My teaching philosophy is to create a studio environment conducive to focus, performance, encouragement, and fun. I believe that anyone can learn to sing, and that my job is to help you discover the strengths of your unique instrument. Singing comes from an expression of exuberance—sung text is essentially heightened speech—and imagination comes into play in all lessons. Goals for all my students include individual and musical growth through the study of vocal techniques and repertoire, and a better understanding of how to practice, learn music, and how to connect to a sung text. Students are expected to come to lessons rested, prepared, with an open mind. Bring your vocal notebook to take notes during the lesson and to report any questions or discoveries, your recording device, your music, and water. Besides vocal students, I also frequently work with instrumentalists, and have experience coaching individuals and chamber music. I feel that I have a unique perspective as a singer deeply committed to finding meaning in the marriage of text and music. Outreach is a very important aspect of my musicianship. I love visiting schools and retirement communities and sharing my music on a more close-up level than they might have ever experienced. Kids are very curious and appreciate music being explained, especially when a story is involved. I feel so rewarded by their enthusiasm and feel that if I bring my music to even one person who would not have experienced classical or folk music if I hadn’t come, makes it all so worthwhile. Much of my outreach experience has emerged from my collaborations with double bassist/composer Evan Premo as part of Duo Borealis. When we perform for schools, most of the younger kids are curious about Evan’s huge instrument. The older kids tend to watch me with eyes wide, not believing that someone can be so comfortable being so crazy on stage. That’s when I know I’ve hit a nerve, and I like to think I send those self-conscious but quirky kids a little bit of permission to let their individual quirks out for the world to see.