About
Elizabeth's powerful, expressive voice matches her dynamic personality. Teaching a variety of musical styles (from Rock to Opera, and everything in between), she guides students to achieve their goals with passion and humor. As a seasoned performer, she has been inspiring audiences from young to old for 25 years in the Portland Metro area. Her studio is near the Lloyd Center cinemas, close to the Max and numerous bus lines. She teaches live and online via Skype or Zoom.
Please visit her website at: www.elizabethlavenue.com for detailed information, including qualifications, accomplishments, and performance clips.
Voice students include:
- Karaoke singers who want to learn the basics of good vocal technique to improve their shower/car singing or their performance at a karaoke night out!
- Choral/Band singers who desire to improve technique and sight-reading abilities, sing artistically and gain a deeper connection to the music they are performing.
- Singer/Actor/Dancers who need to prepare for the next audition or performance, and learn how to stay in peak performance shape.
- Recording artists/Professional singers who seek to continue to refine their performances by polishing the details, both technically and artistically.
- Non-singers/speakers who are looking for vocal rehabilitation for most vocal function issues (will give referrals as needed), and professionals who want to have a more dynamic voice in the workplace.
- LGBTQ singers who want to find a safe space to explore their voice.
- Children, youth, and adults from age 8 through adulthood.
I love teaching! One on one sessions allow me to work intimately with each student, guiding them through technique and artistry to open their voice and connect deeply to music. In each session, I bring my sense of humor and love of music to my work. As students progress, I continually remind them that this work is slow and steady, and I can often hear/see their improvements before they recognize them. Witnessing students as they find confidence, clarity of communication, and renewed energy is such a joy for me!
Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
The first two sessions are focused entirely on the basics of good vocal technique, an assessment of the student's voice, and learning the vocal exercise routine designed by Tom Blaylock. By the third session, we are able to begin songs (and continue with the exercises). I have a set of songs that all my students work with, and I encourage students to bring their own songs as well. Since I teach all styles of music and all levels of singers, I enjoy working with a variety of songs that continue to build on the vocal technique outlined, while adding in artistry and expression. I can work with students interested in ongoing sessions, or I can teach someone who needs only a few sessions.
My passion is to help singers express their heart through music. Once the basics of technique have been established, sessions will focus on each individuals goals (technical/artistic/healing/etc). The first session is one hour, but ongoing sessions can be 45 minutes or one hour.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I studied music at Lewis & Clark College and immediately started singing professionally once I graduated in 1990. I started teaching in 1996, and started working with the Blaylock vocal method in 2000. I continue ongoing training with Tom Blaylock and am a Certified Voice Teacher with the Northwest Institute of Voice. I am also trained in Peer Counseling, and bring to my work compassionate listening and an open-hearted space for students to fully explore their voices in a safe environment.
To see my full resume of performance and educational background, please visit my website at: www.elizabethlavenue.com
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I have two different pricing systems.
1) For adults, costs are:
$70.00 for the first session (one hour), $65.00 for one-hour ongoing sessions, $50.00 for 45-minute ongoing sessions.
2) For students/children, costs are:
$65.00 for the first session (one hour), $60.00 for one-hour ongoing sessions, $45.00 for 45-minute ongoing sessions, $30.00 for 30-minute ongoing sessions.
Session can be weekly, bi-weekly, or randomly. It is up to each person's needs and goals.
How did you get started teaching?
I love to sing and have been performing with my family since I was 4 years old. After college, I performed for many years and didn't feel pulled into teaching until my job at Reed College ended (as the Coordinator for the Kaul Auditorium, watching amazing performers do what they love to do). I realized that I didn't feel confident enough to teach, so I started working with Tom Blaylock, who gave me the solid foundation I now have to teach all styles of music (which was also new to me, since I haven't peformed all styles of music). That was in 2000 and I continue to use this technique with great success! I love teaching as you will see if you decide to work with me.
What types of students have you worked with?
Voice students include:
*Shower singers who want to learn the basics of good vocal technique to improve their shower/car singing or the next karaoke night out!
*Choral/Band singers who desire to improve technique and sight-reading abilities, sing artistically and gain a deeper connection to the music they are performing.
*Sound healers/energy workers who want to work with sound for healing and growth. Also, those interested in chanting/kirtan, since I teach harmonium lessons and kirtan.
*Singer/Actor/Dancers who need to prepare for the next audition or performance, and learn how to stay in peak performance shape.
*Recording artists/Professional singers who seek to continue to refine their performances by polishing the details, both technically and artistically.
*Non-singers/speakers who are looking for vocal rehabilitation for most vocal function issues (will give referrals as needed), and professionals who want to have a more dynamic voice in the workplace.
*LGBTQ singers who want to find a safe space to explore their voice.
*Children, youth, and adults from age 8 through adulthood.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I recently went to see Coldplay in their Head Full of Dreams Tour. It was the most amazing concert I have ever experienced! The uplifting energy and incredible music made it possible for all ages to access their own joy and positivity through music. The energy from the stage and all the adoring fans was Electric! This is how music can change the planet, one concert at a time...
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
My advice would be to read all you can about that teacher, but definitely listen to some of their recordings. Music speaks so much louder than words, and you might really connect with the sound of this singer you have never met!
My recordings can be heard on my website: www.elizabethlavenue.com
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Good questions could be:
*What are your goals as a singer/public speaker/actor/dancer?
*What can you afford to pay ongoing (since the process of learning to sing takes time and patience)?
*Who are the top 3 singers that you admire most? (female singers for women, male singers for men)
*Are you willing to practice in between sessions, and if so, how much per week?
*Do you have any concerns with your vocal health?
*Do you have any concerns about emotions that may arise during sessions and how to deal with them?
*Do you have certain styles of music you definitely want to work with, and others styles that you don't enjoy?