Private lessons with top Singing instructors near Bellevue, WA

I am a Seattle-based performer, songwriter, musician, and educator. I am skilled in establishing a safe space for trauma-sensitive voice lessons, refining vocal technique, and building vocal stamina, helping singers revamp their repertoire and love what they sing. I teach students how to strengthen and develop their natural gifts to free the voice within. Singing is a skill, just like riding a bicycle and I believe anyone can learn to sing! Singing time consists of voice warming, technique-focused exercises, repertoire tuning, and artistry finesse. Admin time is spent emailing you any necessary tools, info, exercises, and assignments for the week.

Master Your Vocal, Emotional, and Presentation Techniques and Material Become the masterful Singer that you really ARE! Learn to bring out the natural beauty and power of your Voice, and to match your own unique personality and vocal qualities to complementing repertoire in order to show your voice and talents in their best light. We'll develop the repertoire that fits YOU. You'll learn how the Voice works and where it really comes from, and probably be amazed at the almost immediate widening of your vocal range and increased ability to sing long phrases. We'll polish your audition pieces, and then video them to allow you to see what the judges will be seeing. Then we'll polish them some more as needed! We'll work on stage appearance, and even on maintaining your "cool" under pressure. You will learn to overcome self-imposed limitations, and to bring out all those vocal treasures that have been poking at you to let them out for a long time! Its time to take your singing dreams in hand and get out there and SING! Go for it, and I'll help you get it!

I have been teaching voice/singing for over 8 years. I have been performing and recording as lead singer and songwriter in bands for over 25 years. As a Berklee College of Music alumnus, I studied ear training and solfege as well as jazz and harmony. Many years of choir and musical theater experience in school. No classical or opera experience. I provide a core of proper technique and vocal exercises combined with working on repertoire (songs!) based on the students interest. From jazz standards to modern pop, rock and r&b.

I have sung and taught gospel for over 20 years. My parents are pastors and I have worked with several pastors on improving their music departments so I am intimately aware on how to increase your stage presence, awareness and proficiency.

Develop Technique & Creativity

As a professional teaching artist and vocal coach, I have been helping students of all ages and abilities find their voice for over 20 years. My goal is simple: to give you singing lessons that will change your life forever. You can uncover your voice, build unshakable confidence and have fun while learning techniques professional singers take onto the stage and into the studio. And, you can have a great time doing it!

Learning or perfecting skills can often feel intimidating and challenging at times. In each personalized lesson, it is my goal that you feel encouraged and appreciated for the unique singer or learner you are. I will give you the tools you need to become a confident and composed performer and to reach your goals as a student. I will provide fun and interactive exercises that help you master the basics of breath, posture, tone, diction, and the foundations of musicianship. Students will learn how to prepare a song and how to present a song in dramatic and interpretive form. Students will learn how to prepare for auditions and competitions (choral, solo, theatre role, etc.), and how to overcome stage fright and other challenges that are unique to live performance. I use a variety of teaching tools such as physical movement, imagery, and visual aids. I specialize in classical singing, musical theatre, and the jazz/blues sound. My goal is for you to enjoy singing and to meet your goals, whether you want to just sing at home for your family or land a leading role in a musical!

Kindness and understanding are the foundations of a successful student-teacher relationship. I believe in building students up so they can see how innately gifted they truly are; there is no such thing as a person who “can't sing.” I teach students of all ages and with all kinds of musical backgrounds. My studio is a place for patient, supportive growth: you should expect to work hard and have fun at the same time. If you choose to take voice lessons with me, we will spend your first lesson exploring your skill level as a singer, determining your musical interests, and reviewing or learning the basics of vocal technique. My goal is to help you grow as a musician by giving you the tools you need to sing music from any genre with confidence. As we continue our work together, you will develop or refine excellent breath control, consistent, beautiful sound production throughout registers, and an understanding of what healthy vocal technique is and why it matters. We will also spend lesson time practicing ear-training, sight-reading and music theory as they apply to the songs we are working on together. In addition to regular voice lessons, I offer coaching for singers who have upcoming competitions, auditions or other performances. Vocalists who work with me as they prepare for these events often go on to land their preferred roles and win their competitions. Whether you need guidance in repertoire selection, diction, or help with a few tricky passages, I am available to assist you as you prepare for your singing event. *2022 Update*: In order to give students/performers the best chance of success, I require a minimum of three booked sessions over a period of at least three weeks before the audition or competition is set to take place. My open-communication policy as an educator enables me to answer questions and provide additional resources, including customized warm-ups, outside of regular lesson time. I also maintain flexible scheduling for all of my students: studying singing is a fun challenge, but lessons should never be a source of stress. I am always happy to work with you to accommodate your schedule. Background: I am a classically-trained lyric soprano with over seventeen years of vocal education. I studied with PhD and MA professors of voice at universities in Kansas and Washington State. I also have many years of experience as a performer at a variety of venues across the country: my background includes solo concert work, lead and supporting roles in opera and theater productions, and event performances and competitions. I taught voice and beginning piano lessons, often on a volunteer basis, to students part-time from 2006 to 2012. I now teach voice lessons and provide coaching full-time. Students can study with me online or in-person at my studio.