The first lesson includes a complete intake and vocal assessment. You will learn the foundation of this vocal technique and how it can strengthen your voice and body. We will start to cover the vocal exercises you will be working with in the coming weeks.
For the second lesson we continue with the vocal exercises. You will take home an exercise CD and booklet to work with. In ongoing sessions, we’ll begin with the exercises and move into singing music you’d like to work with, as well as music that I recommend.
I encourage students to look at their progress gradually, since changing vocal habits is a process. You may notice some changes after 6 weeks, or it may be 2 -3 months before you really notice any changes.
I am certified as a voice teacher at the Northwest Institute of Voice and I teach Thomas Blaylock’s vocal technique. It is a systematic approach to vocal development and you will work with an exercise booklet and CD. This technique is revolutionary. It can teach you how to find and maintain a clear and fully resonant sound every day (either speaking or singing). When your voice is “under the weather”, you will learn how to work with it so you don’t have to stop using it to let it heal.
The first two lessons will focus on technique entirely, but after that we will do a combination of exercises and songs. I focus on balance; a balance within the lower and upper registers of your voice (achieved through the exercises) and a balance of technique and artistry. I will shift what we’re working on in a lesson, depending on your goals. If you have an upcoming audition or performance, we will focus more on preparation for that and less on exercises. It all depends on what you need.
First session is $80.00 for adults, and $70.00 for students under 18. The remaining sessions range from $55.00 (student rate) to $70.00.
I teach from my home studio in NE Portland, very close to the Lloyd Center cinemas.
Yes, I start working with children at age 8. Prior to age 8, I recommend that young singers find a choir to join, or begin learning an instrument such as recorder, violin or piano. There are also excellent classes at the Oregon Children’s Theater or Northwest Children’s Theater that will focus on musical theater training.
I also teach music and movement classes for children ages 0 to 5 years with Music Together. Please see our website for more information:
www.musictogether-pdx.com
I teach all styles of music: classical, musical-theatre, jazz, pop, folk, country, R&B, etc.
Yes, I use the same exercises for developing a speaking voice or a singing voice. If you are having any problems with your speaking voice, I recommend this technique to help you achieve a clear, resonant sound and a strong connection to your breathing.
Yes, having over 20 years of experience with auditions has given me insights into how to best prepare for them. If you want to work only on audition material for a limited number of sessions, we would skip the technique and focus on your immediate goals.
A voice teacher is someone trained in vocal technique and vocal artistry. A vocal coach is focused primarily on vocal artistry and working with various languages. A coach works minimally with technique and primarily with artistry/languages.
