What to Expect

Teaching Philosophy

Singing is hard, but sharing your voice is harder.

I believe that every single person has a voice worth exploring and understanding. I understand that voice lessons can be intimidating and can feel like opening your deepest self up to criticism, but I treat each of my students with patience, understanding, and grace. We will work together to connect your "outside" voice to the voice you feel inside, so you can be proud and excited to share your voice with others.

Of course, we will work on the technical aspects of your voice and make sure that you are producing an efficient, sustainable sound, but we will also make sure you that you can bring your authentic sound to every song. I encourage my students to interrupt, ask questions, and challenge me. I will change my methods when an approach isn't working, and I will do research when I don't know the answer to your question.

Inclusion Statement

I strongly believe that the voice studio is a place where all people should feel welcome, safe, and heard (literally and metaphorically). Both in the studio and in my research, I strive to highlight students’ diverse voices and experiences and provide support so that students can take charge of their educational and musical experience.

Your First Lesson

We'll start by chatting about your background and goals.
With that in mind, I will run you through some exercises (think: la la la la la) and you'll sing a song (any song that you love to sing) so I can hear your voice in that context.
I won't make a lot of "adjustments" in the first lesson because I am just trying to get to know you and your voice, but I will give you a broad overview of what I expect we'll work on together and we’ll try a few small adjustments together.

After Your First Lesson

We'll start by warming up with some technical exercises.
We'll also choose at least one song to work on over the course of a few lessons, and we'll spend some time working on that.
Most students schedule lessons either every week or every other week; others choose to drop in when they have the time, budget, or a specific event to prepare for. I am happy to work with your schedule. Payments may be made per lesson or per month.

Practice & Performances

I do not require my students to meet a specific amount of practice time. I believe that any time you're singing - in the car, in the shower, washing dishes - you can be thinking about the concepts we've talked about in your lesson and trying to apply them. Of course, the more you practice, the faster you'll progress, but that isn't always the point.

We organize a recorded virtual recital every summer. It is not mandatory, and every student is encouraged to pick a recital piece that they are excited to share.