How long have you been teaching?
I began teaching at the University of Lethbridge Conservatory of Music in 2004. When I moved to Edmonton in 2005 I opened a studio in the north end of the city. In the fall I began teaching at a second studio as well in the west end and I have been teaching out of both locations ever since. In 2006 I expanded my studio to include group music classes children and their parents to explore music.
Why did you choose to become a teacher?
I have always loved music and performing. When I was a child I took music lessons and I loved the performing. So, when I was looking to go to university I wanted to get an education in something I could enjoy doing for the rest of my life, so I chose music. While getting my bachelors in voice I had the privilege to teach at the University's conservatory. I loved it, so I put my focus into learning how to teach, and have never regretted it for a moment.
What is your teaching philosophy?
Music is a beautiful exploration and I want to facilitate my students to enjoy music fully throughout their lives, not just for a couple years. It is of the utmost important to learn the correct technique in singing. Once understood, a person can take that knowledge and enjoy singing for the rest of their lives because the person can use the techniques correctly so that they don't harm themselves.
What are your other hobbies and interests?
Sports in general I'd say. I've done a lot of different sports. I took several years of training in martial arts to help understand body mechanics of the physical connection of self to motion. I'm a fairly good golfer with a decent drive.
What 4 words would you use to describe your teaching strategies?
1. Communication: Music is a worthwhile exploration, I want my students to have an understanding of these great composers songs so that the experience and the beauty in music can be shared with their audience.
2. Exploration: Music is a beautiful performance medium for people to connect with each other. I expect my students to be engaged in the learning process, critically thinking, interpreting, thinking of performance ideas, interpretation meaning, etc. I try to provide my students with a musically nurturing environment.
3. Technical: to understand correct terminology so there is no confusion over what is being taught. I'd better have a good foundation and reason for teaching what I do or I should best not be teaching those methods.
4. Honest: If I hear something I like in your voice I'll say so. Conversely, if I don't like what I hear I'll say so, why, and how to fix it. If I say something that you disagree with or seems confusing I expect my students to speak up so we can discuss it. I am not offended by discussion. I would much rather have an intelligent conversation about a technique or interpretation than for confusion to persist.
What kind of students do you like to work with?
Those who are not closed minded to classical techniques in the studio. I am an opera singer, but I'm not trying turn a student into me. I'm trying to build the students voice, not my voice in them. Any student who is not closed to learning in a non-pop idiom I work well with. I don't cover pop genre's in my studio but that doesn't mean I don't sing karaoke with my friends.
What types of students could you teach most effectively?
I don't have one kind of student that I prefer. Everybody learns at their own rate and has their own learning methods. Be they a visual, physical, or auditory learner I can work with the student. If a student is open minded and willing to sometimes do exercises that seem silly or weird then we're going to get somewhere.
How do you help students experience success?
Creating a safe and constructive environment for my students is of the utmost importance. Preconceived notions of tone production and expectations will sink a student before they walk into any classroom. I try to help students develop patience and openness in themselves so they can realize their potential.
Giving students performance experience is paramount to growing as a musician. I strive to give students several performance opportunities throughout the year. Be they competitions, recitals, or group master classes.
What are your greatest strengths?
Patience. If a student is willing to learn, regardless of how incorrect their technique was before they came to me, I have the patience to help them.
Why should I hire you?
I love music and I want to inspire others to love music as much as I do. All students have potential, so it is not about telling the student no, but finding what works for that student and building upon those strengths. Music is all serious in it's way, but I strive to make the learning experience enjoyable too. This way my students come away with a desire to share music with others as well.
So you don't cover pop music? Why?
Pop genres are styles that break the rules of healthy singing by engaging tension into vocal production. As a teacher I desire to build my students musicianship to facilitate a lifetime of enjoyment. Not a quick fix. If a student learns to do something without tension and artistically then they will able to apply those techniques into other the genres on their own. Classical music is not boring or weird, often it is often just not understood and is seen as esoteric or arty. But all music is definately a worth while discovery. In today's society how often do you get to explore such interesting music on the radio? Not very often. It is kind of nice to explore music that you would not hear on an every day level to gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty of music, and what it takes to make it.
What is the age range of your students?
The youngest student I'll take is 7-8 years old depending on the child. When children are that young they often don't understand the difference between the yelling and the singing voice so lessons may not be constructive yet. Also, younger children can be easily bored with 30 minutes of private intense singing. Depending on the child, waiting one year until they are older is beneficial.
There is no age limit that I'll teach though. In fact, I love teaching the adult beginner singers. Singing can be quite scary and we all have an opinion about singing (even if we can't ourselves). In todays society if an adult is willing to find time in their busy lives to learn a new and worthwhile skill such as singing, I am happy to help them. I understand the dynamics of an older voice and what it takes to get up on stage.
