Would You Like to Be a Voice Student?

As a voice teacher, I hope to influence my students in more than their vocal technique, though that is my primary responsibility and interest. I believe my role is four‑fold: as voice technician, interpretive coach, career advisor, and mentor.

As a voice technician, it is my goal to help the student to find his/her true singing voice. This voice is produced freely and easily, not manufactured. My students each have their own unique, best sound. I work primarily with the sustained, energetic use of the breath and the release of the muscles of the tongue, throat, and upper torso. I also work with solving the diction challenges inherent in each language (especially as they impact the individual student), both from pronunciation and a technical standpoint.

As an interpretive coach, I work with students on particular styles of singing about periods, geographic areas, and genres. For example, a 17th‑century Italian operatic aria will be sung in a different style than a 19th‑century German, and neither will bear any resemblance to 20th‑century American popular music. In addition, I work with students on their particular interpretation of each text, based on the above factors as well as the emotions expressed in the individual text. I approach interpretation from a visual and kinesthetic standpoint, as well as aurally.

As a career advisor, I want to encourage students to find their best strength and pursue it. However, determination to succeed in any field is a great plus. For the student who needs direction, I can help him/her find that direction. In addition, my contacts enable me to give students opportunities to sing for people who can be helpful to them in their music careers.

As a mentor, I am available to my students not only in the prior three roles but as someone approachable as a person. Singing is a very personal business. Though I do not give out personal advice (that is not my role), I believe that a person's emotional state impacts his/her singing, and I try to be available when I am needed.