaching style is fun, straightforward and informative. I am an expert in diagnosing your vocal issues and giving you both quick fixes and long term solutions. Find your true voice! Sing multiple styles healthily and authentically! Overcome tension, vocal fatigue and fear so that you can finally reach your maximum potential.
I have had many students win competitions at the local, regional and international levels; and pursue careers in singing, teaching and/or conducting. I also love helping beginning singers find and free the voice that lies within them. Every one of my students is important to me, and I treat them all like they will be on the big stage, whether it is a goal or a dream!
I enjoy helping singers discover their *true voices* that lie within them, see them blossom, and mold them into polished performers. I am an expert in diagnosing and correcting vocal issues, and offer quick fixes as well as long term solutions.
Singing is the most personal art form in existence. It is my honor to help each singer bloom.
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Reviews
Aaron L.
Brynn V.
Jeff C.
Tom W.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I offer a complimentary 10 minute phone consultation, if requested. We meet for the first lesson and determine if we are a good fit for each other. I ask them to prepare a song that is easy, and bring a song that is challenging that they might like to work on. The lesson includes exercises and discussion of proper breathing, support, and elimination of vocal tension. I give the prospective student a full assessment of their singing and explain how I can best help them.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
*BA degree, voice - CA State Univ, graduate work in New York, Italy and Spain
*40 years of studying voice - classical and cross-training in popular styles. I still continue to study!
*Voiceworks training (Lisa Popeil)
*Levels I, II and III of Somatic Voicework™, the LoVetri method at the Contemporary Commercial Music Vocal Pedagogy Institute at Shenandoah University
*Estill Voice International - Levels 1 and 2
*Member, past President/Vice President - National Assn of Teachers of Singing, San Francisco Bay Area Chapter
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My pricing is commensurate with the quality of my training, experience, and what I have to offer students. We generally go overtime for the first lesson. Initial 10 minute complimentary phone consultation available, if requested.
1 hour - $125
45 min - $95
30 min - $65
I also offer extremely affordable group classes, making the highest quality training accessible to all.
How did you get started teaching?
I started taking piano, voice and acting lessons at age 8 at the Brooklyn School of Music. Music has always been in my blood. I started teaching by accident many years ago when I just offered to help a few singer friends with some songs. The rest is history.
What types of students have you worked with?
Beginners through advanced professionals - all styles, teens to adults, including seniors. I also teach voice teachers.
I was a guest instructor in the Philippines, Thailand and Italy for many years.
Besides my private studio, I am also an Adjunct Professor of Voice at Diablo Valley College and teach my Basics of Good Singing class at Mt. Diablo Adult Ed.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Our bi-monthly Studio Nights and semi-annual galas are incredible.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Question: Do you really want to learn how to sing and master your voice (vocal technique), or do you just want to learn songs? If you want to SING:
You must find a teacher that is knowledgeable about VOCAL TECHNIQUE, easy to work with, and who continues to learn and perform. You cannot learn well from someone who no longer sings or studies. On the other hand, just because someone has a great voice doesn’t mean they can teach and build voices! Anyone can hang up a shingle. Make sure that your teacher nurtures and inspires you, while also keeping you challenged.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
How much time do you have to commit to singing? What are your goals? Why do you want to take voice lessons?