Voice Lessons in Washington, DC

Instruments: Voice

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Hold yourself to practicing regularly, even if you have to schedule it like you schedule class or work. Putting yourself in the mindset at an expected time each day to practice can go a long way in developing focus. When in the practice room, keep realistic goals for yourself, even if they seem small, and practice intentionally. Going to practice with the intent of getting better at a technique or a part of a piece helps students measure their progress more effectively and feel more proud of the work they put in!

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
My elementary school music teacher and high school voice teacher helped foster my love of music, but the professional encouragement came from a college voice teacher and now dear friend and mentor. I was singing for the joy of taking lessons and being in choir, but this teacher believed in me on a deeper level and encouraged me to a declare a major. It turned out to be the best decision I've ever made! I believe encouraging students is more important than some think, and taking every chance available to inspire a student through encouragement and positive reinforcement is very important to me.

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
My most recent vocal coach told me after a setback, "Keep trying, and soon you will strike gold." Soon after that, I was cast in Dickinson College's production of Next to Normal as Natalie, and it was the most profound performing experience I've ever had! Putting such an intense and important story on stage was incredibly challenging, both from a performance and personal standpoint, but it was incredibly rewarding. In addition, I made my opera debut in Florence, Italy, where opera was born! Finally, my most recent recital was a program of all women composers, which I was proud to choose and highlight stories that are not always often told.

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
I would probably be an elementary school teacher! I love working with kids, which intensified in my four years as a camp counselor through high school and college. I love kids' imaginations and helping them to bring out their creativity, especially in subjects they otherwise find boring or difficult. Seeing the light bulb go off is a great feeling! If I wasn't teaching music, I think I would be finding teaching positions in elementary schools in the US, or potentially serving in the Peace Corps overseas.

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
I love singing classical music of any kind, but especially contemporary classical pieces. Sometimes they are a little jarring to listen to, or even confusing, but that's what I love about it! Bringing out a new interpretation can be so rewarding, and I think it's fun to work on learning seemingly hard melodies and mastering the difficult harmonies against them. I think there's a beauty in some of the more dissonant contemporary pieces that are so unfamiliar compared to the great works of composers like Mozart, and exploring them is a wonderful challenge!

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