Kismyu G  
Instruments: Voice
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Opera, Showtunes, Spirituals, Reggae, Soul

I first began teaching during college. Of course, these years are what solidified my love for singing. However, my college experience greatly gratified my longing to teach. I loved working with younger music students who were also incredibly passionate about singing and finding their voice. These students would come seeking a bit of assistance, not because they were incompetent, but they needed fresh ears, encouragement, and maybe a different, "less serious" approach to singing. It was during these private lessons that I realized just how fun singing is-especially in the practice setting. It made my heart full to hear students have the "Aha!" moment. During college, I was most proud when students could sing confidently, with intention, passion, and sensitivity. These moments were even more powerful when these same students were told they should just quit singing, they'll never have what it takes, or that there's nothing more we can teach you. To see these students continue to relentlessly pursue their voice inspired me to be just as dogmatic. I still think of them when I need spurts of encouragement. Singing was almost always taught to me with such intimidation. I'm committed to teaching the exact opposite. I love the art of singing, and I teach with a focus of encouragement, never comparison or fear. My goal is that with each lesson, the student is drawn closer to the love of singing.

I believe music to be an innately communicative expression, with a distinct enmeshment of all major art forms: theater, dance, visual, and literary art. I approach teaching voice very naturally-properly utilizing the breath, posture, speech, and interpretation. I'm most passionate about uncovering each student's unique voice, clear of imitation and timidity. I'd like to aid in helping you sound as the most confident, competent, sensitive, and healthy "you" imaginable. I like to start using editions of Leonard's Soprano solos. I also possess Tenor editions. Although I mainly possess soprano and tenor literature, I do own pieces in lower keys to accommodate lower voices. I believe singing to be more similar to speech than most are willing to admit. I like to approach singing as being a fun way of communicating. When we're able to sing as we speak, we are able to produce efficient breaths, clear tones, and effective performance presence! Singing should not be taught as some burdensome discipline, but as an adventure of discovering your unique sound.