Vocal Coaching

I have been singing contemporary Christian for over 20 years. After high school, I went to a community college where I had my first voice lesson. I was amazed at how little I knew about singing...and about music!

Throughout the years I had several other vocal teachers, but I didn't get serious about digging into my vocal talent until I went back to school at the age of 32. The teacher assigned to me was the opera director at the school. I was definitely NOT interested in singing opera. In fact, he introduced himself and the first words out of my mouth were "I am not an opera singer!" I thought I was a good enough singer and that I just needed some pointers on how not to go sharp on my high notes and maybe some other stuff.

But once I got into the lessons, I soon discovered that I had learned many bad habits that was inhibiting my growth as a vocalist. Three years later, after struggling against my old habits and my mindset against becoming a "classical singer," I managed to graduate with my bachelor's. I made large strides in my lessons, but once I heard a recording of my recital, I was most embarrased. I was no where near the place I wanted to be as a singer.
Time for Masters. Now I could focus just on music and not on gen ed classes. I spoke to my advisor and tried to get approval to be a Graduate Assistant, but she told me straight-forward that I didn't deserve it. I had not worked hard enough in my undergrad degree. She challenged me to really focus on my singing. I decided that if she wanted me to sing like a classical singer, then I would. The summer before I began my graduate studies, I listened to many recordings of classical singers, read books on singing, and read an eye-opener autobiography of an opera singer. The next two years was spent on developing the voice within me. Once I decided to allow my teacher to have the freedoms she needed, I discovered how to sing with ease and fluidness. My graduate recital isn't perfect, but at least I am not embarrased by the recording now. I uploaded one of my songs onto my Page.

It's been 2 years since I graduated, and now I am doing the teaching. I have ongoing students but am also accepting students for 2-day or 3-day workshops. That info is on my Page. I have learned that no matter how great of a singer someone is, that person needs direction. I am getting ready to work with another vocal coach again. It's my goal to have some coaching every couple of years since old habits usually start creeping in again.

By the way...I "earned" my Graduate Assistantship that first semester of graduate studies!