Studying voice has many benefits. First and foremost, learning to sing builds confidence. I find it so exciting to watch students come out of their shells and learn to express themselves artistically as their musicality and communication skills improve. Lessons give students an opportunity to strengthen their focus and concentration, and at-home practice sessions encourage good time management and work habits. Most importantly, studying voice gives students a greater appreciation for music and develops a skill they will have for the rest of their lives.
I teach out of my studio in the Green Valley area of Henderson.
I relocated to Las Vegas with my husband in June 2004 and began teaching the following month. Before the move, I lived in Northern California, where I established and operated Stars Vocal Academy, a performing arts studio, for nearly 20 years.
My background is in musical theatre, but I also have experience teaching pop, jazz, oldies, spiritual and country music. I have studied classical voice, but I specialize in teaching contemporary styles.
Just one! I teach private lessons.
Yes, I take students as young as six years old. In the elementary years I use fun, motivational games to improve breathing, pitch, projection and basic musicianship. I also introduce the art of storytelling through song. These are valuable tools for students who go on to study more advanced techniques.
In most cases, I prefer students to be dropped off and picked up. The majority of students I teach become inhibited when a parent is present and less is accomplished in the lesson. Sometimes, however, I prefer to have a parent involved to help deal with concentration and discipline issues, particularly with very young students. Because I record each lesson on CD for the student to take home, all parents can be involved in monitoring their child’s progress.
I teach 45-minute and one-hour lessons. Generally, I suggest a 45-minute lesson for beginning students, and one-hour lessons for others. However, my recommendation varies based on the student’s level of maturity and attention span.
Yes. Our first meeting is complimentary and a chance to see if I’m a good fit for the student. I ask what he or she is looking for in a voice teacher and determine if it coincides with what I have to offer. I take the student through some vocal exercises, and if I feel we work well together, I’ll send the student home with a policy statement and registration form. If not, I will recommend other local teachers who might be a better match for the student.
I charge $40 for 45-minute lessons and $50 for one-hour lessons.
I accept cash and personal checks. Tuition is due at the first lesson of the month, unless special arrangements are made in advance.
I expect my students to study with me on a weekly basis during the school year. The six-week summer session is optional but recommended.
I teach from 5:00PM to 9:00PM on weekdays and 9:00AM to 5:00PM on weekends.
No. I am proficient at playing warm-ups and melody lines on the piano, but I use orchestrated CD accompaniment for all repertoire work. This enables me to devote more attention to my student’s breathing, posture, jaw or tongue tension and other mechanics and technique. CD accompaniment is also useful for performance opportunities, like school talent shows.
Yes. At Stars Vocal Academy in California, I trained students who were finalists in Star Search and American Idol Juniors. One went on to become a regular character on Disney’s “Suite Life Of Zack and Cody.” In Las Vegas I work with students who have booked television shows (including Disney’s upcoming “Special Agent Oso”), commercials, and pre-Broadway productions (“Ace” and “Great Expectations”). I am looking forward to more success stories with my La Vegas students!