About
I sang for 16 years as a professional chorister and soloist with the world famous Los Angeles Master Chorale and Los Angeles Music Center Opera, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, just to name a few, performing with world class singers, conductors, and instrumentalists from around the globe.
* I have performed in and can teach anyone to sing in any style including classical, Broadway, opera, jazz, pop, and choral
* I have maintained a private voice studio for 30 years (since 1990)
* I have taught voice on the University level at four different universities: BYU-Provo, USU, BYU-Idaho, & FSU
* I am a Member of NATS (National Association for Teachers of Singing) and support and uphold the standards expected from one affiliated with the organization.
My passion is helping you accomplish what you want to do and get you where you want to go. I LOVE teaching and laughing and giggling with my students through every lesson. I am intensely interested in how the voice works and presents itself in each new student.
I look forward to working with you and helping you become the singer you’ve always wanted to be!
Specialties
Instrument(s)
Experience level
Students age
Interest(s)
Lesson length
Photos and videos
Reviews
Virginia B.
Jeni T.
Beth C.
Matt R.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
We talk first to set the student at ease with me and to get to know each other a little bit. It also helps me to discover what the student's experience has been already. We sing a little bit too so I can hear the student's voice and assess where we need to begin and then we learn the basic exercises that I use to warm up the voice and teach correct principles of good vocal technique.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Experience
Professional Chorister & Soloist
Aug 1986 - Jul 2001Los Angeles Master Chorale & Music Center Opera
I am a Member of NATS (National Association for Teachers of Singing) and support and uphold the standards expected from one affiliated with the organization.
Florida State University Aug 2007 - May 2010
California State Univ. Los Angeles
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My pricing depends on the length of lesson and how you choose to pay. If you pay by the lesson, a single half-hour lesson is $20, 3/4-hr lesson is $30, and an hour-long lesson is $40. However, if you choose to pay monthly rather than by the lesson (recommended), the half-hour monthly payment is $70/mo, the 3/4-hr is $100, and the 1-hour lessons are $130/mo, payment for a minimum of 4 weekly lessons/mo and payment is due at the 1st lesson of each month. It covers however many lessons that will fall within each month on the designated lesson day. For example, during some months there are 5 Wednesdays during the month, but in another, there may be only 4. The $130 1-hour lesson fee is the same for both months. The 5th lesson is often a bonus for the student. Sometimes, however, depending on circumstances, I (or you) may take that fifth lesson off or we may use it as a make-up lesson for one missed earlier in the month.
How did you get started teaching?
A friend of mine, knowing that I was performing regularly with the most prestigious musical organizations in Los Angeles, asked if I would give her lessons. That's how it all started... :D
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with male and female voice types, in a variety of styles (excepting hard rock or rap), and all levels of expertise (even professionals). I love working with very accomplished vocal musicians, but I find it particularly gratifying to help those who think (because they have been told all their lives) that they can't sing to learn to match pitch and carry a tune.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I just sang a lovely duet a couple of weeks ago with my husband of a song that we loved and I arranged. It was beautiful!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
You should be looking for someone with lots of performing experience (preferably the professional kind where they were hired and paid for their singing), knowledge of the anatomical vocal mechanism (preferably one who has at least a Master's Degree or more in vocal performance or education), and one who has an ear for and an ability to diagnose vocal problems or the regular impediments to good singing. Most importantly, one who agrees with and subscribes to the standards of integrity upheld by the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS).
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
1. What do I want out of this relationship? What do I want to be able to do with the skills I will acquire in these lessons?
2. Does this teacher have the experience and expertise to be able to help me sing better in the style that I desire to sing?
3. Will this teacher be able to train me as a musician as well as a singer? (Not all people care about this one, but it does come with the territory... :)
4. Do I like this teacher as a person? Do we get along?