Carolyn S  
Instruments: Voice
Styles: Classical, Pop, Folk, R&B, Musical Theater, Showtunes, Spirituals

I  began singing at the age of 7, winning a talent competition in Miami, FL.  With the knickname, "Song Bird",  I performed as school choir soloist and as  leads in various Rodgers and Hammerstein productions at summer camp.  I spent nearly every Christmas in New York City where I gained a love of the Broadway musical.   During the summers, I performed with a folk trio in Washington, D.C. venues and learned how to connect with an intimate audience.  During my college years, I fell in love with the Italian and French art song, while performing in the college's musical theatre as well. After graduation, I was employed for three years as a music teacher with the Baltimore Public Schools, demonstrating for teachers how to teach and help students interpret music.  I also conducted the school choirs.  Later, I earned a degree in Communicative Disorders and served as a Speech and Language Pathologist for seven years.  This experience brought me more knowledge of the breathing mechanism, articulation, resonance, and more.   At the same time, I enjoyed working with the Albuquerque Civic Light Opera Company and Vortex Theatre.  I  also sang with the Albuquerque Civic Orchestra.  Moving back to Pittsburgh, I became a soprano soloist with the South Hills Chorale, performing oratorio, traditional hits, and musical theatre.  I  also  performed leads with a local summer stock company  as well as serving as musical director.  I taught  creative dramatics for the company as well. Moving to Colorado Springs, I taught choral music and musical theatre for fifteen years, while offering private voice lessons.  I directed numerous Broadway musicals in the public schools and enjoyed working with choreography.  My choirs won top scores  consistently in choral competitions.  Students entering the Solo and Ensemble competitions received top scores and praise from their judges.  Now in New Mexico, I continue to enjoy sharing my passion for singing. 

My teaching methods involve a mind-body experience.   I believe that a strong foundation in  body alignment, breath support and management will allow students to build the skills they desire, regardless of  musical style or genre.   With an eye always on healthy singing,  I encourage  students to experience many styles of vocal repertoire.   Each student brings a set of perceptions about singing.  Some of these are helpful, while others are habits that students work to eliminate. I believe that students need to understand the physical, emotional, and mental components of singing.  Through explanation, reading, focused vocal exercises, and observation of others,  I will  prepare students for auditions, competitions, chorale groups, karaoke, jazz jams, or just the satisfaction of singing with confidence. My  approach to teaching is patient, positive, and motivational.