Rates for private lessons:
$60/hour
$40/half hour (best only for young students)

10-week session: $510 ($340 for half-hour lessons)
5-week session: $270 ($180 for half-hour lessons)

Location:
776 Oak Street (between Steiner and Fillmore)
San Francisco, CA

Weekdays:
Mondays: 10am
Thursdays: 4:30pm, 5:30pm

Frequently Asked Questions

Interested in voice lessons but not sure what's involved? You're not alone. Although some of my students are performers with years of training behind them, others are brand new to voice technique. A lot of people want to learn to sing better but stall for years before they try lessons. Here are some things you might want to know:

What are your qualifications to teach voice?
I trained at Rice University's Shepherd School of Music (B.Mus.) and the New England Conservatory of Music (M.Mus.) and have been teaching private voice lessons for about 10 years. I am a professionally performing singer with experience in many styles, including opera and other classical repertoire, jazz, musical theater, folk, pop, chant and early music, traditional Irish music, cabaret, and extended vocal techniques (used in new and improvised music). For more biographical information, please check out the bookings page.

What happens in a voice lesson?
Each lesson is generally split into two sections. I spend the first half on scales and exercises. This is much more than a "warm up"; it is the detail work that gives you technique to apply to singing songs. The second half of the lesson is on repertoire, where we work on whatever songs we have chosen for you.

What is your teaching style?
When I teach, I balance explanations of the physical mechanism of the voice with more metaphorical language that tends to help singers relate to their voices. Always, I am trying to find the style and approach that works for the student. I am exceptional at listening to what you want, and I will tailor our time together to achieving your goals.

Can you teach me to read music?
Yes. We can start with the basics, or if you already have some experience reading music, I can help you improve your sight-singing skills.

Do I have to be able to read music to take voice lessons?
No. If you don't read music and don't want to focus on learning how, we won't work on that. Studying voice is really about developing an understanding of your own voice and how to make the sounds you want to make. Many people do like to be able to follow along with the music, and people with an instrument at home can use it to remind them of the melody of a song they are working on, but this is not necessary. If it is helpful for you, I can make an accompaniment tape (or CD) that you can practice with at home.

Can you help me prepare for an audition or specific performance?
Absolutely. I have a parallel career in theater and bring many years of training and experience in audition and performance technique. I can help you hone your song and character into a vital and gripping performance.

Can you help someone who is "tone deaf"?
Yes. I have helped people with trouble hearing pitch learn to match notes and sing in tune.

What ages do you teach?
I have had private voice students ranging in age - literally - from about 8 to 80.

What are your strengths as a teacher?
As a singer who performs many kinds of music, I understand how to sing different genres in a healthy and effective way. As an actor and director, I can also help you create characters for gripping performances and auditions. I am a particularly good match for actors who want to improve their singing.