I offer voice and beginner piano/music theory lessons for all ages, available both in-person and online. I am currently based in Edmonton, Alberta. My academic qualifications include a B.Mus (2021) and M.Mus (2023) with High Distinction from the University of British Columbia. My training included courses in vocal pedagogy, languages, music theory/ear training, theatre techniques, body mapping, and even a course on the Psychophysiology of Music Performance (read: performance psychology for musicians). Though my primary focus is voice, I enjoy introducing students to music theory and keyboard skills. My guidance is tailored to the age, interests, and needs of each pupil. New students are welcome to a free 20-minute consultation (in-person or via Zoom) to discuss studio policies, goals, and get to know each other.
Why Study Music?
Singing offers numerous health and wellness benefits,1 and studying music connects us with both historical and contemporary art (and therefore, historical and contemporary people!) You may find that a songwriter from a distant time or place has perfectly expressed a sentiment you thought was yours alone. It can be an exciting, even cathartic experience to bring that music to life yourself.
According to Merriam-Webster, catharsis is defined as:
- a : “purification or purgation of the emotions (such as pity and fear) primarily through art“
b : “a purification or purgation that brings about spiritual renewal or release from tension”- a : “elimination of a complex by bringing it to consciousness and affording it expression”)
Another exciting prospect of making music is that it requires a combination of intellectual, kinaesthetic, and emotional engagement. This kind of deep engagement, combined with skill and sufficient challenge, can encourage “flow state.” This state – where time seems to pass in the blink of an eye – can be achieved in a variety of disciplines. However, doing so with music can be particularly satisfying, as that solitary practice time then equips one to connect with others in rehearsal and performance.
Lessons are also a way to consistently invest in you/your child’s sense of confidence, self-discipline, and self-expression. It’s exciting to treat one’s voice as the gift that it really is – it’s the only musical instrument that nearly all of us receive at birth! Strong musicianship and theory skills (ie, sense of rhythm, pitch, and recognizing patterns/structure) are invaluable for learning music more quickly, and for making music with others. For young learners, piano provides an excellent foundation for future musical pursuits. Musical practice is also a wonderful way to develop both fine and gross motor skills.
- Dingle, G. A., Sharman, L. S., Bauer, Z., Beckman, E., Broughton, M., Bunzli, E., Davidson, R., Draper, G., Fairley, S., Farrell, C., Flynn, L. M., Gomersall, S., Hong, M., Larwood, J., Lee, C., Lee, J., Nitschinsk, L., Peluso, N., Reedman, S. E., … Wright, O. R. (2021). How do music activities affect health and well-being? A scoping review of studies examining Psychosocial Mechanisms. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.713818
Why Study Music with Me?
Whether you’re preparing for a performance, or simply looking to have fun and improve your skills, I create a supportive environment where well-being is the priority. I understand the vulnerability it takes to perform in front of other people, and love to encourage others in their lifelong relationship with music.
Singing lessons are focused on healthy vocal technique, drawing on principles from my own teachers and coaches, vocal pedagogues of centuries past (e.g. Manuel Garcia, Mathilde Marchesi, Cornelius Reid, Richard Miller,) and contemporary voice experts (e.g. Dr. Ingo Titze, Scott McCoy). Students will gain a working understanding of the vocal mechanism, and different strategies to help that mechanism work more efficiently. While I specialized in classical voice, I enjoy teaching a wide variety of repertoire, including jazz, folk, rock, pop, and musical theatre. I am happy to work on repertoire that resonates most with you – lessons are tailored to the individual. This is an important consideration, especially for children’s voices which are not physically ready to safely tackle certain high-intensity styles of singing. I also include microphone technique for singers who perform with amplified music.
For piano/theory lessons, I typically teach using Faber & Faber, Royal Conservatory, and the Essential Theory book series, but I am open to curricula requests. As someone who began piano lessons in their late teens, I will be the first to assert that my piano skills are not virtuosic. However, I do teach with a focus on ergonomic physical alignment, musical phrasing (made possible by healthy alignment,) and mindful practice (which makes many things possible!) For recitals and competitions, I am happy to connect voice students with local collaborative pianists. Having studied not only music theory, but also composition and even art song analysis, I have a particular interest in demystifying the structure of music. I love to integrate solfege, rhythm training (Kodaly, Takadimi,) and even basic form analysis into both voice and piano lessons. This kind of practice can help accelerate learning and “game-ify” practice time. I always take time to ensure that students are comfortable with what’s they’re being asked to do, and that their own feelings and needs are understood. I am always striving to learn and improve, both as a musician and pedagogue.
Lesson Rates & Policies
Missed lessons or late cancellations are generally non-refundable, but exceptions are made for illness or emergencies. More details are available in my Studio Policy, which you will receive upon our initial consultation.
Hourly Rate: $50
Monthly Rate (weekly lessons): $45/hour
Mobile and remote lessons may also be arranged.
Payments: E-Transfer, cash, or cheque