Private lessons with top Singing instructors near Seattle, 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.

You can learn to sing almost any style of music, and OPERA is no exception. Once we find your real voice and teach it how to come out in full, resonant, well modulated tones. then you can use that vocal power to sing any style of music that you love and want to study. Operatic singing is more of a mindset than a "natural gifting". Granted that the operatic repertoire makes exciting demands on the voice, vocal/physical/emotional stamina, and acting ability, but those are all learned skills that other mere mortals have learned and mastered with a little help from coaches and mentors like me, who have learned them from others who have paid their dues in this wonderful profession, and been willing to pass them on to aspiring singers. All too often those hopefuls have been told that only a few "specially gifted ones" can ever attain to such heights, and thus ensues a lifetime of unfulfilled dreams. DARE TO DREAM! If you've ever even thought about it, you're "IT" ...tagged!, so let's do 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.

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!

Develop Technique & Creativity

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.