I’ve been teaching singing for over 25 years and I am passionate about helping people in their creative and vocal development. For a new singer that may be helping to “find” their voice and beginning a method of building a technique around the music they want to sing. With more advanced singers, it’s continuing to work and improve their technique and to fine-tune a repertoire and prepare for engagements.
Regardless of your level, our first session begins with a conversation. I’m interested in your history, how you first became interested in music, as well as your past vocal experiences (both good and not so good). I want to know what music you listen to, your influences, as well as what you might like to sing. I want to get a sense of who you are and where you want to go.
Then it’s time for you to sing and me to listen and observe, whether it be a song or some exercises. I listen for the quality of sound and how it's produced. I look at your posture and alignment, how your breath is working and whether your face, tongue and jaw are relaxed or tense. Some of the things I listen for are distortion in vowels and if the vibrato is true, (not too big, not too small). I’ll also listen for range and dynamics and resonance, and how you connect emotionally to what you’re singing. I’ll ask some more questions, find out your goals and together we’ll make a plan.
Having been a student of yoga for more than a decade, I see many similarities between voice teaching and one’s yoga practice. It is about building a foundation that's strong, built upon the science of singing and bringing to it the artistry and creativity of each individual. Much of our work is about increasing flexibility and agility, openness of the throat, proper breathing, support and control, and body alignment. We’ll also focus on open and clear vowel sounds, articulation, resonance, projection and tone. These concepts and more can be brought to all voice types, whether a rocker or a theater vocalist.
My work as a vocal coach is supported by many years of performing and arranging. My background and musical tastes are quite eclectic and that informs my approach. I believe that finding the right material is essential for all levels and we’ll work on your repertoire right from the beginning. I believe that your personal connection to what you’re singing greatly assists in achieving your technical and artistic goals. So some of our work will be finding interesting and suitable material, and in most cases arranging songs to fit your particular instrument and style.
Additionally, I sometimes bring students together for a group workshop. The goal is two-fold: to build a supportive community of singers and to help each student get more comfortable performing new material for an audience.
Ultimately, it’s your journey; I’m here to guide and support you.
> I am now offering coaching on Skype. Interested? Ask!
> Want to know more about me? Check out my bio
