Voice Lessons in Olalla, WA

Instruments: Voice Music

My mission statement is To teach with encouragement, humor, patience, and simple terminology, using applied science and body-awareness, all with the goal of vocal expressiveness. I always create a safe, supportive environment where my students can learn to express themselves through singing effectively. I use the McClosky Technique that employs applied science to help my students to sing with complete relaxation and freedom applied to any style of singing. My philosophy of teaching is based on the fact that working on voice technique is really an athletic process, and follows these principles: o A good voice teacher will let your true voice reveal itself, then follow it wherever it goes with encouragement and well-informed instruction. o A good voice teacher wont jump to conclusions about your voice but listen to how you describe your own experience and take it from there. o A good voice teacher will engage in deep listening with the goal of achieving complete relaxation when singing and speaking. o A good voice teacher will help you learn how to feel your body guiding you. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I am a lyric soprano, and have been performing and teaching for the past 35 years. I have performed opera, oratorio, Gilbert and Sullivan and concert repertoire. My particular interests are early music and 20th century art song. I teach at several different schools, and enjoy working with ages 13 through adult. I trained originally as a classical guitartist, and take guitar students from age 10 through adult. I also teach folk guitar. I have studied classical piano for several years and have taught a number of beginning piano students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

I'm a fun loving musician who enjoys sharing my passion for music with my students. I graduated from the College of Wooster with a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance and then Florida State University with a Masters of Music in Choral Conducting. Music has opened many doors both professionally and personally. I have had the opportunity to tour up and down the east coast while performing with 16 voice professional choir and met my wife through a choir we both were singing in. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Trumpet Harmonica Ukulele Recorder Acoustic Guitar

I taught high school band and choir as well as K-5 music education for 35 years. In the public school I have directed musical dramas and up to 4 concerts a year with students of all ages. In the classroom, I taught group piano, recorder, voice, group guitar, many different types of dances and ear training. I did my best to make the lessons fun and my students always looked forward to their weekly music class. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For beginning students, we start with simple scales, fingering patterns, short melodies, and based on that student’s needs and learning style, I decide which lesson plan to use (Suzuki, Hal Leonard, etc.). I use Tonal Harmony textbook excerpts to help with advanced theory lessons. More advanced singers receive more training in classical and musical theater technique. My philosophy is that every singer should be trained classically first. Early art songs and arias really help students focus on breath control, vowel shape, using their passagio, and expressive singing. Read More

Instruments: Voice

The relationship between student and teacher is foundational for growth. I take time to get to know every student as an individual to help them feel supported and comfortable in lessons. I encourage each student to set realistic goals and work at their own pace. We will work on a piece until it is performance ready, meaning it is note perfect, memorized, and blocked. To inspire the students and our lessons I will share music and singers I feel the student will connect with and ask them to share their tastes with me. Read More