Voice Lesson Frequently Asked Questions

Good question! The terms ‘voice lessons’ and ‘singing lessons’ can be used interchangeably. Both refer to instruction in vocal technique (the nuts and bolts of singing). Vocal coaching is more concerned with style and finishing touches as one nears a performance. I am a voice teacher, although I do offer some coaching within the context of lessons.

Yes, provided the instructor is well-educated about the function and care of the voice and about human development within the applicable age range.

My singers enjoy studying Musical Theater, Classical (opera, oratorio, art song), Folk music and some Jazz.

Music is a precious gift meant to be shared in community and with the world at large. I believe all persons have a unique voice that can be shaped and improved upon. In the studio, I encourage creativity, play, and letting go of fear in a safe space.

I’m a very nurturing teacher committed to cultivating a safe space for all of my singers. I’m also a bit of a vocal technique nerd! I offer each student a highly individualized experience based upon what they need for their particular stage of development and their chosen vocal goals. To get a better sense of what my Songbirds have to say, see the Testimonials video on the Voice Lessons page.

Yes. In addition to helping you find an efficient singing technique over time, I can offer practical advice, resources and support to point you in the right direction. I have experience guiding high school students toward auditions for college programs in Voice and/or Musical Theater.

Ab-so-LUTE-ly not! Singing is for everyone. It is a means of self-expression, a journey to better knowing yourself, and a way to bring more beauty into the world

While it is true that natural ability varies from person to person, singing is a skill like any other, and can be learned. All that is required is the desire and willingness to try.

Yes I can (and the feeling is totally natural since singing is a vulnerable act. You are not alone)! I regularly coach singers on ways to overcome stage fright (also known as performance anxiety).

Yes! It’s never too late to begin your journey. In some ways, you are at an advantage over someone who needs to un-learn aspects of singing leftover from prior training

You can expect the magic to begin in your very first lesson, but your gains will exponentiate over time and with consistent practice. Learning to sing is complex and does take time; I recommend evaluating your progress at 6 month and 1 year intervals.

It depends upon where you are starting out vocally, and where you want to go. Regular practice between lessons will greatly accelerate your progress (just like anything else in life).

It depends upon what your goals are. Some fields of professional singing require that you read music. If learning to read music is of interest and a priority, time for that will be allocated within your lessons.

No problem. I have a large collection of songbooks plus online resources in a variety of styles. We can explore them together to find your perfect fit. My students sing a variety of genres including Musical Theater, Classical, Folk and Jazz.

That’s easy. After your Initial Fit session, sign up for a 4-pack of trial lessons (no commitment). If you enjoy those, sign up for a second 4-pack – you can take up to 8 lessons before making a commitment.

If you are feeling ill but still able to sing, we can meet over Zoom. If you have a time conflict, you can consult the Lesson Swap List to trade lesson times with another singer in advance. You may also gift your lesson to a friend or family member. For the whole scoop, check out the studio policies by selecting: ‘I am an adult seeking lessons’ or ‘I am a parent seeking lessons for my child’.

Between September and May, lessons are mostly weekly (exceptions include some holidays and Fairfax County Public School’s Winter and Spring breaks). Summer is lighter with 6 lessons between June 1 – August 31.

Not unless you want to study opera.

Absolutely! The voice is a muscle. Let’s get you back into singing!

Yes. Please contact me for more information.

Singers showing great promise who meet specified financial criteria can apply for partial tuition scholarships through the Music Link Foundation program.

Interested singers may wish to pursue the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) Certificate Program, which is a long-standing internationally renowned formal course of study ranging from Elementary to Advanced levels. Singers work at their own pace, and proceed to each subsequent level by way of in-person examination.

Yes. The Northern Virginia Music Teacher’s Association hosts a Musical Theater competition as well as a Classical Voice competition each year. In addition, singers have the option to compete in the Hal Leonard Annual International Online Voice Competition. Singers frequently compete in other local and regional events on a case-by-case basis.