Teaching Philosophy

I'm an energetic, multifaceted vocal artist who loves singing, performing, and sharing all I've learned with students. Developing a singer's voice requires a careful balance of technique and artistry, and I am dedicated to building healthy habits and versatile skills in myself and my students. These set the groundwork for any career in the vocal arts, from opera and musical theatre to all contemporary performance styles.

Fortunately, I have trained with exacting and encouraging vocal teachers, coaches and clinicians and performed alongside many talented artists in various performances. Throughout these experiences, I've taken a lesson expressed by all to heart. Sharing the wonder of music through performance is a gift; the highest form of thanks for that gift is teaching others.

After six years as a vocal instructor, my love of performance and teaching still go hand-in-hand. My professional goals include performing with top opera and musical theatre companies, orchestras, festivals, and other programs worldwide. However, my vocal instruction, coaching, and teaching goals run concurrently, and I hope to find opportunities to do both as a teaching artist.

While pursuing my Master's Degree at Carnegie Mellon University, I pondered my thoughts on the vocal arts' power, value, and purpose. Music, in all its many forms, touches people across the globe. Millions tune into television series that seek the next musical stars, billions are spent yearly on music purchases and events, and classically styled compositions bring soul-stirring emotion to many films. But even with music's constant presence in everyday life, I was often asked a stymying question: What in the world did I plan to do with a music degree? I decided that I wanted to make a positive impact with my music degree. It's a common conscience thought, "There is no money or future in music," but that's not true; it never will be. Music is a fundamental component of the human experience.

Vocal arts and performance, in particular, are challenging career paths. However, it's one of the only art forms capable of touching every soul on Earth. The human voice takes many forms, as do vocal tastes and preferences. Not everyone wants to be an opera singer, musical theatre belter, or jazz crooner. However, sound vocal training focused on healthy development, careful expansion of skills, and purposeful practices and warm-ups can prepare any singer to meet any goal with sustained vocal health, regardless of style.

The most beautiful vocalizations in any style split the fine line between carefully honed vocal technique and heartfelt artistry. This fine line is the place I seek each time I prepare to sing, whether for practice or performance and the sweet spot I try to uncover in each voice I train. In this magical space, vocalists touch listeners' souls and give purpose and intrinsic value to the vocal arts.