vocal and somatic embodiment
First of all…
If you are looking to understand your voice, sing with more confidence, find your “true sound,” perform, or just enjoy making noise and singing more…
Congratulations!
Moving forward to understand your own voice and body can be just as scary as it is necessary and liberating.
Some of my students have longed to do it for decades, and some have already been exploring. I myself am on a long road of constantly discovering.
I trained for many years as a performing artist and actor, but I still couldn’t make the sound that felt “genuine” to me. I knew I had a love for music and an interest, but sometime making sounds felt pushed and sometimes weak.
Fast forward many years, I studied with the late Barbara Maier Gustern, and then at Berklee College of Music Online, with Clare McLeod and Jamie Hart of How to Warm Up, who I continue to study one-on-one with. I was nursing a back injury, getting PT, and also began studying Cultural Somatics, then called Somatic Abolitionism, with Resmaa Menakam. I learned to unpack my relationship to singing, humming, toning, and embodying sound.
These seemingly different approaches showed me how somatics, culture, racism, pelvic floor health, and so many other influences are deeply intertwined and ingrained. I learned how to begin to unpack, physically and emotionally, to find a more genuine relationship to my -figurative and literal- true voice.
From scales, to sighs, to songs, I long to share these tools with you and to foster your own growth of vocal and body empowerment.
I teach a combination of voice, movement, somatic practice, and song performance as you and I see fit. Together we can build sessions that feel right for you. To learn more specifically about my yoga and physical therapy experience, click here.
Sessions are in my studio in Red Hook, Brooklyn or online.
50 minutes, $100-150 sliding scale, NOTA
My Teaching Values
My teaching is rooted in values that support vocal, somatic, and personal development:
Individuality: I believe every person, every voice, and every story behind the voice is unique and worthy to be heard. I work to help students find a sound that feels authentic to them, rather than conforming to a standard or ideal. This includes developing healthy technique while honoring the student’s own vocal color and style, and developing a relationship of being an expressive artist.
Patience and Empathy: I prioritize patience and empathy in every lesson, understanding that each student’s progress unfolds at their own pace. I build a supportive and non-judgmental atmosphere where students can experiment and learn without fear of failure. I encourage students to be the agents of their own journey. I take the time to listen to their experiences, acknowledging the challenges they face. My empathetic approach allows me to create a safe space where students feel supported and understood as they explore their voices and develop their skills.
Holistic and Exploratory Approach: I believe that vocal health is inseparable from mental, emotional, and physical well-being. My teaching emphasizes mindfulness and body awareness to ensure that students sing with ease. By encouraging exploration and self-discovery, I help students unlock their full potential, allowing them to find freedom in their singing.
Empowerment and Agency: I believe that learning to sing is a collaborative process. While I provide guidance and technical instruction, I encourage students to be active participants in their learning. This includes asking questions, encouraging inherent feedback, making choices about repertoire, and reflecting on their vocal progress. As a teacher, I aim to serve as both a mentor and a facilitator, helping students to gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to develop as independent singers and artists.