Welcome to singing!

Taking voice lessons can be a very exciting and wonderful learning experience.  It does take dedication and hard work, but it can be quite rewarding in the long-run.  There are many different genres of music and therefore various styles of singing.  Although there are no set rules for how a singer should use his/her/their voice, having a better understanding of how the voice operates is a key component to one’s vocal development.

Teaching Experience & Student Achievements

I have over 25 years of teaching experience and work with students of all ages and levels of experience. I hold a Bachelor of the Arts in Music from Sweet Briar College (SBC) and Master of Music in Vocal Performance from The Catholic University of America (CUA) as well as a Level III Certification in Somatic Voicework™ The LoVetri Method.  I also am an active member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), and Northern Virginia Music Teachers Association (NVMTA).  These organizations provide opportunities for professional development and continuing education as well as opportunities for students to participate in competitions and workshops. 

Many of my students have placed in various vocal competitions, won principal roles in both school and community productions, have been accepted in District Chorus, All-VA Chorus, VA Senior Honors Choir as well as competitive summer programs such as VA Governor’s School, Crittenden Opera Workshop, Brevard Music Center Festival, NYU Tisch, and ArtsBridge.  Those that went on to study music were accepted at colleges and universities including the Hartt School of Music, NYU Tisch School of the Arts, Old Dominion University, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and James Madison University (JMU). 

Teaching Method & Philosophy

My teaching method focuses on vocal function working with registration (head/chest/belt/mix), breath management and support, articulation, musical phrasing, and body awareness. This technique can be applied to a variety of musical styles such as classical, musical theater, pop, rock, jazz, gospel, R&B, etc.  I also incorporate ear training, sight-singing, and basic music theory in the lessons. Students receive a well-rounded education in vocal technique, performance practice, and more, providing them with the tools to sing all types of music.

I believe that everyone learns differently.  It is my job as the teacher to find the best way to communicate with each student so they can grasp the concepts I am teaching.  In order to reinforce the learning process, students are always encouraged to share their feedback and observations during lessons.  Ultimately, I strive to motivate students to explore their unique sound and discover the joy of singing!