Singing Lessons With Lauren

I start by asking the student if they have any questions for me before we begin. I also ask the student about his or her goals, and if they can name one thing they already like about their voice. I then share a little bit about myself and how I became a lesson teacher, as well as my philosophy of music education and practicing. We then begin singing with simple warm-up scale patterns. I either demonstrate and/or sing with the student at first, depending on his or her comfort level. The first few lessons consist of me exploring the student's vocal tone quality and range, and assessing which vowels are comfortable and which are not. I stop frequently to explain why we do certain exercises, so the student knows how to practice at home and what the end goal should be. After a few weeks, we usually pick a song that we can use to apply the new techniques we are learning. 

I have been teaching one-on-one and small group lessons since I was 17. This began when I worked at a pool each summer and gave swimming lessons. I found that I really liked helping people start from scratch and learn an important life skill. 

I have always loved singing, and I started playing piano at age 9, so music became a major part of my life. In high school, I played the piano for my friends for our voice recitals and competitions. I continued to notice an interest and aptitude for giving people helpful pointers. 

I decided to study music in college. Although I did not end up graduating with a degree in music education (I realized partway through that large-group instruction was not for me), I have taken several education courses which inform my thinking on learning styles and instructional methods. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Music, as well as a Master of Music, both with an emphasis in voice as my primary instrument.

Over the years following college, I have participated in several training programs for singers. During these programs, I gained a lot of insight into what makes someone successful in learning to sing, how to network and market yourself as a performer, and how to prepare for a successful music audition. I am happy that I have the knowledge to help my students prepare themselves as all-around musicians and performers, not just good singers.

I charge $25 per half hour.

I have worked with many types of students. Some have been career-minded college students who already possessed good technique. Many have been middle-school or high-school aged students who simply wanted to get better at a skill that helped them participate in choir at their schools. I've had students who were driven to prepare for every audition they ever heard about, as well as students who never wanted to sing in front of anyone besides me, and I am equally happy to help both of these types of people! I have worked with children as young as second grade, and I have taught adults who wanted to enrich their lives with this skill as well. I love teaching a variety of people, and I am open to helping anyone learn how to use this special skill.

Look for a teacher who tailors the experience to your interests and needs. This doesn't mean a teacher who tells you everything you want to hear, of course. The teacher should be honest about where you are, yet always encouraging you to make progress on your own vocal path. There shouldn't be a "one size fits all" approach. The teacher should allow you to ask lots of questions if you have them!

What are your strengths and weaknesses as a singer so far? What are you curious to know about how the voice works? Are you willing to put in daily, consistent practice to improve your skills?