Teaching Philosophy

Over the past ten years, I have taught voice students of varying levels from elementary age to adult, in a wide range of musical styles encompassing folk, pop, musical theater, jazz, and classical. I teach with the firm belief that establishing a healthy technique built on appropriate skill acquisition of each singing mechanism involved in the vocal process (breath, phonation, resonance, and articulation) allows a performer to sing in a wide variety of styles and truly experience the joy of singing. My teaching incorporates a significant amount of movement and body mapping, making sure that singers are truly in tune with their own bodies and that they have a knowledge of how the body is and/or should be set up to achieve the most efficient singing possible. Lessons with me also require the student to be self-reflective, listening to and analyzing their own sound, as well as feeling and analyzing sensations created in the body by singing. I continually focus significant energy on deepening my own knowledge in the areas of vocal pedagogy, repertoire, and instructional practices to meet each student where they are and help them achieve their individual and evolving goals.

My teaching experience includes six years of classroom choral directing experience, ten years of private voice lessons at all levels, nearly ten years of private piano and violin lessons at all levels, and a significant number of experiences music directing and coaching for a number of local and regional theater productions. I am experienced in helping students at the high school level prepare for university level vocal study and have had students recently admitted to a number of reputable institutions including The Capital University Conservatory of Music, The Ohio State University, Otterbein University, and Ohio University. I have also taught university-level students as the Head of Voice at Cleveland State University, a Lecturer in Vocal Music at Eastern Washington University, Instructor of Voice and Director of Vocal Jazz at Seattle Pacific University, and as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and Junior Faculty member at the University of Washington. It is in this capacity that I feel like I am able to maximize the use of my diverse skill set and knowledge of vocal pedagogy, repertoire, and style. I see great benefit in vocal study at all levels and I would love to have the opportunity to help you along your journey of vocal development. My goal is always to share my own passion for singing and how it has so positively impacted my life. Every student is unique, and I strive to help each one meet their goals and truly enjoy using their voice as a means of expression.

I am currently accepting voice students in the greater Cleveland area and online. I am available for both ongoing weekly lessons and for audition/concert/competition preparation, where a student will typically take 4-5 lessons in preparation for the event. Please contact me for current rates and to schedule your consultation. I look forward to hearing from you!