What is your philosophy to good singing?

My philosophy is to support and educate vocalists (and teachers of voice) in their quest to learn and teach those principles of vocal technique based on scientific fact and truth, thereby enhancing the health and beauty of the voice and empowering the singer in artistry through vocal functional freedom. I believe that with vocal truth (physiology of voice), we can train the instrument with the utmost skill, allowing true artistry to live in conjunction with the vocal apparatus. I believe that everyone has the potential to sing well if they have the desire and the proper training. Don't hesitate to try to improve your singing with voice lessons. I use creative and holistic techniques based on science and physiology of the voice to bring guaranteed results.

What do you mean by registration?

I build perfect registration with a seamless blend from bottom to top! Chest and head voice/falsetto must be equally strong first, then we engage the pharyngeal. As that gains in strength, we begin to hear a better blend, and finally, overlap the registrations with more advanced techniques involving resonance adjustment.

Who are your vocal pedagogue influences?

A long time mentor of mine, Dr. Joel Ewing, not only helped me master my voice, but also gave me all the tools and training to become a great teacher. Many of those tools were in depth classes in which we studied the writings and works of some of his great teachers including Herbert Caesari, William Vennard, Cornelius Reid & others. This beautiful lineage of singing and teaching of singing goes back (believe it or not), all the way to BEETHOVEN! I have read dozens of vocal pedagogy books, books on singing, etc, but the truth is, they are all NOT good. Knowing the difference AND WHY, is imperative, or a teacher will pass on dangerous information to their students. I’m grateful to have worked with the best in our modern time. In addition, my musical training started at age 5 with piano (at the collegiate level in high school), and continued with guitar, songwriting, choir, musicals, etc. up until college. I worked with Dr. Jeffrey Rickard (renowned choral director and composer) on choral conducting. He is still a dear mentor to me today. My own musical interpretation and expression are from within, a deep passion that I get from my life experiences and love toward others, and my strong faith.

How does the lesson go?

I require my students to record their lessons so they can practice with it at home. The lesson is divided in 1/2 - first half is technique: vocalises/exercises that I give the student based on what I hear in the voice that needs work and balancing. I am listening to what is happening in the larynx and pharynx and I begin to do my work adjusting the muscular systems through exercises. The exercises are specifically intended to trigger a muscle response that puts the apparatus in better balance as the weeks go on, which results in more permanent, complete vocal technique (blended registration, strong volume, and perfect pitch).

After this vocalise work, then we go into working on songs/repertoire and dramatic elements, musicality and having fun while singing! The muscles will be in better shape from the exercises, and as the lessons continue, the student will notice an obvious improvement in how they sound, and how much easier (and enjoyable) singing is. The songs will improve almost instantly as the voice's muscles improve! I will also integrate musical theory and sight reading when I feel the student will benefit, or if they are interested. I expect the student to review the recording daily, if possible, singing with the vocalises and remembering how to apply things we talk about to the songs.