Can anyone learn to sing?
Like any art form, for example: drawing, writing, and dancing, some people might show some inclination, but they all will go on to be "taught" by someone. So realistically, no one is "born with it." The same with singing. Just go into a preschool class, kids pretty much all sound the same, ever notice that? So yes, anyone can learn to match pitches. AND let's not stop there...I can teach you how to have style and power, not just to be able to sing, but to sing well and with ease.
Singing is a natural human sound and is part of being human. Just like cats meow and dogs bark, humans are meant to sing. Even people who say they don't sing, they do sing. It may be alone in their car with the radio on, or in the shower. But we ALL sing. So let's get together and improve your sound so you feel comfortable letting it be heard! I won't just tell you to do it, I'll teach you how it works, and how you can allow your voice to be freed. In all honesty, I don't need to teach people how to sing, I instead teach how to "stop doing that thing you think is singing."
Many people have had negative experiences in the past, especially when it comes to their voices or self expression. I personally know how that feels. We may have been told at some point to "be quiet" "use your inside voice" "shut your mouth." And those aren't even about singing but they do effect our singing voices. We hesitate to be "heard." We sing "politely" with our jaws tight. We are afraid to be expressive with our bodies because someone might think we're "full of ourselves" or we're being too dramatic or we might look stupid. We suck in our gut or slouch to be socially acceptable which impedes our airflow. So we force sound out and wonder why it hurts to sing. We are afraid to share, afraid to be less than perfect. Maybe we only sing when no one is listening. Imagine how spiritually fulfilling it would be to feel confident, connected to your soul, and have wonderful singing skills.
What's the difference between a Voice Technician and a Vocal Coach and which do I need?
Voice lessons can focus on vocal technique, how to use your instrument: to increase range, registers, ear training, and any other technical skill you may need to improve. Vocal coaching is more about how to make a song performance ready, dynamics, interpretation, style, uniqueness, all the fun added things that make it you. In a lesson, we will do both as I am Technician and a Coach.
Are you going to be critical? Will you get angry if I do something wrong?
Feedback needs to be constructive. I’ve seen too many lessons with other teachers where the student has ended up in tears because the teacher has given direct negative critique going straight to all the things that are not working under the guise of being “productive.” On the other hand, I've seen teachers "overly praise" to the point where the student didn't improve. So what will you get from me? Good, constructive feedback. A combination of positive reinforcement and practical, specific, achievable instructions to change something. I will be kind, authentic and truthful. And always fun!
I create a safe environment for singers to take risks, to make mistakes, and to explore their voices. I am encouraging and playful, but will be honest and authentic as well. I will honor your voice and listen to your concerns. I promise to help you correct any issues with a clear and simple way to help you. You will improve with each lesson. And I will celebrate your successes! I get great joy when my students succeed. A part of me succeeds with you!
I had one student in a class say to me, "And you never once raised your voice at us." Well, the only voices I want to "raise" are yours! All boats rise the the tide!
How often should I take lessons? How many lessons do I need?
Everyone has different progress rates. It depends on how you practice between lessons, and your focus during lessons. Every lesson will teach you something new, but how fast you progress is really up to you. I would suggest at least 12 lessons to get a strong foundation to build on. And once a week is preferable. Like I said, it is up to you how devoted you are to learning and also depends on your budget. That's why I created the 4 week package deal. It gives you a discount and keeps you on track by meeting every week.
Like any skill, you have to be consistent and it is a life long continuous journey. You don't go to the gym for six sessions and then say "well I'm in shape now so I'll quit." There is no perfect singer and we all need a voice technician to keep us in shape. Yes, we can self-assess to some degree, but we can't truly hear ourselves in the same way other's can hear us. That is why singing is a gift you give.
A story I want to share with you
I was so touched by the gracious praise given to me by one of my students, Eki Shola. A local venue was hosting the winners of a world wide music competition. Eki placed in the top 5 out of over 5000 entries and was asked to perform. I was thrilled to be able to attend and support her.
Right before her final song, she told the crowd that there was someone in the audience she wanted to give a special thanks to. I assumed it was her husband or her mother, but no, it was me. She told the whole audience how she once had a career as a medical doctor but after taking lessons with me, she is now doing music full time. She said, "This woman changed my life." I felt humbled and blessed.