I have taught voice students as young as age 5 and up to age 70+.
For a young child vocal training will be primarily music training and training the ear using the voice as the instrument. I do not work on a lot of technique with the very young voices. The exercises that I do with these children are designed to develop good listening skills, musicianship, to teach them about music and to prevent them from getting into any bad vocal habits.
The children will learn lots of songs on topics they are interested in and that are in an appropriate range for their young voices. I accompany these songs on the piano.
My training also includes Kodaly (one of my teachers was a student of Kodaly) and I have had a lot of experience teaching music classes for very young children. Based on the educational teachings of Kodaly and Orff, I have taught music to 3 - 5 year olds at the Child Development Centre and at my own studio and have also taught music classes as a teacher on call for School District 57.
Being a child at heart, I have an excellent rapport with the younger children. I am enthusiastic and demanding but soft-spoken, mild mannered and generally easy going.
I have also taught teenagers and adults. With the older students, a larger percentage of the lesson will be spent on technique.
The first part of the lesson will consist of exercises to improve posture, breathing and support, ear training, resonance, range, musicality, freedom in singing and agility.
During the second part of the lesson we work on music, which is chosen to suit the range and ability of the student as well as their taste in music. I will teach you music of any style you chose be it classical, jazz, pop, country, etc.
Recitals
We hold regular recitals here at the studio and in retirement homes to give the students opportunities to perform and to support their fellow students. Participation in these recitals is strictly optional. You can chose to sing a solo or as part of a group with other students or even a duet with me. The atmosphere of these recitals has always been relaxed and friendly. I have always felt very proud of the support that my students have always shown each other.
Reasons for learning to Sing
Reasons for taking voice lessons will vary from student to student and I am happy to cater the lesson to your needs. Whether you are serious about singing or if you would just like to learn about music, develop confidence or improve your breathing for your general health, I will design the lessons to suit your needs. You can be advanced or a complete beginner.
I think that some people are under the impression that they have to have some singing ability before they begin lessons or a great voice.
This isn't true. All you need is a voice and a willingness to learn. Unless there is something physically wrong like nodes or a condition caused by a trauma, we can work with the voice that you have. Even if you can't hold a tune, you can still take lessons. Ear training will just encompass a larger proportion of your lesson. If you naturally vary the pitch of your speaking voice such raising it at the end of a sentence when you ask a question, then you can be taught to hear pitches correctly and learn to sing in tune.
Lessons 
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9 in D Minor, Op. 125 in conjunction with choirs from across northern B.C.
