As a young singer, my voice became a pathway toward myself, luminous with possibility, yet unreliable in carrying the full breadth of self-expression I sought. Naturally, I was drawn to the science behind the voice. It was only once I began studying physiology—the breathing mechanism and its relaton to breath management, the larynx and its relation to phonation, and the vocal tract and its relation to resonance—that I developed vocal technique that offered consistency.

 

Driven by the question of how, I continue to grow my depth of knowledge surrounding vocal pedagogy rooted in science so that I may instill within my students a solid vocal groundwork established through evidence-based voice practices. Within my vocal studio, I incorporate various teaching strategies to facilitate learning which include imaginative faculties to creatively identify physical sensations associated with efficient vocal technique, science-based knowledge of the voice to establish a foundational understanding of vocal mechanisms, and kinesthetic movement to eliminate tension that restricts vocal freedom, or promote postures and alignments that are helpful to a healthy singing voice.

 

My studio lineage descends from Manuel García, widely regarded as the father of modern vocal pedagogy, to me by way of a profoundly influential instructor of mine, Dr. Malinda Haslett. I have completed Estill Voice Training Foundations, Level 1, and Level 2. Additionally, I have taken vocal pedagogy courses and graduate level voice lessons at the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign under the direction of Professor Yvonne Rodman who has studied with experts in this field such as Dr. Ingo Tize and Dr. Katherine Verdolini. I hold a bachelor's degree in Music Education from the University of Southern Maine and a master's degree in Vocal Performance and Literature from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

 

As a vocal performer, voice student, and voice teacher, I am continually seeking opportunities to deepen my education and skills in vocal pedagogy and teaching voice. It is my desire to guide students through their development into confident vocalist with freedom in their singing. It is my belief that a reliable technical foundation through understandings of their vocal mechanism and intentional practice of exercises and repertoire allows for artistry and expression. In my vocal studio, students and I work collaboratively to identify goals, longterm and short-term, to guide our work in an efficient and effective manner. Within our lessons, we will work on 1) warming up the voice 2) exercising the voice, and 3) applying skill development to repertoire. Outside of our lessons, students will utilize tools such as journaling and audio/video recording to reflect upon achievements and strategize for growth.

 

With each student, I strive to foster a strong desire for high quality, dynamic singing while simultaneously establishing a safe, individually-focused, inclusive space where students are not afraid to make mistakes—understanding it is one of the greatest opportunities for learning to take place.