Grounded

Modern house with wooden exterior and stone steps, set against green hills and distant mountains.

While mechanically systematized approaches to the voice may lead to technical proficiency and consistency, there is also the possibility that they may lead a vocalist to a cycle of overthinking, manipulation of sound, and self-judgment around perceived flaws— this was certainly true for me.

Over time, my approach to instruction has changed from one that is entirely based in technical proficiency to one that is informed by technical change, but not defined by it.

Lesson participants and I collaborate on discovering ways that they can feel grounded in their body, connected to their voice, and accepting of their process.

Stack of smooth stones on a beach with ocean waves in the background.

Core Teaching Philosophy

In my experience, the foundation of healthy, efficient singing is physically based in the following:

  • Grounded, energized, and balanced body alignment

  • Freedom of function in respiration

  • Freedom of function in the vocal tract and articulators

  • Vowel and resonance adjustment appropriate to range and registration change prompts from the body

In addition to the physicality of singing listed above, the artistic learning process as a whole is scaffolded on:

  • Self-compassion and kindness

  • Mindfulness and attention

  • Relationship and collaboration as a core value

  • Consistency and resilience

  • Shared humanity

Lesson Tools and Accommodations

  • I teach using a combination of nonviolent communication, emphasis on compassion for self and others, and practices drawn from my background in contemplative disciplines.

  • I recognize, respect, and am grateful for the inherent worth of every human being I have the opportunity to meet regardless of identity, cultural background, or ideology

  • I actively seek to undermine traditional power structures within the lesson dynamic, and to partner with lesson participants in a shared process.

I do everything I can to make my lesson environment accessible and adaptable to participants, including but not limited to the following:

  • Presence or absence of a window covering on the door during lessons

  • Predictability of the lesson structure and environment

  • Frequency and duration of eye-to-eye contact

  • Frequency and duration of eye-to-body contact

  • Whether or not physical touch is permissible as part of your instruction

  • Amount of light in the studio environment

  • Presence of ambient sound in the studio environment

  • Availability of sensorimotor assistance devices (fidget toys)

  • Presence/absence of scent in the studio

  • Freedom to stop a lesson due to distress

  • Freedom to share your life circumstances with me, to the degree you are comfortable, as they relate to our work together

Black ink Enso circle on a white background, symbolizing enlightenment and elegance in Zen Buddhism.