Introduction: I teach out of two different locations. The first is in the Tigard/SW Portland area and features a beautiful space with a baby grand piano and a waiting room. The second space is in Newberg, OR and features multiple music rooms with upright pianos and recording capabilities.
I strongly believe that talent is not innate. Instead it is something developed through our experiences. When I teach a student to practice, I teach deep practice techniques to ensure that they progress quickly and efficiently.
I believe that music should be fun and filled with joy. That means that I use positive reinforcement, am kind with my corrections and always strive to ensure that each student feels cared for and is well educated.
I am a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing and have been performing and teaching for many years. Over the years I have developed techniques to help students overcome tone-deafness, breath issues due to asthma, performance anxiety, and much more.
Every student that I teach receives a specialized education based on their individual needs and goals. While some students are preparing for roles, competitions or auditions, others are singing to build confidence and to sing karaoke with friends. I love working with each student to create a voice that works for them, makes them proud and is the best possible for them.
Students regularly perform with local organizations such as the Pacific Youth Choir, Northwest Children's Theater, Bach Cantata Choir, and more.
I love seeing the joy of improvement. There is nothing better than helping someone achieve a dream, and making music is one of the best things I can give to students.
One of my favorite teaching stories is about a student of mine that is hearing impaired. His specialist recommended music lessons and after just one year, his listening skills had greatly improved, he was speaking more and was happily working with both soft and loud dynamics to play with artistry.
Another favorite story is a student who was so shy as a child that she had never tried singing. Not once. As an adult, she decided to do something about her fears and started taking voice lessons. In the beginning she had a complete inability to match a pitch, had a 5 note range and was singing so softly her voice could barely be heard. After 9 months of lessons with me, she was able to sing through her favorite pieces with ease and a beautiful tone, had a strong breath support, was more confident and identify and match any pitch. Her range quadrupled and she began to add character and sass to her pieces.
There are so many wonderful stories that have emerged from my studio, that I look forward to teaching everyday, not only because I love music and sharing that with others, but also because of the amazing progress and transformation that each student undergoes.
