Teaching Philosophy
I find the art of teaching the human singing voice challenging and yet, extremely, rewarding. I did not truly begin to understand the full range and potential of my own singing voice until I began teaching on a regular basis. Experience has proven that a person’s voice is as unique as their personality. Therefore, I tailor my instruction to each student’s individual needs. I believe that the primary objective of voice instruction is to provide a solid foundation in singing through training in vocal production techniques, performance skills, styles and genres of vocal music, and musicianship. I aim to guide each student through a process of vocal and performance growth, enabling them to achieve a firm foundation and understanding of the human voice as an instrument, which is fundamentally based in physiology. I then attempt to integrate and solidify all of the physical, intellectual, and emotional elements that comprise the experience of singing – all within a positive student-teacher relationship founded in good communication and honesty.
I have high, but realistic, expectations for my students and I continually challenge them to settle for nothing less than their best. My students know, that as a singer myself, I understand the unique challenges that accompany this career choice. Singing not only requires an understanding of musical concepts, a facility with many languages and the ability to interpret text, but that the body, as the vehicle of sound production, be simultaneously open and yet disciplined. One of the greatest difficulties facing a singer springs from the necessity to comprehend the complex physiology of the human body in terms of basic physics of sound and acoustics and then to apply this knowledge to one’s own body. This accomplishment often necessitates encouraging the student to get beyond obstacles, such as fear, control issues, and years of physical habits to realize their potential. A singer’s instrument is unique from any other musician because the instrument is housed in one’s body. This makes the art of singing so personal and in order for a student to live up to their full potential, they must allow themselves to leave their comfort zone and become exposed and vulnerable. Therefore, proper development is a gradual process wherein every new development that is deeply comprehended is an important victory to be praised and rewarded. My goal is to encourage and nurture each student, building their confidence and empowering them to overcome the physiological and psychological challenges of this art form to become the best possible performing artist.
