James S  
Instruments: Voice
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Musical Theater, Opera

In addition to over a decade of performing experience, I have acquired eight years of fully funded training from three of the leading programs in the country in opera, vocal pedagogy, lyric diction (Italian, French, German and English), stage craft, acting methods, mime, mask, body awareness, and movement. This experience has equipped me with a breadth of tools and teaching methods that allow me to work successfully with any student, regardless of their experience level or learning style. I have taught voice lessons for four years, both through the University of Maryland as part of our vocal pedagogy course, and in the DC Metropolitan area privately.

The goal of good vocal technique is to provide the singer with the tools to express themselves artistically with complete freedom. This freedom of vocal expression is built upon a few basic principles: an efficient breathing process, proper posture, coordinated bodily support, efficient phonation, and an open or relaxed throat. There are countless physical and psychological barriers that singers encounter which interrupt these qualities, and it is the responsibility of the voice teacher to identify those obstacles and provide the student with affirmative solutions to overcoming them.