How old should I be to start voice lessons?

Most often, students come to me in their mid-teens. I have had students as young as 12, but more often we start in the 14-16 range. Before you take private lessons, you need to learn the basics of how to read music and sing on pitch. I highly recommend piano lessons and choir training before you start solo voice lessons. Also, the young voice changes a lot during these years, and usually the voice is not ready for the kind of work we do until that time. There are always some exceptions to that, so that is why I do auditions rather than make hard and fast rules.

For young singers, a good children's chorus can be just the thing they need. 

What about composition lessons?

We generally meet via Zoom, as often as once a week, depending on the student's needs. Depending on the student's experience level and goals, we start with simple concepts and add to it as we go. I write for choirs and orchestras.

What about adults?

I have many adult students! One of the wonderful things about singing is that it is something we do all our lives.

What kind of music do you teach?

I am firmly based in the classical tradition, and extend into music theater styles. We typically start with the old Italian songs and arias that have been the basis of classical training for hundreds of years. I also incorporate classic American music theater songs early on, and move into the French, German, and English art song literature. More advanced and vocally mature students learn operatic and music theater techniques.

Where are the lessons?

I teach at my home in south Kennewick, and online. I will give you the address when we schedule a meeting. The house is white stucco, red tile roof, courtyard entry. There is a really cool metal sculpture with snakes by the stairs down to the house.

Yeah, what about that sculpture, what is that thing?

It was made by Benbow Bullock (www.artnut.com) in 1996. It has a sister piece called “Medusa Mirror Image.” The plaque on it says it is called “Midnight in Moscow, 1997”. He later called it “Tara”, but we have started calling it “Caduceus Choir” which seems perfect for the house of a doctor and a singer, doesn’t it?

How often are the lessons, and how long are they?

Most students take half hour lessons, once a week. Some take 45 minute lessons, and hour lessons are sometimes available.

How do I get on the waiting list, and how long will I be on it?

On the home page, just above my head and to the right, it says “New Students.” Click on that, register yourself, and I will get an email telling me you have registered. I will contact you about scheduling an audition and we will go from there.

What? I have to audition to get on the waiting list?

Yes, my available time spots are usually taken. To get on the list, I need to know that you have the vocal, musical, and personal maturity and capability to be a successful student. If there are skills you need to improve first, it is best to know that up front. It will save you a lot of trouble. You will be auditioning me, as well. Voice lessons can be very personal, and if you are uncomfortable with me, you won’t make the kind of progress you want to.

What do I have to do at the audition?

Come prepared to sing a short song. It can be very simple, and I prefer something without accompaniment. In that song, I want to hear the basic quality of your voice and see if you can sing on pitch on your own. Next, we will do some vocalizations in order for me to get to know your voice a little bit. We will also do a short sight-singing test. I will give you a sheet with a simple melody, in a limited range, with limited rhythmic complexity, then give you the first note and count off a bar for free.

Sight-singing? I have to do sight-singing in the audition? How good do my music reading skills need to be?

You must be able to learn songs by yourself. I will correct you as we go, but I won’t teach you every note. Or even every other note. Basic piano skills will save you so many hours over the course of your life that it is not even funny. Do it!

Can you refer me to other teachers if I can’t get in with you?

Yes! Email or call me and I will see what I can do.

Can my family and friends come watch my lessons?

My door remains unlocked, and parents are free to come in and observe at any time. We need to balance that with the extra pressure that puts on the student, though—for some, it is very difficult to explore the voice and feel free to make mistakes and try new sounds if it feels like a performance. Sometimes, an audience is just what is needed to kick the performance to the next level. So, I guess the answer is, yes, you can, but do it carefully.

Do I ring the doorbell when it is my time or just come in?

If there is a lesson in progress (you can peek in the window in the door, and probably hear somebody singing if there is), just quietly let yourself in and come sit down. That way I know you are here and we can get started on time. Otherwise, ring the doorbell. I probably won’t hear a knock on the door.

Do I need to buy a lot of music?

You will need to buy some. Expect to spend $40 on music in a 6 month period.

How much do I have to practice?

If you feel like you “have to practice,” perhaps this is not the right time to take lessons. It should not feel like a big burden, even though I know it can be a challenge finding a time, place, and the privacy you need. You will only make real progress if you practice regularly, nearly every day. One giant practice period right before your lesson will never work well. I consider 5 practice periods a week to be minimum. The periods don’t need to be hours long. In fact, teenaged voices should aim for more frequent, shorter periods. In the beginning, two periods a day of 15 minutes are ideal. As you progress, a single period of at least a half hour is minimum. If you do not have time to practice, wait to take lessons until you can take the time. Neither of us wants you to waste your money and time.