PIANO
MUSIC & MOVEMENT
EARLY CHILDHOOD
VOICE
Voice Curriculum
Younger Children: I have an extensive background in Early Childhood Classroom Music, which of course involves lots and lots of singing, so I am well practiced in communicating the basics of good technique to small people, and have a vast repertoire of really wonderful children’s songs. Young ‘uns sometimes need some help finding their “singing” (as opposed to “shouting” or “speaking”) voices, and it is important that they have a healthy vocal model to imitate before habits and more importantly self-image become ingrained.
A small group or shared lesson is ideal at this age. We work on some basic technique (breathing, pitch matching, articulating the words) and apply it to a wide variety of songs, including some in other languages. Performances most likely will include movement and instruments and not infrequently develop into semi-staged extravaganzas complete with costumes, etc. Recording and listening to our own singing helps develop confidence, a good ear and also captures those wonderful but fleeting small voices for posterity!
Older Children/Early Teens: As they get older and are exposed to all imaginable types of music and singing styles, it becomes even more important for aspiring young singers to know what healthy singing is, and how to go about using their voices the best way possible. Vocal damage sustained at this point (generally from ill-informed ‘training” or persistent attempts to sound like a favorite pop singer) may create an ongoing physiological problem. And of course boys (and to a lesser extent girls too) experience a great deal of vocal unpredictability as their voices mature and change. Navigating these changes, and knowing what is vocally normal, at this stage, is important if the student is to have confidence in their own instrument.
More detailed technical instruction includes information about the anatomy and physiology of the voice, to the extent the student finds this interesting and/or helpful. Depending upon the physical development relative to the age of the student, it is generally too early to begin formal classical vocal “training”, but on the other hand never too soon to begin learning healthy technique, acquiring performance experience and enjoying different styles of vocal repertoire.
Later Teens/Young Adult: I very much enjoy working with young singers as they are first coming into their own with their adult voices. Good training at this point is critical and often the results are so immediately gratifying that it is a delight to watch students’ surprise at discovering their own potential!
I am very well resourced to guide students through classical vocal study, and can also work with those whose primary interest is musical theater. Early vocal training in either case focuses on applying good technique to increasingly challenging repertoire. I can also prepare students for High School and College auditions, MMTA exams and competitions, etc.
Adults: Many of my adult students are people who love to sing but have little confidence in their inherent ability to do so. They are often amazed at the difference a little technique and encouragement can make!
While it takes regular practice to achieve any lasting development in vocal quality, I am happy to work with those who simply wish to learn a little basic technique and fit more music into their busy schedules any way they can. For those with professional goals, I can guide your vocal and musical development in whichever direction you desire.
