Find Your Voice

For singers: First we establish range and ability. I discuss the language I use while teaching and some of the techniques I use. We discuss goals and then I recommend repretoire. We usually warm up, practice diaphragm breathing and techniques, and then we work on the songs we've chosen. 

For actors: We warm up our voices and practice diaphragm breathing. We discuss t  ugh e monologue using a scoring technique (not rating but marking it up) and interpreting. We then work on the monologue or scene. 

I have my BA in vocal performance from UNC-Chapel Hill with a double major in Communication. I use both integrally to help communicate lyrics or script as well as teaching a Belle Canto method of singing. I know how to help girls and women navigate their "break" and smooth out the voice fe bottom to top. 

Half hour is $60 a lesson/Hour is $75 a lesson

For an 8 lesson package we will learn 3 songs or monologues/scenes (half payment up front, 2nd half expected on lesson number 4). Cost is $500. Lesson 1 is an hour, lessons 2-7 are half hours and lesson 8 is an hour to go through the 3 songs or monologues. 

Due to COVID-19, I am teaching virtually right now. However, once we all feel safe I will move to in person. 

I was the company manager of a summer camp in Howard County featuring the kids who all starred in their high school productions in one show. We ran the camp with professional standards, and I did this for several years. I wanted so badly to also teach and be a part of the process, so I started conducting workshops and master classes on lyric interpretation and developing a character in the ensemble. I also aided the students in choosing audition material and adjudicated a mock audition. 

I then began to teach private voice lessons about 7 years ago, and found I really enjoyed the one on one work! 

Mostly girls and women who want to prepare for auditions, or were cast in a role and wanted more focused one on one coaching. I do work with boys and men, but find that once a boys voice changes it's harder for me to demonstrate without confusing them, as we don't sing in the same octave.  I definitely have worked on acting, voice over and film with men and achieved good progress with them. With males, I tend to be most helpful in coaching them if they have some experience with proper technique. 

Watching my son perform "Be Prepared" as Scar in the Junior version of Lion King was a very proud moment. Sadly, he's not super interested in much I have to say in terms of my advice on how to sing...but he hears me teaching and I know he's listening. 

Be patient and generous with yourself. Learning how to use your voice is a process and doesn't happen overnight. To get maximum results, do put some tome into the pieces you are working on before your lesson. 

If you aren't connecting with your teacher, explore other options. There are lots of us out there!

If it hurts: stop singing. Something isn't right. If you're young and inexperienced, do not let your teacher encourage you to belt without proper training. 

Why are you taking lessons?

What do you hope to achieve by training?

What types of songs or monologues/scenes appeal to you? 

What is your dream role?