Voice Lessons in Phoenix, AZ

Instruments: Voice Recorder

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
It was mostly a gradual decision, however at one point in my teenage years I was determined to not study music in college! I wanted it to stay a hobby, but my love for it won and I ended up studying music and never regretted it.

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
Yes! My Grandmother was a singer, organist, pianist, voice teacher and choral director. She loved to do it all! She was my first teacher and inspired my love of music. My father and his siblings all sing, though not professionally, and my mother sings and was two rock bands in the 1990s.

If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
My second is piano. I began lessons at a young age, but was never very dedicated. In college it became a necessity to learn and I wished I have done more as a child! I have since fallen in love with piano and continue to practice regularly. I consider the recorder my third instrument and although I played it in third grade enough to annoy my dogs, cats, and parents, I picked up a method book later in life and found the fun of playing more complex pieces and looking into Baroque literature.

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
I begin with a thorough warm up, usually lasting for 30-45 minutes. I then choose one of my easier, more polished pieces and sing through it before continuing on to new and more difficult literature. I am a believer in warm ups and vocal health, so I try not to push my voice beyond what it is ready for at the time, taking my warm ups slow and thoroughly.

If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
I have a B.S. in Music Performance and a Master of Music Performance. Initially I began in Music Education, however I found my love of working one-on-one with students, or in small groups, and the performance track was more suited to teaching studio lessons. I also love performing and the opportunities the degrees held for polishing skills in languages, vocal repertoire, and performing in general.

What is your dream piece to perform and why?
I have always loved Strauss's "Four Last Songs" for their beautiful melodic lines, rich accompaniment, and deep subject matter. My personal favorite performer of this work is Dame Kiri Te Kanawa.

When will I start to see results?
Results come with regular lessons and practice. Lessons are only as effective as a student is willing to put in time to practice. Children tend to learn fast, adults tend to have more established habits, however there is no set amount of time it takes to see results. It depends on the individual person. Results will never happen overnight, much as we would all love!

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
I think it chose me, rather than me choosing it. I could sing from a young age and it was a huge part of my life as a child and teenager. It seemed natural to continue studying and ultimately make it my career.

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
Patience! Music takes time and dedication, and unfortunately there is no magic wand to make it happen instantly. I personally have to remind myself to slow down and concentrate on difficult sections of the music instead of just whizzing through it and saying, "good enough."

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Always warm up sufficiently and take breaks to stretch, take a short walk (even just around the house), re-warm up, drink water, or whatever you feel your needs are.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
The first sign is an expressed interest in music! It's always a more positive experience for student, parent, and teacher if the child wants to be there. For success in lessons, it is important that a child be able to listen and comprehend basic instructions.

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