Why SLS Studios?

I have had the privilege of helping students of all ages and experience levels find the courage to discover and use their voices in ways they had only dreamed of. I believe there are several crucial components to vocal growth and progress:

Passion. I am meant to do this work! I believe that being good at your job requires passion. After several career changes, I have finally found the work that feeds my soul! I love connecting with my students and being a witness to their growth.

Empathy. For many people, singing can be scary. Sometimes it is because they have internalized negative feedback about their voice from a previous teacher, peer or family member. Sometimes it is because of some other form of trauma. Whatever the cause, being a successful voice teacher takes empathy. As a singer with ADHD, I especially empathize with neurodivergent students.

Resilience. If one is going to sing in public, especially if they’re interested in auditioning or competing, cultivating resilience is critical. Even if you are not on a professional track, it takes resilience to develop vocal technique because of the ‘two steps forward, three steps back’ phenomenon. Growth isn’t always linear and I help my students understand this!

Success. The best thing about success in singing, is that YOU get to define what that means. I have helped students get into the college program of their choice and land roles that they wanted at professional theaters. That is absolutely amazing. However, I have also helped a mom who was terrified to sing in front of people to give a recital in 3 languages.

I have had the privilege of working with students at many different stages of their musical journeys, and I have seen success take many forms. Some of my students have gone on to pursue singing professionally, including singers who have been signed with talent agents and are building professional careers. Others have earned admission to the college programs of their choice, performed in professional theaters, or achieved success in competitions. I also work with professional singers in Connecticut, including singers seeking to address technical challenges such as tongue tension and improve the efficiency and freedom of their voices. At the same time, I work with young singers whose goals are much simpler: to have fun, become more confident, and build self-esteem through singing.

I am now beginning a new chapter in my teaching career as a Professor of Voice at Central Connecticut State University, where I have the opportunity to work with students preparing for the next stages of their musical and professional lives. I am excited to bring the same passion, empathy, and belief in individualized success to my work at the collegiate level.

I am a classically trained opera singer, and believe classical technique can provide a foundation from which one can sing in all kinds of genres. I teach vocal technique with a focus on the awareness of and freedom from obstacles that tend to inhibit vocal production. I have worked with students on classical, musical theater, pop, folk and more. I completed my Master’s Degree in Vocal Pedagogy from the Osher School of Music at the University of Southern Maine. This program has enriched me with expertise by versatile singers and teachers. Additionally, I am committed to continuous education to hone my skills in all genres. Recently, I attended the One Body/One Voice seminar in NYC where I learned from industry professionals how to translate my knowledge of classical singing to all other genres of music.

If this sounds like a good fit for you, I would love to answer any questions that you may have about my training and my philosophy. I offer both virtual and in West Hartford, CT, where I reside.