About
Laura Shepherd is a passionate and skilled teacher of singing, offering private voice lessons to young people and adults since 2005 on the Eastside of Seattle. Most of Laura’s students are high school students performing in musical theater productions, singing in choir, and generally loving music. With an exceptional background in performing and teaching music, including musical theater, classical, jazz and folk styles, Laura is an excellent teacher for the beginning to advanced singing student, age 10 to 110.
Singing is one of the most personal, most vulnerable forms of human expression. We each have a unique voice, and sharing it with other people through song can be the most precious gift we can give. I love to sing, and I love helping others find their voice and learn how to sing.
Specialties
Musical styles
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Photos and videos
Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Laura’s parents both have performing backgrounds, so it makes sense that she took to the stage. School plays and musicals were Laura’s passion all the way through 12th grade. At the recommendation of a high school choir teacher, Laura started taking voice lessons, studying classical and musical theater repertoire. Her theater and music teachers also guided her into leadership roles, and Laura’s first professional teaching gig was as the Musical Director for a summer performing arts program at her high school. That experience was life-changing, and as a result, Laura applied to and enrolled in the Music Education program at Oberlin Conservatory. Laura completed the Double Degree program, receiving undergraduate degrees in Music Education and Theatre from Oberlin College and Conservatory of Music in Oberlin, Ohio.
Laura began teaching group singing classes at Studio East, Training for the Performing Arts in 2001, and established her private teaching studio in 2005. She became a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), Puget Sound Chapter in 2009, and served on the Puget Sound NATS Board 2016-2020. In 2021 she joined the Tahoma NATS Chapter. She has engaged in many workshops and conferences through NATS and other organizations to increase her knowledge and skills as a singing teacher, including the Bel Canto Can Belto Voice Pedagogy intensive through Penn State University.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My students usually commit to the school year and pay tuition monthly, $236-$299 based on lesson length and frequency. My single lesson rate is $80/hour, $68/45 minute lesson.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Find a teacher who sings and teaches the style of music you love to sing most. Take a lesson with the teacher you think might be a good fit, and see how the two of you communicate. Do you feel comfortable? Do you have fun in the lesson? Did you learn something you can use long-term in that first lesson?
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Think about the goals you have for lessons, and articulate them to possible teachers. Ask how they can help you meet your goals. Ask them what kind of practice schedule you should set for yourself. Then ask yourself if you can meet that practice schedule.