Teaching Philosophy
My goal as a teacher is to unlock each student’s intense desire to learn; to encourage them to ask questions and search for a variety of answers instead of always trying to be 'right'. Whether it be in theatre history, voice or wellness, I strive to ignite the passion to learn within each student and awaken their curiosity so they will continue down the path of self-enlightenment.
"History is for human self-knowledge ... the only clue to what man can do is what man has done. The value of history, then, is that it teaches us what man has done and thus what man is." -R. G. Collingwood
It is a joy to help students develop into thoughtful, well-informed creative artists prepared to use their training in all aspects of their life. An overview of the dramatic canon gives theatre artists a broader scope of shared knowledge, which opens the door to deeper levels of collaboration.
Theatre History is so much more than simply regurgitating dates and vocabulary words. Students enter the world of the play and experience it as if they were there first hand. They slip into the minds of playwrights, actors and directors from ancient Greece through the 17th century. Together we explore the world of each play, including the politics, art, music and architecture of the time period and learn more about ourselves in the process.
The only thing better than singing is more singing.”
– Ella Fitzgerald
In my work with singers I encourage an honest connection to the body, mind and emotions and a willingness to go within and find their true voice. The path to a healthy, flexible vocal technique takes practice, patience and perseverance.
My goal is to create a safe space for my students to explore their vocal instruments, express their emotions and sing from a healthy, body-connected place. Lessons vary depending on the student's needs. Weekly homework is assigned to help students develop discipline and focus their time at home in a way that aides vocal development.
Private lessons last 60 minutes and encompass relaxation techniques, connection to breath, vocal building and song interpretation.
Students are encouraged to bring in songs they would like to work on for auditions, or performances.
Meditation can help us embrace our worries, our fear, our anger; and that is very healing.
We let our own natural capacity of healing do the work."
- Thich Nhat Hanh
The gentle vibrations of humming and vocalization help to reduce stress, build stamina, and to promote a tranquil state of mind. Through simple movements and vocal release, we can shed tension, stress & unnecessary emotion, and increase our energy and connection to source.
The studies from the Nepal Medical College and the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuroscience in India both demonstrated that just five minutes of humming can radically reduce stress.
“When we make self-created sounds, a number of beneficial therapeutic effects occur. I group vocal mediation lasts 60 min and encompasses 15 minutes of deep breathing, 25 minutes of humming and open vocal release in a guided meditation form and 10 minutes of a return to the breath, leaving time for reflection on the meditation as a group.