About
I am a recent Yale School of Music graduate, and going forward would be thrilled to share my expertise as an educator and performer.
Throughout my college career, teaching has been as important to me as the world of performing. Gaining my piano teaching qualifications at the age of 16, I was introduced early to the world of music education. Throughout my undergraduate studies at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow, I supported myself teaching piano and voice to members of the community, from ages 8-55. I studied vocal pedagogy closely at Indiana University, and continued to grow my studio as I moved to the East Coast, where my teaching responsibilities mainly involved preparing Undergraduates in Yale College for their singing juries and exams. I wish to translate my enthusiasm and adoration for music to evolving students’ art supplement material and developing personal pedagogy. Having two master’s degrees in addition to my bachelors, I am very familiar with the pursuit of higher education, and how critical the arts is to that. Alongside this, I am of the genuine belief that music and singing are of critical importance to the developing child and humanity at large.
I love teaching from the basic principles of breath, projection, posture, phonation - to advanced aspects of performance and theatre.
As a Scottish woman living in America, it is a distinct pleasure to be able to contribute to the musical community of Connecticut. I am currently based in New Haven, and am willing to travel, make house calls, and soon will be equipped to teach in my own house.
Teaching can be such a unique opportunity to not only grow skills and mastery, it can also enhance a pupil's enjoyment of life, self confidence, and all aspects of their development as a child, young adult, or mature student. Seeing the aspects of music enrich other parts of a person's life is my joy. I am constantly inspired by the bravery of mature students trying something outside of their comfort zone, and young students starting a journey with the most profound of art forms.
I love preparing people for university and their arts supplement, as I know how much my life has been enriched by studying music, and sharing that joy is my life's purpose.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
With a new student I will meet them where they are, then establish what their goals are. We can look through long terms goals, general goals, or specific repertoire goals.
For beginner students we will strip it right down, get to know the process of correct breath and posture, and how we turn that into an instrument! With more advanced students, I will find your strengths, and maximise on what needs to be worked on.
I alays strive to maximise on a student's langage skills, and taking a unique and individual approach to the character of the student themselves.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Bachelor of Music, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
Master of Music, Indiana University.
Master of Musical Arts, Yale University.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
45 minutes - $50.
30 Minutes - $40
Willing to negotiate.
How did you get started teaching?
I taught piano and voice to support myself through University in Scotland. I started with piano, and then as I grew invested in voice offered vocal lessons as well.
My mother is a teacher so I've always had a thirst for education and sharing skills with the community. I put my ad as a teacher everywhere in the community and got a lot of interest from all walks of life, so it is important to me to teach absolutely everyone.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with very young children, beginner students, in piano. On the other end of the spectrum I have taught mature students based on a life-long desire to sing a single song.
The majority of my students now are very driven and have a focus on music as their future, therefore we do detailed work on technique and developing a large base of repertoire. Amongst all of this, I want to install a genuine joy for performance. The student's comfort and confidence is paramount.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Recently I performed Tatiana in Eugene Onegin at the Shubert Theatre in New Haven. A lot of my students came to see me, and seeing them thrilled by opera was the joy of my life.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Singing can be a vulnerable experience, so it is important to find a teacher you can trust and communicate with. Communication is key.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What do I want from singing?
Am I willing to listen and adapt?