Teaching Philosophy

Due to increasing numbers of students who participate in NYSSMA, community theatre, and local honors choirs, the average age of the vocal student has been becoming younger and younger every year. Traditional voice students many time shy away from teaching elementary or middle school students because their voices are not fully matured. However, my flexible teaching style can be adapted to the young beginning student, the adolescent student, or the more advanced high school student preparing for a college or conservatory music program. Students can expect a well-rounded approach to the study of singing, including solfege (sight singing), ear training, breathing techniques, posture, vocal hygiene, healthy singing habits which help to free the voice. All of these things allow young voices to mature and develop naturally.

Also important is the study of age appropriate repertoire. My extensive knowledge of vocal literature allos me to select repertoire that is well suited to each individual student. The study of folksongs, traditional songs, classical art songs in various languages, sacred music, and musical theatre songs are essential for every serious singer. Operatic arias should be studied when the voice is more mature, which sometimes happens advanced high school students, but usually should be avoided until college.

Many of my students gone on to study music at college music programs such as Manhattan School of Music, Boston Conservatory, University of Michigan, Peabody Conservatory, and New York University, to name a few.