Sarah T  
Instruments: Voice, Music
Styles: Classical, Pop, Musical Theater, Opera

I started my teaching in singing and music since my first year in college. I taught group music courses for children ages 4-12 in a seasonal camp for 2 years, and I found out that combining body movements not only helps improve children's singing technique and posture but also makes students enjoy and relax more. Then I began teaching private lessons for all ages when I was senior in college. I realized that being a professional voice teacher needs strong knowledge of pedagogy and voice science to guide my students. Thus, in order to improve my teaching skills, I took voice pedagogy in graduate school, understanding how influential a voice teacher could be. And being cautious about my students vocal health then gradually becomes my belief of teaching. I also encourage my students to pick their favorite repertoire in order to stay motivated and have fun, because I think enjoy singing is the most essential fundamental during the learning process.

I always focus on proper and healthy singing technique, therefore, for every student, I start with physical and vocal warm up in order to develop fundamental skills of breathing and support. Then I move on to songs or arias (classical or pop), adjusting good vowels and body tensions to improve resonance and efficiency in singing. And I like my students to choose their favorite songs to stay motivated and have fun. For students before 18, I suggest them to sing more fun and lighter repertoire without trying too hard and building bad habits. For some students who need advice for auditions and competitions, I love to discuss with them openly about plans, repertoire choices, and characterization, and I offer more physical and mental practice to make them well-prepared. Most importantly, also not a lot of teachers focus on, I care about warm down practice as well. Singers are athletes, and I believe warm down practice is also very crucial in every lesson for my students!