About
Trained in classical and musical theater initially, my training and experience has expanded to contemporary commerical styles. Working with a wide diversity of students with different goals and interests gives me insights into the best ways to teach students. I am experienced in evaluating students' needs and providing them with instruction that fits those needs. My students consider me very patient and supportive. Clients should hire me if they are serious about their singing! Providing quality instruction is very important to me. My clients are determined to be the best they can be! They are interested in developing an excellent vocal technique and great musicianship and expression. They want a teacher who will be supportive and encouraging but who will honestly and thoroughly critique them so they can progress quickly. They are independently motivated to practice in a very deliberate manner to improve their teachnique and performance. My clients range from those seeking to be professional to those looking for the satisfaction of improving their singing greatly. Singers learn to sing in many styles of music including musical theater (I have studied drama as well as music), classical, contemporary Christian, gospel, rock, pop, country, jazz and more. My teaching emphasizes producing a vibrant, free tone utilizing the methods I learned during my 20 years of study with my vocal teachers.
Watching my students progress is the most satisfying aspect of my job. When teaching, I especially enjoy diagnosing any problems with the voice and working together to solve them. Voice teaching often involves visualization and finding common images between the teacher and student, and it is very exciting when this happens. Meeting and working with many interesting people who are passionate about music is also exciting. It is also educational for me to work with students who have many different musical interests. I learn about a lot of new music and performers this way. My degrees in music and my teaching certificate as well as my 30 years of experience give me the knowledge for teaching all levels of music. My students are encouraged to learn music in their favorite styles, whether that is pop/rock, classical, Broadway, jazz, country, R&B or alternative styles. Providing quality instruction is very important to me.
Watching my students progress is the most satisfying aspect of my job. When teaching, I especially enjoy diagnosing any problems with the voice and working together to solve them. Voice teaching often involves visualization and finding common images between the teacher and student, and it is very exciting when this happens. Meeting and working with many interesting people who are passionate about music is also exciting. It is also educational for me to work with students who have many different musical interests. I learn about a lot of new music and performers this way.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
At the intro lesson, we discuss goals and background. Then we explore the vocal range of the student. After that, the student sings a song (it can be as simple as Happy Birthday or complex like an aria) to help me analyze the student's needs. We discuss the needs and I make some suggestions for improvement and show the student how to implement those. This allows the student to see how voice lessons are conducted and how I interact with them.
When students first start lessons, I want to help them build healthy, effective habits that will establish a vibrant, resonant, free, projected sound that has the appropriate power and range for their individual voice.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
My masters degree is in music and drama and includes work in vocal pedagogy. My bachelors degree is in music with a major in vocal music education.
I studied vocal pedagogy at university as well as music history, music literature, music theory (sight singing, ear training, and written), conducting, music education, French, Italian, and German pronunciation. I learned about singing musical theater, opera, oratorios, jazz, and other contemporary styles while studying with a private voice teacher for many years after college and through performance of these genres and study with the music directors of these productions.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Clients come weekly (or more often) and pay monthly in advance at the last lesson of the month for the upcoming month. Prices are $31.50 for each 30 minute lesson, $45.75 for each 45 minute lesson, and $60 for each hour long lesson. Coaching (short term lesson/lessons and group rates are available upon request). There is also a $100 deposit that will be credited to the last month's lessons if 30 days notice is given.
Other costs: For online lessons, students will need reasonably fast internet, and preferably the ability to use Ethernet to connect their device to the internet. A condensor microphone, an interface, and wired headphones are also important in order for the teacher to get an accurate reproduction of the voice.
How did you get started teaching?
I began teaching singing technique during college to my church choir and continued when I began teaching public school music. I began teaching individuals outside of my school teaching over 30 years ago. Since then I have taught singing in universities in Missouri, New Mexico, and New Zealand as well as in my private studio.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with students interested in pursuing a professional career, including those interested in performing classical and contemporary styles.
Many of my students are interested in auditioning for musicals. They want to improve their technique and prepare for auditions.
Many of my students want to improve their singing for their own satisfaction. They may sing only for themselves, or they may be in bands or choirs.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
It brought me great joy recently to see the progress of a student who had studied previously somewhere else but didn't seem to be making progress. He has made huge strides in tuning and technique.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Arrange for an introductory lesson. As you work with the teacher, be sure you feel comfortable asking questions and that the teacher listens to you. See if the teacher seems to be knowledgable and can help you improve.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Do you have time to commit to a weekly lesson and daily practice?
Are you taking lessons for the joy of singing? Are you wanting to feel better about your voice? Do you have performance goals?
Are you willing to set aside time most days to focus on improving your singing?