In the voice studio or in the classroom, I have high expectations for my students.  I encourage them and nurture them, but I continually challenge them as I never settle for anything less than their very best.   I see the potential in each student.  I see what they can become, and I enjoy taking the journey with them.  In the voice studio, I meet with students one-on-one, and so it is imperative for me to establish a sense of trust with each student.  My students know that if they are willing to do the work, I will be with them every step of the way.  They know that I care about them, but they understand my expectations. 

 

 My students know that as a singer, I understand the risk one takes when one is on stage singing to an audience.  When singing to an audience, one exposes her soul.  A quote I often used in my teaching is:

 

 “You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you never try”.

                  Beverly Sills, former Opera Star

 

 I do not want my students’ fear of failure keep them from taking those risky steps.   The risks may be great, but in singing as in life, the rewards are many.

 

 Each student is unique, therefore each voice is unique.  Students come to my studio with varying musical and life experiences and with varying degrees of ability and talent.  It is my task to understand where the student has been, where she is now, and make a decision as to where she should go next.   I must develop as many ways as possible to describe a process, to explain a concept, so that I may discover what connects with my student.  Because the vocal instrument is part of each student, singing is a very personal experience.  Therefore, when teaching the voice, I am teaching the whole person - the intellectual, the spiritual and the emotional side of each person.   I play many roles, sometimes a cheerleader, sometimes a psychologist, sometimes a technician, often a benevolent dictator.   But, I remain firm in my expectations for excellence.

 

       I teach because I love learning.  I teach because I want my students to enjoy learning and the rich rewards that learning brings.  I teach because I enjoy seeing the students succeed, seeing them achieve their goals, reaching their potential.   I rejoice in their successes as much as the students do.