One of my greatest joys, but at times, also one of my greatest frustrations, is being a voice teacher. Why, you may ask? Isn’t it the most wonderful job to help people literally find and develop their singing voice? Doesn’t it feel great to build their singing skills and especially their confidence— not only for…
Spring has sprung! Or at least it’s on its way, even if the weather where you are isn’t quite perfect yet. It’s time for Spring Cleaning Tips for Singers— actual cleaning and organizing hacks to make your singing environment happier and healthier. But second, and maybe even more importantly— Spring Cleaning Tips for the inside…
As faithful readers of this blog know, it’s been a while since I’ve been moved to add anything to this project. Between the pandemic and all its stressful effects, the demands of teaching voice online for both a college and my private studio, and the complexities of taking care of my family— whew!!! That’s more…
If you’re anything like me, you’re so OVER this whole damn pandemic, and just wish it would go away. From the most serious effects of this nightmare, like losing a loved one to COVID-19 (I have), to losing all or part of your livelihood (I have), to the never-ending but necessary annoyances of constantly washing…
Time to register for the Fall 2019 Semester! Whether you’re already taking college classes, or you have children who are starting back to school after the summer break— it’s time to look ahead to the coming school year! And that means new opportunities to take great singing classes at your local community college. But, many…
Happy Ninth Day of Christmas! And Happy New Year! By now, you’ve made it through all the joys, but also the stresses, of preparing for Christmas Day— shopping, decorating, sending cards, attending social activities, dealing with travel or visiting relatives, and a host of other holiday-related tasks– all during a pandemic! Ugh! Folks, you’re probably…
Happy Holidays! December is finally upon us, and that means with Christmas around the corner, this is the season of giving. In addition to our normal jobs and activities, that means shopping, decorating, cooking, visiting relatives, socializing with friends, wrapping gifts, attending additional church services, and participating in charitable activities. And for singers, both…
There isn’t a week that goes by that one of my voice students doesn’t ask the question: “How do I stop being so nervous to sing in front of people? I have such terrible performance anxiety!” This was especially true this week, as my college voice class students have their upcoming midterm, which entails having…
Every singer has heard the phrase “practice makes perfect” at some point in their studies. Haven’t you? And yet, what does that really mean? Whether you’re working on your singing, or learning how to make the perfect soufflé, if you just do it over and over, you’ll get better, right? Well, not so fast. Let’s…
It’s the morning after my vocal studio’s annual Summer Recital, and as usual, I am exhausted and relieved, but also very, very grateful. Why do I have this attitude of gratitude? Because there are so many blessings to be found in an experience like this, for both the performers and the audience. And, there are…