Voice Teacher or Vocal Coach?
I am equally comfortable working as a Voice Teacher or as a Vocal Coach. For those that are unfamiliar with the distinction between these two terms, the Voice Teacher typically focuses on vocal technique, what the muscles are doing, how you are breathing, how to “focus” your tone, posture, how to warm up the voice, etc., and they usually end up doing some coaching, as well. A Vocal Coach typically focuses on elements of interpretation, including diction, style, phrasing, tone choices, acting and text analysis. In addition, a coach will usually be a pianist who is able to play through the repertoire with the singer, make sure they have all the right notes and rhythms, and rehearse an operatic or musical theater role or song repertoire with the singer. I have done both for over 35 years now. My preference is to work on whatever I feel needs the most attention or is most relevant, but I am happy to just coach a singer if they already have their own voice teacher.
I have worked over the years with some amazing teachers who have had a profound influence on my approach, my aesthetic, and my ear. These teachers have included Ellen Faull, (I was her personal accompanist at the Aspen Music Festival for 3 years,) Margaret Harshaw, Mildred Miller, Adele Addison, and Gene Boucher. But perhaps the greatest inspiration came from my dear friend, the late Eloise Ristad, author of A Soprano On Her Head. Eloise taught me that I didn’t have to have all the answers, but that I could be an active explorer with my students.
How do I teach voice?
I am extremely eclectic in the techniques that I use, ranging from the more conventional principles of Bel Canto technique to more modern, flexible approaches that, together, offer more options for finding out the best approach for any individual. Together, we will address breath support, finding resonance, focus and tone placement, pure vowel production, optimum alignment, and reducing tension in the body. We may also work on diction, character development, sub-personalities, and other types of self-exploration, which will help you to become the most dynamic performer you can be. Above all, we will focus on healthy singing!
