Voice Lessons in Los Angeles, CA

Instruments: Piano Voice Ukulele Music

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
I had a grandmother who was in the New York theater scene. My father and mother both have beautiful voices but no official academic training in that regard. The biggest asset my parents gave me was a supportive attitude toward my creative pursuits, and I hope my parental clients are able to do the same for their own young students.

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
This is tough to pick, because music is just music. But I have the greatest affinity for musical theater and Broadway show tunes whether classic or contemporary. Next I gravitate towards jazz and folk music as it suits my voice particularly. I enjoy variety in acting monologues, whether classic or contemporary. And finally, I was trained in classical repertoire and often enjoy it for the technical benefits.

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
This will of course, per discipline, but I often enjoy 5 minutes of small talk and an understanding of what mood and somatic energy the student possesses that day. Then we move to vocalise or curriculum assignments, moving into more specialized pieces that have been selected by the student and myself for more nuanced application.

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
My father is a psychologist and I enjoy the therapeutic and healing aspects of the arts as well. I am also a published author, voice over artist and podcast host. I have found a tremendous amount of joy in simple drawing projects and other academic pursuits.

If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
All of music is interconnected, so playing various instruments is a given! While we utilize the human voice from day of a baby's first cry, it wasn't long before I noticed the theoretical and conceptual benefits of learning the piano in choral settings. Every semester of my collegiate career involved an overview of each orchestral family, so we had the opportunity to learn about and play instruments in woodwinds, brass, percussion and strings. I loved the challenge!

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
While in college I never realistically considered the possibility of pursuing the arts professionally, because it seemed like 'pie in the sky'. But after having several paid, collegiate gigs I recognized the distinction of my talent and passions and decided to give it a go. One thing led to another and I eventually found myself walking the streets of New York, headed to Ripley Grier for my first Broadway rehearsals. You can do it too!

If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
I first received my Bachelor's in Music with a double emphasis in Education and Theory Composition. I wanted to learn as much as I possibly could, not only for personal benefit, but for the ongoing benefit of my students. Voice was my main instrument at that time. I later moved on to a Masters in Conducting and have utilized that for decades, working with orchestras and musicians from across the United States and abroad.

What is your dream piece to perform and why?
I prefer variety and spontaneity, so anything that I am currently working and am finding challenging. I gravitate more towards emotional challenges that showcase my acting range, rather than vocal calisthenics which are easily showy but not necessarily demonstrative of real talent. I want to showcase something real and authentic that impacts an audience and resonates with me, and if that includes vocal prowess, so be it.

Have any of your students won awards or been selected for special honors? How have they succeeded?
Yes! This is one of the greatest fulfillments as a teacher! My students have gone on to enjoy and book Broadway Shows, touring companies, cruise lines, Manhattan School of Music, Carnegie Mellon, Pixar, HBO, international contracts and much more. The awards themselves are not nearly as important as the creative fulfillment that is provided to my students...

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
Whether singing, acting, playing the piano or the ukulele the main instrument is YOU! That is the hardest instrument to master, with all the complexities that humanity has to offer. Fingering patterns might be difficult. Performance anxiety comes for us all. But truly mastering the individuality and Divine spark you have been gifted with is a lifelong pursuit.

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
My greatest asset in determining curriculum goals is the student themselves. One of the things I like best about one on one teaching is the ability to shift my teaching style as per the individual and their distinctive goals. For piano I do prefer Hanon and Alfred's. For ukulele I utilize Hal Leonard to start. For singing I employ an Italian Style of vocal practice coupled with vocalise and personalized attention. For acting I often utilize "Viewpoints" by Anne Bogart and The Academy of Film and Television based here in LA.

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