Lessons
A “Voice Lesson” is a kind of session where primacy is given to the “technical” elements of singing such as tone, resonance, articulation, vocal alignment, breath support and control as well as a variety of other factors that inform healthy vocal technique and vocal stamina and production. Time is also spent incorporating the elements of “acting the song,” choosing songs and tailoring them to your strengths as well as more practical elements such as choosing keys, cuts, and marking the music properly.
What Happens in a Voice “Lesson?”
With regard to my "approach" and "method" of teaching voice, I subscribe to the idea that effective teaching principles in the area of vocal pedagogy are a blend and balance of the "science" of singing and the aesthetics of singing and performance. Applicable exercises in order to acquire the "know-how" to do so will be assigned (think of these like a personal trainer for your voice!) Historical accuracies and contexts also weigh in in this area. However, every individual is different and individual needs vary. Whatever your situation, level of technical skill, or know-how we can tailor a studio strategy to make the most of your experience here.
My Methods and Areas of Specialization as a Voice Teacher:
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Breath support, air management, endurance of breath
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Providing a succinct understanding of the rib cage, tongue, jaw, spine, head, torso, larynx, pharynx, and muscle groups of the abdomen and upper body as they apply to healthy and liberated singing
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Providing understanding and application of resonance to sound (high, frontal mask, the heavier chest, torso)
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Understanding, nurturing, strengthening, and expanding of the "Belt" or "Chest" voice and overall expansion of range while creating optimum clarity of pitch
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Overall flexibility, durability, and command of the voice
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Finding and developing your "Core" voice, your “Belt” and the "Blending" of the "Chest" and the "Head" registers (“Mix”)
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Teaching and understanding the traits and styling of singing both “Legit” and “belt” in the musical theatre and opera repertoire and the application of these to your instrument while doing so in a natural, meaningful and healthy manner
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Developing a personalized regimen for singers that addresses and corrects undesirable and/or unhealthy vocal habits (which come in many forms).
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Developing a personalized regimen for the singer that expands range and helps to "focus" the sound properly for maximum control and elasticity
Coaching
A vocal "coaching" is a type of session where time is spent giving attention to selection, preparation and presentation of the songs/arias as well as to the vocal elements. Time in a coaching may be spent learning new songs, finding the inner-life and outer-life (physical body elements) of the song(s), making cuts, choosing appropriate song material of diverse styles for your “book” and addressing strategies for audition success. Time is also be devoted to the technical elements of singing the song as needed.
What Happens in a Vocal "Coaching?"
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Finding and rehearsing new song material of diverse styles and tailoring that material to you individually, and investing new presentational and technical perspectives into your current “book.” “Acting The Song.”
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·Addressing, expanding and correcting vocal technique, phrasing and musicality
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Fostering the "inner life" of the song as it relates to text and voice
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·Finding logical and fluid cuts of songs and placing them in the proper keys (and marking the music for the pianist correctly)
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·A thorough understanding of casting directors and creative personnel expectations of what you need to show them (and with which material) in order for you to be placed in the "YES" pile, and making you aware of the habits of actors that make audition panels silently wince
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Practical advice about marketing yourself, finding an agent, auditions, self -tapes and career strategy
