A proficient vocalist & exceptional teacher with over 40 years of experience,
I passionately guide my students towards their musical self, realizing dreams & goals along the way.
I passionately guide my students towards their musical self, realizing dreams & goals along the way.
In-Studio & ZOOM Lessons
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Tuesdays & Thursdays
Studio VOX! Online ZOOM Lessons |
Tuesdays
Tacoma's North end at Studio VOX! (inquire below for location) Tacoma, WA 98406 |
Teaching Philosophy
As a teacher of voice
I have built my instructional program on the fundamental curriculum requirements established by most academic institutions. Therefore, criteria will always include these basics: breath management and support, intonation, tone quality, phrasing, diction, stage presence, expression/interpretation and overall musicianship. Self-awareness on a kinesthetic level is equally important, helping the student to avoid injuries due to overuse and/or misuse, as well as establishing good postural habits supporting vocal stamina and longevity. I teach beginning to advanced/professional private voice lessons.
I have built my instructional program on the fundamental curriculum requirements established by most academic institutions. Therefore, criteria will always include these basics: breath management and support, intonation, tone quality, phrasing, diction, stage presence, expression/interpretation and overall musicianship. Self-awareness on a kinesthetic level is equally important, helping the student to avoid injuries due to overuse and/or misuse, as well as establishing good postural habits supporting vocal stamina and longevity. I teach beginning to advanced/professional private voice lessons.
"I was playing a lead role in a school musical and I was new to solo singing. I found Debby through my sister's piano teacher. She helped me A LOT with a very hard song. Her exercises were fun and taught me what I needed to know for the part. After two successful performances, she is the person whom I thank the most."
M.Z. Seattle, WA
M.Z. Seattle, WA
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Basic technical understanding informs the student on a very personal level and includes what they are bringing to the table. This initiates a better understanding of their unique instrument (voice) along with allowing me to serve them in the best way possible. A clear awareness of a student’s vocal self also invites them to become more invested in the choices they/we make towards consideration of their unique attributes such as: range, cultural proclivities, sound vocabulary, repertoire, memory or aural issues as well as their willingness to take risks.
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Advanced study
Students will increase their performance experience, appropriate their musicianship and become aware of technical strengths, gain repertoire and apply advanced work towards rhythmic phrasing and interpretation.
If a student has chosen to experiment further, by taking classes that examine free jazz or circle singing forms, demonstration of improvisational techniques such as singing using vocal scat and personal language, back phrasing and/or altering rhythm and melodic structures will be learned. This allows skills to grow towards spontaneous composition and the ability to connect with various vocal groups or engage in solo work. These skills can prove essential whilst lessening reliance on instrumental accompaniment, promoting deeper identification with their music and audience, from both a freer and more intuitive space.
I also believe in viewing the student as body, mind and spirit.
Being present and available, allowing for compassion and a patient exchange to occur always benefits both the instructor and student. I believe that everything in life informs everything in life! The key is how we approach, pay attention to and use the information coming our way. Many times it is from this place of patient play and listening that new awareness becomes apparent. This is a fascinating place to accompany a student, on any technical level.
Students will increase their performance experience, appropriate their musicianship and become aware of technical strengths, gain repertoire and apply advanced work towards rhythmic phrasing and interpretation.
If a student has chosen to experiment further, by taking classes that examine free jazz or circle singing forms, demonstration of improvisational techniques such as singing using vocal scat and personal language, back phrasing and/or altering rhythm and melodic structures will be learned. This allows skills to grow towards spontaneous composition and the ability to connect with various vocal groups or engage in solo work. These skills can prove essential whilst lessening reliance on instrumental accompaniment, promoting deeper identification with their music and audience, from both a freer and more intuitive space.
I also believe in viewing the student as body, mind and spirit.
Being present and available, allowing for compassion and a patient exchange to occur always benefits both the instructor and student. I believe that everything in life informs everything in life! The key is how we approach, pay attention to and use the information coming our way. Many times it is from this place of patient play and listening that new awareness becomes apparent. This is a fascinating place to accompany a student, on any technical level.
"I see SUCH an improvement in Brit's singing. Really! It's great to see the progress she is making!"
A.O. Mercer Island, WA
A.O. Mercer Island, WA
Summary
Private lessons and classes will develop the participant’s vocal potential, readying them for: recitals, concerts, competitions, gigs or simply build new healthy vocal awareness towards personal enrichment. Specific attention is spent on the following important vocal qualities: vocal technique & breath management, body awareness, theory, intonation, phrasing, diction, expression/interpretation, preparedness/stage presence along with sight singing/ear training and choral/solo work. I teach: Lite Classical, Pop, Folk, Jazz and Vocal Improvisation, Spiritual and Blues, Spoken Word and Experimental genres.
If the student has chosen to experiment further, taking classes that examine Free Jazz or Song Circle forms, they will advance with skills that allow for spontaneous composition. This ability allows for students to confidently connect with large vocal groups with less reliance on instrumental accompaniment while identifying with their audience from a freer intuitive space. All culminates in a further prepared vocalist ready to join the larger artistic community.
Private lessons and classes will develop the participant’s vocal potential, readying them for: recitals, concerts, competitions, gigs or simply build new healthy vocal awareness towards personal enrichment. Specific attention is spent on the following important vocal qualities: vocal technique & breath management, body awareness, theory, intonation, phrasing, diction, expression/interpretation, preparedness/stage presence along with sight singing/ear training and choral/solo work. I teach: Lite Classical, Pop, Folk, Jazz and Vocal Improvisation, Spiritual and Blues, Spoken Word and Experimental genres.
If the student has chosen to experiment further, taking classes that examine Free Jazz or Song Circle forms, they will advance with skills that allow for spontaneous composition. This ability allows for students to confidently connect with large vocal groups with less reliance on instrumental accompaniment while identifying with their audience from a freer intuitive space. All culminates in a further prepared vocalist ready to join the larger artistic community.