Singing can be very challenging and oftentimes frustrating. Perhaps you struggle with vocal fatigue, discomfort, or you are unable to access different parts of your range. Or perhaps you feel that something just isn’t “quite right”. I have developed the skills necessary to listen to and diagnose what may be interfering with your ability to coordinate your vocal instrument.
I pride myself on really listening to what my students tell me about their unique experience as they sing, and I strive to remain open to new ways of approaching challenges. My professional development as a teacher is ongoing and a commitment I eagerly embrace. Staying current in research and how the voice works physiologically is of keen interest and importance for my practice. . I am also passionate about ensuring that I am effectively communicating my knowledge and coaching support with each student.
We are all unique, and as a teacher I have learned that it is MY job to find a way of relaying information that resonates with each individual.
We’ll have a conversation to discuss your goals and our potential to work together to help you achieve them.
When I meet with prospective students, it is very important that we both feel it’s a good fit. Once we start working together, I take cues from the student regarding the direction they want to take with their singing.
Based on our conversation, I will create a lesson plan tailored to your specific interests and goals.
While singing in a sustainable and healthy manner is important, I believe we can learn those coordinations while singing classical music and/or popular styles. I am not prescriptive about the repertoire we work on, as long as it fits into the parameters of healthy vocal development and is age appropriate for the younger students.
I have always taught piano, music theory and musicianship skills as well. My voice students are often interested in studying theory or piano, and I often create a lesson plan where we touch on different skill sets within the same lesson time.
We’ll meet in person or over Zoom and get started. I’ll get to know you and your voice, and we’ll begin working towards your goal.
Unique to my studio is that with my skills as an accomplished pianist I am able to accompany you in each lesson.
Opportunities to sing for an audience can help people progress. If performing does interest you, feedback from my students indicates they felt much more prepared for an audition because they were able to experience the energy that emerges when you stand in front of others and perform the song you’ve been working on. Even if you’re at the beginning of your singing journey and are not sure you want to sing in public EVER, these gatherings not only inspire singers and audience members alike, they also create community. Being part of a supportive environment is so helpful when developing or improving a skill.
I have performed classical and contemporary music and worked in theatre as an actor and music director. In addition to directing choirs and collaborating as a pianist with singers and instrumentalists, I have a private studio where I teach voice, piano, theory and musicianship. I have been a member of the Alberta Registered Music Teachers’ Association (ARMTA) for 28 years.
I am passionate about finding ways to help people of all ages and levels of musical education and performance experience develop their skills and express themselves through music.
I hold a Bachelor of Performance in piano from the University of Calgary, performance degrees in both voice and piano from the Royal Conservatory of Music, and a Diploma in Piano Performance from Mount Royal University.
I find working with professional companies and high school theatre programs equally exciting and challenging. I love seeing a new artist grow their skills so that they can express themselves and feel proud of their performance -in whatever form that takes.
I feel especially at home teaching my private students. Some of my students come to me to prepare for an audition or an exam. Others just personally long to pursue and experience singing, but something has prevented them from being able to follow through. Perhaps life circumstances or old beliefs didn’t allow them the time or energy to focus on this longing to express themselves artistically. I love providing a safe space for people to explore their speaking and singing voices. I take my job as a vocal teacher very seriously. Singing is a vulnerable pursuit, and I feel truly honoured to be one of the people to help guide you along this creative journey.
