Learning to sing can be an exciting, rewarding experience. It can also be a long journey filled with a lot of nerves and some bad notes. Every person is different and so is every voice. This only means that everyone can sing with their own unique voice and can learn to use that voice in a healthful way.
I began studying voice at sixteen and have been teaching since 2000. I have had many hours on “the other side of the piano” and know how nerve-wracking and difficult voice lessons can be. You are opening up an unknown part of yourself in front of a complete stranger, trying to sound beautiful and sometimes sounding awful. It is like that nightmare where you are naked in algebra class—you stand there vulnerable and alone, not knowing if what you are doing is right. This is why it is so important to find a voice teacher that suits your needs and personality.
My teaching philosophy is simple: Students learn best in a safe, non-judgmental environment where they are free to explore their voice.
- The mechanics and reasoning behind all exercises are explained clearly so you know what you are doing and why, not just repeating a bunch of exercises because the teacher says so.
- Questions are encouraged and patience is key.
- The fundamentals of singing—proper posture and breath support, an open and relaxed throat, knowledge of vocal production and resonance—are built upon steadily.
- The voice is allowed to develop naturally without strain and repertoire is assigned according to present ability.
- Mental, emotional, and physical problems that cause vocal issues are addressed through stretches, meditation techniques, and visualization.
- The teaching of singing is treated in a holistic manner and not just a set of one-size-fits-all exercises.
Learning proper technique is essential for all styles of singing from opera to pop. Listen to most singers on the radio today and you will hear breathiness in the voice, straining, no coordination of registers, pitch problems and poor diction. They also all tend to sound the same. Individuality is gone, having been replaced by sound alike clones that look great but can’t really sing. This phenomenon is starting to spread to the stage as well as some Broadway and even some classical music is being affected by the same problems.
Learning proper technique is a very important step in achieving vocal success and in keeping good singing alive.
I am a classical soprano and also sing musical theater and standards. But since the technique I use helps the voice improve naturally, singers in almost any genre can use it successfully.
My students include…
- classical, musical theatre, and pop singers
- singer/songwriters
- college music students
- professional cantors
- hobbyists
All are helped by vocal study.
Learning to sing does not have to be an intimidating process nor does it have to be an expensive one. I offer hour and half-hour lessons. Student discounts are available.
For more information on lessons or to schedule a lesson, email me or call/text (347) 239 – 4191. I always welcome students with a desire to learn!