MY BACKGROUND

“Two elements must be conjoined in any veritable work of art, first, something to say, and second, an ability to say it by means of some articulate method of expression."

- Clayton Hamilton, Introduction, How to Sing a Song by Yvette Guilbert

 

My goal in the studio is to give my students technical tools to suit their voice that they may communicate emotions and feelings to the highest degree. I strongly believe that teaching voice doesn’t stop with the instrument. We are meant to teach the whole person and use that whole person’s experiences to achieve technical goals. Those technical goals, in turn, should serve communication.

 

I believe that it is my job as the teacher to give students a “tool box” of ideas and exercises that they can later draw from either in the practice room or after they have finished studying with me that will help them fix their own technical issues. I want my students to be independent learners who don’t always rely on me to give them the answers to their problems. I believe that an open channel of information and questioning is necessary for this type of learning. In order for this line of communication to flourish I know that a safe atmosphere for exploration is required for both student and teacher.

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The core of my teaching philosophy rests on self-expression, linked to creativity. Nestled in that core is the belief that everyone can sing expressively. The quality of instrument or “talent” that someone possesses does not determine their teachability or their value as an artist. In addition to helping my students be able to communicate my job is to help them figure out what they want to say creatively.

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I strive to introduce my students to a wide variety of musical styles and performers to expand their aural palate. Every great artist is built on the choices of their predecessors and there is no limit to how much a student can learn from listening to the greats for technique, style, and musicality.

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