My mission as a voice coach and teacher is to empower young students, and those singers already in career, to own their voice, develop their musical and performing talent and define what kind of music they want to sing. I believe good singing is something that we all should be able to do, whether we are professional singers or just singing “Happy Birthday” at parties.  If nothing else, learning music through singing, really makes us feel better, helps improve our overall learning skills, mental focus and improves our brain!  https://www.livescience.com/7950-music-improves-brain-function.html

For beginning voice students, it takes a while to know what and how to practice at home. The first month of lessons, it’s enough to just come to the lesson, and get a bit familiar with what I’m offering.  For beginners, I don’t put that much pressure on them to practice vocalizes regularly. Instead, I ask them to listen to their songs, sing along with the songs we chose, and do a few breathing/voice warmups we go over in voice session.

Some students are encouraged to buy and use my VOGA™ warmups CD at home. The best way however, for any student to practice – is to record their lessons, and then review them at least 3-4 times during the week.

However, after 6 weeks or so, you should be practicing regularly! Let’s face it – if you want to experience dramatic results in your singing, and you want to learn a lot of songs – there is only so much a teacher can do for you! You must practice every day, and learn your music and get songs memorized quickly.. I give 100% of my time, expertise and focus to my students. In return, I expect my students to practice at least 3 times a week, learn and memorize their songs and review the lessons we’ve recorded.

As a vocal coach and clinician, I adapt what I teach and how, according to each students personality and skills. When I work with young students, I find out what they already know about music, singing and practicing.  If a professional singer comes to me, I work with them differently.  Many times, someone already performing professional may want help learning a new role, a new song, or overcoming some vocal issues that are interfering with her optimum sound or performance standards.

Being a rock or pop singer today, requires some vocal training and musical skills, and a lot of “attitude” and the right “look”. That said I’m a big advocate for giving young voice students – no matter what they sing – solid musical skills, so they can learn and memorize their songs and music with speed and accuracy. Developing musical skills and knowing how to choose songs or roles wisely, is a huge part of what I do for my students.  If you are studying or planning a career as an opera or musical theater singer, you need a lot more musical training, languages, an exceptionally good voice, excellent musical skills and acting ability.