Voice Works
About
To my clients I bring practical working professional experience of over 50 years. As a former singer and a continuing actress my Theatre, Film, Commercials, Radio & TV experience primarily as a preformer, includes being a tv producer, director and writer. At age 14 my career in television began in Indianapolis, Ind, and successfuly continued for over 35 years in Houston Texas. My education included The American Theatre Wing in New York City, an off-Broadway show and a lifetime of practical, professional experience.
It is always a joy to work with students who are truly interested in improving themselves both personally and professionally! Watching a student grow as they embrace the creative process involved in expanding their abilities is exciting and rewarding for them and for me as their teacher.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Discovery of Student goals is of first importance. Secondly, an assesment of how I can assist them to move toward their goals and lastly, the length of training it may take and what the student must do to participate in reaching their own goals.
I offer an introdutory session discussing my style of training and evaluating the student needs. There is a one time fee for this class of $80.00. When the student books classes $40 will apply toward the total Block-Booking.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
The American Theatre Wing, Warner brothers, Indinapolis, Ind. Music Conservatory, Certificatied Lessac Trainer, BS University of Houston.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I Have an optional Introductory 50 Minute session to introduce my teaching style and to evaluate the students needs.
The price for this one time class is $80. When they move forward to Book-Blocks of classes $40 of this fee applys to that booking price.
I Book-Blocks of 4-8-16 sessions at a time. My fee is $70 per class. The total for the Block they choose is due on the first class unless other arrangements have been made prior to the 1st class. For example, a Booked-Block of 4 sessions would total $280 and that would be payable on the 1st class. Classes are 60 minutes each.
Considerations may be given to students in financial stress.
How did you get started teaching?
In 1993 I was Direector of Media Marketing for a theatre company in Houston, Tx, The AD Players. I began to complete my degree at University of Houston and there met Deborah Kinghorn who is a master Lessac Teacher. Kinghorn became my mentor and encourager. Teaching had never been a goal for me. I was an actress - a doer of the profession not a teacher. I had lost my singing voice through misuse and training that wasn't very good. Lessac gave me back some of my singing ability and a new understanding of the power of each persons unique voical instrument. While studying more about the voice I was asked to teach what I was learning to the Players company of Actors. I found true enjoyment sharing my new found knowledge with others and seeing them embrace the importance of their own voice both personally and professionally. I became a Certified Lessac Teacher in 2001.
What types of students have you worked with?
Young students interested in exploring acting and the voice. Professional Actors. Beginning and intermedaite actors. Business men an women. Foreign students. Foreign business men and women. Lawyers. Pastors. Sales people. Singers. Presenters.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Learning to teach on Zoom and having a fun, successful group of eager to learn students. It is a win-win for us all!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Try to get 3 personal referrals. Interview at least 3 different teachers. If you can make face to face contact that would be best. Trust your instincts! Look for a teacher with real world experience...not just a degree. Make sure the teacher is interested in you and helping you reach your goals. If you have any doubts about the teacher and their experience trust yourself and find someone else.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Students should be as specific as possible about what they want from the classes. It's not enough to simply say,"I want a better voice," or "I want to be a good actor." You must be as specific as you can to help the teacher know what and how they should plan studies for you. What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses? Do you have a problem being heard? Do you get very nervous speaking in front of people? Are you shy? What does having a better voice mean to you specifically? What does being a good actor look like to you? You can start with a big picture of want but then take it step by step to a much smaller picture - a more specific picture just for you.