my Philosophy

Singers are vocal athletes. Singing is also a profoundly emotional, mental, and spiritual experience. Freely sharing our voices with others is vulnerable and takes courage. As a result, realizing our vocal potential means not only understanding how our amazing instrument works and developing a finely-tuned awareness of our bodies, but also recognizing how our thinking, past experiences, and even the way we see ourselves as vocalists, all impact our singing. High-level performance of any kind involves a training of the mind as well as the body, and I believe in approaching singing from this holistic perspective.

  • My teaching utilizes tools from many pedagogical approaches that I have gathered, studied, and practiced for more than twenty years. It also incorporates aspects of my extensive studies in yoga, meditation, mindfulness practices, and performance psychology.

  • Teaching voice is a creative process through which we, together, discover what YOU need to become the best singer you can be.  The method that is right for you is the method (or combination of methods) that is designed through this creative approach. The most effective vocal coaches are not those with the right “method” but those who have developed the ability to listen on a very deep level, are highly empathetic, are always learning, and can set ego aside to focus exclusively on the needs of the singer.  

  • Vocal study is essential: you only have one instrument for a lifetime— learning how to protect it is your best insurance policy!

  • I believe in a balance of Technique and Artistry that looks different for every singer; in other words, I strive to protect what is unique about YOUR voice.

 

Depending on the client’s needs, my work includes, but is not limited to:

  • Healthy function of the vocal instrument for pop, rock, country, R&B, gospel, rap, hip hop, musical theater, and other Commercial genres, and beginning Classical

  • Handling Pressure

  • Reconnecting with the Joy of Singing

  • Studio Prep & Vocal Production

  • Warming Up & Cooling Down

  • Vocal Hygiene

  • Musicianship (including Theory and Ear Training) 

  • Individualized Practice Plans and Goal-setting

  • Maintaining Health and Balance On the Road

  • Artistry

  • Creativity Practices

  • Overcoming Performance Anxiety and Other Limiting Beliefs

  • Support for Returning to Singing after a Vocal Injury

  • Holistic Living and Mindfulness Practices

 

I begin every coaching relationship with a consultation. If you think we’re a good fit, schedule below.

FAQS

  • My fee is $200 for a single session. I strongly prefer, however, for the client to book a package of sessions and to make a commitment to completing those sessions in a specific period of time. I offer packages of 4 or more sessions, and the per-session fee drops to $175 when at least 4 are purchased.

    Speaking frankly, it is very rare that one vocal coaching session brings about profound growth and lasting change. If you want to take one session and see if we are a good fit, I understand that, which is why I offer it. But true growth, exciting growth, going beyond your current limitations, takes time and commitment. When you commit to a package of sessions it enables us to develop a relationship, set very specific goals, and work together toward those goals with consistency. I love working this way because I can truly get to know how the individual client learns and how best to support them in the specific goals we set at the beginning of our work. I do not offer a cookie-cutter technique or methodology that I pass on to my clients; rather, I follow the client’s lead in terms of what is desired and needed and I design our sessions accordingly. I frequently refer to the goals we set in the beginning and I take notes on our work together, which enables me to stay connected to the client's individual needs. There is no real magic in the number 4 but I have found, through years of teaching, that 4 lessons in a short period of time does enable most people to get comfortable and make some noticeable change. Many people reach very specific goals in those 4 lessons. Others decide to continue with regular lessons, but everyone experiences growth. Bottom line: the impact of working together with consistency cannot be overstated. That is where the magic happens. That is how we establish trust and ease of communication, which helps us to quickly build momentum. As the client, you will get far more bang for your buck when you commit to focused, consistent study.

  • High-level holistic coaching is not cheap. But it is life-changing, and why would that be inexpensive? We value the things we invest in. We show up differently when we have a lot of skin in the game. I have personally experienced investing in something that felt way out of my financial comfort zone and then immediately experiencing the impact it had on me to value myself and my growth in that way.

    Elite coaching is an investment in the rest of your life and your career. And if you are a professional or aspiring professional singer, then your entire career is riding on the health of your instrument, which includes not only your body and the vocal folds themselves, but also your mental and emotional health.

    My rate is a thoughtful decision based on the market and my clientele, and takes into consideration 30 years of study & experience coaching vocalists (in other words, I get results).

    For some additional perspective: any pro session or touring musician, engineer, or producer will spend thousands of dollars on instruments and/or gear in order to work in their field. This is a necessity that is not questioned. Investing in your vocal instrument is a similar investment— the one significant difference being that your vocal instrument is irreplaceable.

  • Yes. I love working with people who want to transform, who want to grow, who want to change and achieve their dreams. We all have voices, and our voices impact our lives, whether we’re singing with them or not.