Teaching Philosophy
My Mission:
Healthy Technique for All Ages & Styles of Singing
I focus on vocal health for all styles of singing, at all ages and stages of vocal development. I also teach the foundations of musicianship, including sight-singing and music theory, as well as song interpretation, acting, and performance. Students have numerous performance opportunities throughout the year, including recitals, studio classes, masterclasses, and community service performances. My students range in age from 7 to 95, and I cultivate each student’s unique voice and interests, encouraging enjoyment at all levels of singing – from the novice to the professional.
Foundational Basics of My Pedagogy:
- Healthy Breathing
- Natural Vowels
- Ease of Production
- Physiologically Informed Singing
- Dramatic Integrity
Belonging, Respect, and Fairness
I am firmly committed to celebrating belonging, respect, and fairness in the arts. This extends to all races and nationalities, the LGBTQIA+ community, the disabled, and the neurodivergent. There is space for all in musical performance, and we stand together as allies, working for a world shaped by all of us.
Student Success Stories
My students are regularly cast in lead roles in professional, school, and community theater productions, and are frequently selected for both All State and All County Choruses. Many of them have continued their vocal studies in popular, musical theater, and classical genres at top music schools, including Eastman School of Music, Oberlin Conservatory, Westminster Choir College, Pace University, Marymount Manhattan College, New York University, Boston University, and Berklee College of Music.
Equally important to me are my students’ personal successes. Their vocal studies give them confidence, not only as performers, but in other areas as well; they are empowered to use their voices in ways that enrich their lives and those of others.
Testimonials
Please use the arrows on the sliders to watch each video. Testimonials can also be viewed on our YouTube channel using the buttons below each slider.
Youth & Teen Students
Adult & Professional Students
Parents of Students
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm an adult, and I don't necessarily want to be a professional singer, but I love music. How can voice lessons help me?
Voice lessons can be beneficial to amateur adults on numerous levels. Benefits include nurturing your love of music, strengthening your speaking voice, improving your health with proper breathing techniques, increasing your confidence, and helping you hit those high notes when singing karaoke with friends!
Many people also take voice lessons to strengthen their participation in worship services, community choirs, and theater programs. All ages can benefit.
My child is very musical. What are some of the benefits of voice lessons for children and teens?
Voice lessons help students learn to read music, develop their musical ear, and gain confidence in themselves.
Studies show that children who study music benefit from improved cognitive development, improved language skills, stronger social skills, and an overall better mental capacity, as music helps to stimulate and develop neural pathways for a lifetime. Through practice and repetition, children improve other areas of their learning, including focus and concentration.
Additionally, through learning to collaborate with others, children build valuable social skills that benefit them into adulthood. Lessons are not only a fun way to express themselves – they become a necessary cornerstone in their development.
Is it true that young children should not take voice lessons?
Voice lessons are not only safe for children who sing, they are essential. It is imperative that young people learn to use proper breathing and vocal technique to remain healthy and free of vocal injury.
In addition, voice lessons help young people develop self-confidence and pride in themselves.