
About
Hello! I am passionate about helping others learn how to use their God-given voices! Having once been a student of voice who struggled to understand the "secret ingredient" to great vocal technique, I insist on taking however much time, detail, and creativity necessary to show each student how his or her voice actually works. I don't want students to feel dependent upon lessons forever, I want them to eventually become their own teachers and masters of the craft!
I have gradually been building a private lesson client base over the past 10 years. During that time, I have also earned a Master of Music degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music, and I've taught a Fellowship and as an adjunct professor of Voice, Opera Workshop, Music Theory, and Music History at the college level. I have performed locally with community and professional musical organizations, including a position as a Resident Artist with Indianapolis Opera in 2019.
My training was heavily classical, and I employ technique and knowledge from this area to help students build their strongest, most flexible voice possible. However, my personal taste in music ranges outside of classical to folk, country, pop, musical theater...you name it, and I will at least give it a listen and certainly help you work on it!
I always look forward to meeting new students and hearing about their vocal goals! Message me today with any questions you might have! Thanks for reading :)
I enjoy helping people get better at a fun and rewarding skill! I love getting exposed to new music through my students and their varied interests. And I appreciate the challenge of helping each unique student unlock his or her potential!
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
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.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
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.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge $25 per half hour.
What types of students have you worked with?
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.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
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 questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
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?