Singing and performing are full-body activities.  My training encompasses the singer as a complete package.  In addition to all things vocal, I guide students in stage carriage (deportment), acting, movement, interpretation, diction, attire, makeup, traditional performance practices, resumé and headshot consultation, right repertoire choices, and dealing with and managing performance anxiety.

While my training methods have their foundation in the classical tradition, I coach singers in all musical styles.  Vocal training is about learning to use one's voice correctly, healthfully and to its maximum capabilities.  Coaching one's voice and repertoire is about learning to sing in certain styles, bringing out one's unique abilities, and covering such things as diction, phrasing and performance practices in the various style of music.  Coaching is always done with the student's vocal health and technique in the foreground.

Please discuss your long and short-term goals with me, so that I can best help you meet them.

WHAT TO BRING:

All music being worked on and additional copies for the teacher and accompanist (when applicable), pencil, water, and optionally a recording device. 

HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE LESSON TIME:

Be well-rested and hydrated. 

Consuming dairy products is discouraged prior to singing due to the excess phlegm it produces.

It is advisable not to eat just prior to singing, but do eat for ample energy earlier in the day.

DO NOT warm your voice up or practice before your lesson. 

Have your music well prepared so that the lesson time can be used for vocal technique and not for learning the notes.  If you need help, guidance or instruction on how best to prepare your music, please ask me.

HOW TO PRACTICE:

The single most important aspect of practice is CONSISTENCY.  Practicing for short spurts on a daily basis will net the best results.  Ten minutes per day is better than an hour once or twice week.  The latter is highly discouraged.

Avoid practicing in the car.  You can however listen to recordings of your music, assignments, and exercise CDs in the car.

Short daily spurts with great concentration on the techniques being studied are the surest way to progress. 

When singing in vocal groups (i.e. church and school choral groups), always try to employ the techniques you are learning and working on.  Every time you sing is an opportunity to practice.

Dialogue with me about how your voice, singing, and practice is feeling.  Never over-sing, over-practice or use your voice when you feel pain or hoarseness.

Let me repeat: Consistent, short spurts add up to great results!

HOW TO PREPARE FOR AUDITIONS AND PERFORMANCES:

It is imperative that students and parents of young singers inform me about upcoming auditions and performances — ALL of them.  It is highly advisable that we have ample time for adequate preparation.  Even if the style of music is different from that which is being worked on in the lessons, every chance to perform in public, when well prepared, is an opportunity to learn and grow. BUT it can be highly detrimental to the student's vocal health and/or development if not coached and prepared properly with me.

A note about etiquette: When students present themselves in auditions and performances as pupils of my studio, it is only proper that I be made aware of these presentations and that I have the opportunity to help them prepare to put their very best foot forward. Please do not compartmentalize my teaching and coaching as only for "serious" music, as opposed to popular and other styles. Having sat as a judge in various singing competitions around the country, I have developed a very acute sense of the elements that distinguish winning presentations. It is very much to my students' advantage to let me see and hear them before any public auditions or performances.