Teaching Philosophy
On the journey to become a professional musician, the road can be filled with a lifetime of setbacks. It is only through years of dedication, perseverance, and trial and error that they are able to build the foundation and knowledge necessary to pursue a career in music.
Since singing is very personal, students become vulnerable as they develop their craft. My first task as a teacher is to create a safe learning environment and to achieve trust by being approachable and available. I start by getting acquainted with their background and by observing how each student perceives information so I can cater to each student’s needs. As this trusting relationship is cultivated, I aim to become a source of knowledge and support that is open minded and always willing to share and also integrate the main attributes of my teaching philosophy: a focus on singing technique; developing artistry; and nurturing personal growth.
As a teacher, I strive to achieve balance in all aspects of singing. However, I strongly believe that attaining healthy singing technique is an essential element in the longevity of a singer. Breath management is the most important aspect in the study of singing technique and I have found that the students usually have either too little or too much breath support. I will help them find the appropriate balance of release and engagement of the breath so that they can sing in their body and the voice becomes free for artistic expression. The vowel placement and the training of the tongue are critical components as well. The students will learn the position of each vowel in coordination with the breath to achieve evenness in tone throughout the vocal range. Knowing the strengths and challenges of your own unique body is also an invaluable asset. I emphasize to my students the importance of knowing their own body and how to take care of it.
While the students develop their technical abilities, it is also important to cultivate their artistic personality. The first step is to incorporate phrasing, dynamics and expression in combination with the singing technique and instill in students that these elements are studied collectively. Additionally, I stimulate their artistic sensibilities by introducing them to great performers and performances of the past and present. I will provide students with a variety of resources which will be part of their work. I encourage students to watch and listen to recorded performances, attend live performances by professional musicians and reading about singing technique and singer biographies.
Finally, all the technical and artistic work will only result in long term success if it is combined with personal maturity. Since the field of performing arts is based on team effort, professionalism and collegiality are imperative. I strive to set a standard by demonstrating a strong work ethic based on integrity, reliability and discipline and expect the same from my students. Being a professional also means that we will never stop learning. Our work together is a joint effort – I learn as much from the students as they do from me.
A career as a professional musician can be demanding at times. With this understanding, I encourage the students to enjoy the challenges along the way. My ultimate goal as a teacher is to guide them to appreciate the journey of learning and to help them find their own voice and artistic style. Through these efforts, I hope that my students not only gain concrete knowledge and the skillset as a singer but also make a difference in their lives beyond the studio.