Teaching philosophy

When most people say “voice,” they usually mean sound. But if instead we think of the voice as an instrument, we can observe that it has three primary components: an energy source, a sound source, and a resonator. Airflow is the source of energy, while the vibrating vocal folds are the source of vocal sound – and this sound source is amplified in the cavities of the chest, throat and pharynx. In this model, airflow and phonation can be considered the two primary causes in singing, and resonance is the result.

In my teaching, I focus on these two primary causes, airflow and phonation. As the student’s ability to command the free functioning of the breathing and speaking mechanisms develops, a freer, more resonant sound will be the result.

 

Program of study

Students take a regular weekly lesson, and also participate in a studio class. In the studio class, students take turns singing for each other, and pianist is provided. Teen students also participate in studio recitals.

 

Studio class

The adult studio class usually meets one evening a month as schedules allow. Adult students who are interested in teaching may also participate in a vocal pedagogy study group, which meets monthly as well.

The teen studio class meets weekly after school. Students must attend studio class 12 times during the school year, and are guaranteed to sing 4 times (assuming they attend regularly). The teen studio class may also include sight-reading, depending on the level and needs of the students.

 

Recitals

Adult students are encouraged to perform and to give recitals. Teen students participate in studio recitals, some of which are open to families and friends and some of which are for students only.

 

FAQs

What kinds of students do you work with? Do you work with beginners?
Typically, I typically work with highly motivated teens, college students and adults. Students may be beginning singers, but with very few exceptions must already have a strong musical background. I do teach younger children on occasion, though I generally recommend that younger students sing in school or church choirs, participate in drama and musicals, play sports, learn languages and do anything that develops their imagination.

What kinds of music will I sing?
I’m comfortable working with classical music and musical theatre. I also happy to work with cabaret and jazz, though students will need to choose their own repertoire. Younger teens will receive some instruction in sight-reading. Older teens may receive sight-reading instruction, depending on their abilities and needs.

I do not require that all students sing classical music. In fact, I believe that requiring a musical theatre performer to sing classical music may be counterproductive. That said, many students benefit from singing a variety of genres, so I may encourage classical singers to work on some musical theatre, and vice versa.

What’s the right age to begin voice lessons?
A student may begin voice lessons at any age. Most students become ready for serious technical study in their early teens. I usually work with students who are 14 and older, though I occasionally make exceptions when a young singer’s performance activities make demands that call for professional guidance.

How is the lesson-time structured?
The first 5 to 15 minutes are spent on technical practice. The rest of the lesson is spent applying technical principles to your repertoire, analyzing music and text, and sometimes choosing new pieces.

How often are the lessons and how long do they last?
I prefer that students take weekly lessons. Most lessons are scheduled for 30-45 minutes, depending on the age, level and needs of the student. Some students prefer to take a 60-minute lesson.

How often will I need to practice?
Beginning students should schedule at least three practice sessions of 15-30 minutes per week. Advanced students should expect to practice roughly twice that amount. Additional time may be recommended for sight-reading.

Do I need to be able to read music to study with you?
Yes. You must also have a piano or keyboard at home for practicing, and the piano must be kept in tune.

Do you audition your students?
Yes. I ask students to come for a short interview, or to set up some trial lessons.

Do you have a waiting list?
Yes.