What happens during lessons?
During lessons, we connect in with the body and explore ways to open, relax, align, breathe freely and access emotion through body awareness exercises, breath exercises, vocal exercises and singing songs. The particular structure and content of each lesson is catered to the individual needs of the student. For those who are interested, other topics we can explore together are healthy speaking, singing while accompanying oneself on an instrument, ear training, music theory and songwriting.
How long are lessons?
Lessons can be for one hour, 45 minutes or 30 minutes. I suggest that children start with 30 minute lessons.
How much do lessons cost?
Please contact me for more information. I offer a complimentary phone consultation.
Where are lessons located?
Lessons are located in Hell's Kitchen, NYC. (Note: The studio is on the 2nd floor of a walk-up. There is no elevator service.)
Can we work on songwriting during lessons?
Yes. While the focus of the lessons is primarily on voice work, we can also incorporate songwriting craft and the exploration of writing and refining your own original material.
Do I need to know how to read music?
You do not need to know how to read music for our lessons. If you would like to learn how to read music, I can give you some pointers and/or lead you to classes that can help.
Will you accompany me on piano or guitar?
I accompany students on the piano during some vocal warm-ups. Otherwise, we work on songs a capella so I can be free to stay focused on your vocal instrument. You are welcome to accompany yourself on an instrument for part of the lesson - especially if that is your general practice. We can then incorporate your voice work into the practicalities of singing while playing.
Do you also teach kids?
Yes. I am happy to teach kids, as long as they enjoy singing, want to gain a better understanding of their vocal instrument and can focus their attention for the full lesson.
What makes your work unique?
As a working singer myself for many years, I am very well aware of the variability of the human voice. Rather than applying one specific technique across the board, I work with students to gain a deep understanding of their unique vocal instrument (which encompasses the body as a whole), so they can sing and speak healthily, freely. Oftentimes, voice work can bring up emotional reactions based on individual history and body memory. Though lessons are in no way meant to serve as psychological therapy, there is space in our lessons to note these reactions as they arise and integrate them as we work. The goal is to sing and speak from the heart and have full access to the range of voice and emotion. In a way, it is a spiritual sort of work in that it promotes acceptance and celebration of the instrument and the spirit as we explore the joy of singing.
I welcome any other questions you may have. Please send them to me through the contact page.