FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My standard pricing is $95 for each 55 minute session. The majority of my student's take lessons weekly or twice per month, however, I am open to once per month or even an individual lesson to try it out.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Let me first say that there isn’t exactly a “typical” - - much of our work together will depend on your goals for taking lessons. For example, if you are just starting out and want to understand your voice and sing for yourself our lessons may look a little different than if you are working on starting a professional singing career. But in general… In our first meeting together, I start by getting to know you a bit better - - what are your past experiences and what are your goals for taking voice lessons? Then, we move into vocal exercises, determining your natural voice type (are you an alto, mezzo, soprano, tenor, baritone, bass?), expanding range, increasing breath support, working through your break/s and perfecting vocal technique. We then move into music study – what we choose to sing will be dependent on the type of music you are interested in studying. Once we have chosen what you will be singing, I work through the songs with you continuing to work on the vocal technique we worked on during our warm-ups section, but also adding performance techniques and connecting emotionally to the music. Above all, my lessons are joyful! I love to teach and I believe with all my heart that singing should be a fun and positive experience. It’s a myth that it has to be difficult and stressful to make progress. You can be serious about singing and getting better at your craft, while loving every moment of study!
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I love to teach, and I love to sing. I have a degree in music education, and over 20 years of experience teaching people how to sing and speak in a healthy and joyful way! In addition to my experience, I have a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Montana State University (Bozeman), and a post-bacc degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Pacific University where I learned a great deal about vocal physiology and the science of sound. I believe strongly in the value of learning everything you can about the way your voice works. We all have a lot of control over the sounds we make through placement, support, air flow, vowel choice, mouth shape and dynamics. When people ask me if their voice is good enough to sing, I always say a resounding YES! I think singing is for everybody, and I love the process of helping my students find their authentic sound. I also have many years of performance experience, and believe music is a powerful way of helping people access vulnerability and bring healing. For the past five years, I have used my songwriting and teaching talents as a songwriter for the Oregon Symphony's Lullaby Project working with parents experiencing homelessness to co-write lullabies for their children. This year, I was able to take this program into Coffee Creek Correctional Facility through Lullaby Project's partnership with Family Preservation Project. I am also very proud to have co-founded She's Speaking with Beth Wood and Kristen Grainger - an organization that creates forums and spaces for women's artistry to be heard by all people.