About
I love helping my students develop and improve their performing skills.
I am a classically trained singer and have performed in musical theatre, dinner theatre revues, cabaret, and classical recitals. I am also an actor and director and am able to coach my singers to not merely sing a song, but to PERFORM it. My singers often win leading roles, get top marks in adjudicated singing performances, win vocal competitions, and attend top college/university Music and Musical Theatre programs. I have been teaching people 6- 60+ to sing and act in the US and UK, for over 18 years.
I also teach piano for beginners and music theory including sight-singing and ear training.
If you are a dedicated and committed student then I want to work with you.
EVERYTHING! Anyone who truly wants to learn is my kind of student. I am thrilled every time a student makes significant progress toward a goal they have set for themselves - performing a monologue for an audition or performance, mastering an art song or favorite aria in Italian, French or German, or finally being able to belt that Broadway tune they have been wanting to for years.
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Kayla
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
First I like to ask about their experience with singing/performing and the type of music they enjoy and generally get to know a little bit about them before we begin. Some people are nervous when first meeting a singing teacher because they are worried the teacher may not like their voice. I want my students to feel at ease and welcome so by the time I introduce the first warm-up, they are not concerned about being judged.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I began private singing lessons at 15 yrs, and continued through high school until attending Oberlin Music Conservatory at 18yrs. I then studied with Elisabeth Carron of the NYC Opera Company while attending theatre school in NYC. I had a recurring role in the Mark Twain Musical Drama for 4 years after which I performed with Musicana in Boca Raton, FL and then at the Naples Dinner Theatre. I earned my degree in Arts and Performance at Wells College before moving to England where I taught singing, acting and musical theatre. I returned to the US and have continued to perform, teach and direct.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Singing lessons are typically held once a week for an hour, although students under 10 years old may be more comfortable with 30 or 45 minute lessons. My charge is $40 per hour and $25 per half hour.
How did you get started teaching?
When I moved to England, I joined a number of local performing organizations and realized that many performers would be much improved with even a little education about proper singing technique, so I decided to start teaching. I learned so much from my students as I watched them gain confidence to audition for chorus and lead roles. It was very satisfying and I learned I was helping people to reach their goals. I understood how important it was for people who had always been told not to sing, to find their voice. I love working with people who are dedicated and committed to learning to sing.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with private students aged 5 - 60+. I was also an elementary school music teacher for children Pre-K 3yrs - 6th grade. I conducted the choir of 4th-6th grade students and taught 3rd grade recorder classes. I also conducted an ensemble of my singing students that performed publically, as well as a community choir in upstate NY.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
In upstate NY every summer there is an event called, Elmira Street Painting Festival, which kids from my theatre school were always invited to perform at. It was an incredible experience for them to perform live for such a large crowd!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Make sure you feel comfortable with the teacher you choose. Every teacher has their own teaching style so be sure to choose someone you find easy to understand and who is fun to work with. Do not trust teachers who claim they can teach you to sing in a few quick lessons. Your voice is an instrument and if you are not yet an adult, it is still growing and requires care and time to develop safely.