Teaching philosophy
Studying and teaching voice is a multifaceted and complicated matter as well as an endless journey. Being a voice teacher entails more than just educating on basic singing techniques. My belief is that it expands to include the ability to communicate clearly with the student, and develop a trustworthy and honest relationship based on respect as with every other relationship. The teacher also needs to have a deep understanding of learning difficulties since singing is an intimate process that requires the ability to understand the human body and develop strong sensations and self awareness. These are concepts that most young students are not aware of and the teacher is responsible for guiding them in the process.
Another crucial to my belief element is helping the student understand the interconnectedness of the different arts and appreciate the importance of literature, poetry, theater, dance etc. From a technical standpoint, the art of singing consists of a variety of skills that eventually leads in developing critical thinking abilities as well as a certain level of independency. The most fundamental aspect of my teaching philosophy is to help a young singer understand the vocal mechanism and to develop a natural approach to singing without creating tension and bad habits. I always spend adequate teaching time working on the understanding of anatomy and developing of body awareness. This is done through body and breathing exercises inspired by practicing yoga, Pilates, and Alexander technique.
During the lesson I insist on asking multiple questions requesting for constant feedback that furthers my ability to help the student achieve his or her fullest potential and to comprehend the task at hand. In addition to teaching technique, I always make sure I emphasize the importance of overall physical and mental health; therefore, I dedicate time helping the student understand the importance of nutrition, adequate rest, and self-respect through personal growth.
Another crucial teaching element is the emphasis on the importance of languages in singing. The student can achieve this by developing a system that approaches the text in a way that is effective, accurate and respectful to the personality and different nuances of each unique language. My aim is not to make them proficient in text use and expression, but to make sure they understand the importance of the text in vocal music; thus, they realize text and language is as important as the music itself. In combination with the text comes the proper selection of repertoire that will allow the student to develop their singing technique, musical abilities, diction, expand their understanding of the different styles and genres, as well as practice expressing the text and its emotions.
I do not expect to be able to teach a student everything they need to know, but instead help them understand that studying music is a journey with many different destinations and experiences.
Another crucial to my belief element is helping the student understand the interconnectedness of the different arts and appreciate the importance of literature, poetry, theater, dance etc. From a technical standpoint, the art of singing consists of a variety of skills that eventually leads in developing critical thinking abilities as well as a certain level of independency. The most fundamental aspect of my teaching philosophy is to help a young singer understand the vocal mechanism and to develop a natural approach to singing without creating tension and bad habits. I always spend adequate teaching time working on the understanding of anatomy and developing of body awareness. This is done through body and breathing exercises inspired by practicing yoga, Pilates, and Alexander technique.
During the lesson I insist on asking multiple questions requesting for constant feedback that furthers my ability to help the student achieve his or her fullest potential and to comprehend the task at hand. In addition to teaching technique, I always make sure I emphasize the importance of overall physical and mental health; therefore, I dedicate time helping the student understand the importance of nutrition, adequate rest, and self-respect through personal growth.
Another crucial teaching element is the emphasis on the importance of languages in singing. The student can achieve this by developing a system that approaches the text in a way that is effective, accurate and respectful to the personality and different nuances of each unique language. My aim is not to make them proficient in text use and expression, but to make sure they understand the importance of the text in vocal music; thus, they realize text and language is as important as the music itself. In combination with the text comes the proper selection of repertoire that will allow the student to develop their singing technique, musical abilities, diction, expand their understanding of the different styles and genres, as well as practice expressing the text and its emotions.
I do not expect to be able to teach a student everything they need to know, but instead help them understand that studying music is a journey with many different destinations and experiences.
