Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A. My advise is, like any investment, you pay for quality. Cheaper doesn't mean better. Anyone can call themselves a "Private Teacher." There is absolutely no accountability. Please beware and check credentials, references, and read about them online. You are trusting them with your voice, you only get one!
Q. What questions should a consumer ask to hire the right service professional?
A. I recommend asking the following questions of your potential voice/music teachers:
What is your experience?
What is your philosophy of teaching?
What is your teaching style?
Do you have a degree in this field?
Even just having a conversation will give you a lot of insight into their personality and you can see if it could be a good "match" between you.
Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?
A. It is important for students/parents to think through if they have the time and resources to support this undertaking. Do they have a piano or keyboard to work with? Are they willing to get the music and put in practice time? Will they be able to commit to regular lessons? It is important to asess your level of commitment so you know what is reasonable to expect as an outcome.
It is also helpful to have a goal in mind. The goal can be as simple as "singing with more ease and control" or "building audition repertore." Having a goal will motivate students to be active in the learning process.
Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?
A. My work stands out from others because I really like to get students in touch with what their bodies and voices do in everyday life. This relates to singing in so many different ways. In a sense, your body already knows how to sing. We just need to get in touch with the clues that it is already giving you.
I also share a great enthusiasm for teaching voice and singing. I am lucky enought to get to do what I love for a living.
Q. What do you like most about your job?
A. What I like most about teaching voice is that my students can learn so much about themselves as people. Singing is very personal. Sharing your voice with "the world" takes courage and willingness to be vulnerable. This is an ongoing journey of which I am honored to be a part.
