About
We all have unique gifts and strengths. As a voice teacher, my unique gifts are 1) my ability to HEAR and analyze a voice to determine what is needed to free it up and help it grow; 2) a background in knowing HOW the voice works; and 3) and love for multiple genres of music: classical (opera, oratorio, art song), jazz, musical, theater, and more.
To help my students improve, I provide multiple online and in-person (when possible) performance opportunities throughout the year at no additional charge.
Voice teaching (technique) and vocal coaching (repertoire suggestions, diction, performance technique) is my business, and it's also my heart. I love helping singers of all ages grow as artists and musicians, teaching them to use their internal instruments in a healthy way regardless of style, and encouraging goal-setting for their musical growth.
What I love most is seeing and hearing my students improve, and grow in self-confidence and artistry.
Details
Musical styles
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Photos and videos
Reviews
Keith P.
Kelley R.
Scott K.
Kristi B.
Heather C.
Rhonda B.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
In our first lesson, we'll find out just where you are in your vocal abilities (also called a "voice assessment").Then we'll create a plan to move you to the next level in your singing, including selecting the appropriate voice lesson notebook, and a song or song collection to start applying what you're learning. Song collections include either online or CD accompaniments, and live performances are done with a professional accompanist. With pop/contemporary songs, we'll also use YouTube karaoke recordings, as long as they're in your key!
Lessons include all or most of the following: vocal technique (how you do something), repertoire (the songs you're singing), musicianship (tools of the trade), basics of music reading, stage movement, and performance technique
PERFORMANCE OPPS:
1) Saturday SipNSings: Monthly informal, COVID-required(!) online performance opportunities to practice what you're learning to front of a small, friendly audience.
2) December Sounds of the Season Soiree: Public performance singing seasonal songs.
3) Spring Sing Recital (early June): Public performance to show off what you've learned!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I've been teaching private voice for 25+ years since earning a Master of Music degree in Voice Performance and Pedagogy from Westminster Choir College, Princeton, NJ.
For all the gritty details (well, not really!), please visit www.sing4health.com.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
In 2020, I started offering 8-week Singing Subscriptions, where you sign up for anywhere from 2-8 lessons over an 8 week period. Pricing ranges from $110-$440, which includes your lessons, 1-2 virtual performance classes, and a personal YouTube playlist.
How did you get started teaching?
I love the human voice and love to make music, so I chose a Master's degree program that prepared me for both performing and teaching. I've taught privately (as opposed to a school setting) continually since earning my degree in 1987, with the exception of a few years in the early 2000s while I was caring for family medical needs.
What types of students have you worked with?
I work with all ages and abilities, beginning in grade 1, and love each and every singer. In particular, I LOVE helping people who were told they can't sing begin to make some beautiful sounds! So exciting!!
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
COVID thru everyone for a loop in March 2020, and us voice teachers, like many others, scrambled to transfer our studios to online platforms for virtual voice lessons. One of the silver linings has been hosting virtual SipNSing performances classes 1-2 times/month, where students (and sometimes I) sing for one another. It's relaxed, educational, and good practice!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
1. TRAINING: Confirm they have training/experience in TEACHING people how to sing. Just because people can sing well, it doesn't mean they can teach well.
2. PERSONALITY: Is their personality a good fit for you? Do you want someone high energy? low keyed? Voice teaching, in particular, is very personal, and not all teachers work well with every student.
3. GOAL ORIENTED: Will they help you determine and focus on YOUR goals, not their desires for you?
4. PERFORMANCE: Do they provide some performing opportunities to help you get over nerves, and learn to perform with authenticity?
5. FLEXIBILITY: If you need flexibility, are they able to "go with the flow?"
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
1. What are your goals?
2. What are your fears about singing/taking lessons?
3. What is your budget?
4. Does the gender of the teacher make a difference to you? Many voice teachers can work with anyone, but some do better with a specific gender.
5. If you're a transgender individual, there are now teachers who are specializing in your vocal needs.