How can I suggest a song for you to react to?
Please comment any suggestions on my YouTube videos. Unfortunately emailing me songs will not increase the likelihood of me actually analyzing those songs.
What do I need to do to prepare for a lesson?
Pick out a song that you want to work on. Write down any questions you have about your voice. Stay hydrated. Read this FAQ all the way through.
Please watch this video to walk through the ideal Zoom settings for voice lessons:
What is a lesson like?
In a voice lesson I will have you sing vocal exercises to help you figure out what singing healthily feels like. Exercises are the most efficient way to teach technique, as they allow me to change one variable at a time to figure out what works best in your voice.
After exercises I like to apply those techniques to a song of your choosing. Please have a song chosen, and a device that is able to play it for you to sing along with.
If you are still curious about how a lesson is structured, book one! Signing up for one lesson does not make you commit to a package of lessons.
What equipment is necessary for lessons over the internet?
A device with a webcam and microphone. Reliable internet. Please install the Zoom application to whatever device you will be using. Having headphones for the video-chat device, and having a secondary device that can play tracks to sing along with is also very helpful. Whatever quality your setup is, I believe I can hear most things and give you good advice. If you wanted to upgrade to an external condenser microphone with a pop filter that would be your choice. Getting better internet is also your choice. Your very good choice.
Do you sell gift certificates?
Currently I do not. Because of the high demand of my lessons and limited teaching hours in the week I cannot promise that lessons would be able to be booked with haste. If you’d like to gift a lesson to someone I suggest having them find a suitable time through my website, choosing to pay with Venmo. You can then send payment having guaranteed that a lesson will actually take place.
Do you do in person lessons?
I do not.
How many lessons will it take to be able to _____?
There’s no way to tell. Everyone’s journey is different. I believe everyone can learn to sing, but some people have a higher affinity to it. Whether they like it more, or are practicing more, some people progress faster than others. That doesn’t matter if you are trying to sing because you love to sing and want to express yourself better.
Can I talk to you on the phone?
I prefer to keep my number private. If you have any questions that are not answered here, please do not hesitate to email me and I will reply when I can.
Should I send you clips of me before I book a lesson?
Nope, it’s not necessary. I like to analyze the singer in front of me during my lessons, not analyze them on a different day. Surprisingly enough I’m good at that and that’s why you want lessons with me.
Is there an age requirement?
There is no hard and fast and furious rule for what age you need to be to succeed with voice lessons. What is more important is the student’s ability to focus for at least 30 minutes, and follow directions. If I believe lessons aren’t a good idea, I will try to be tactful and honest when I kick you out.
Do you work with trans students?
I do! Testosterone hormone replacement therapy basically causes a second puberty, including changing your voice. The same principles of good singing apply to people at whatever point in their transition.
For voice feminization I can only offer you skills to help you express yourself how you need to. I won’t be able to give you a brand new accent, change your lilt, or change your vocabulary. I can help you figure out how to use your voice in different ways.
My voice is damaged physically, can you help me?
I am not a doctor, I am not an SLP. I’m a voice teacher. I can try my best, but please have realistic goals.
If you have been diagnosed with nodules, polyps, dysphonia, or any sort of vocal anomaly I highly suggest working with a speech language pathologist on strategies to help your condition. I do believe in a team approach, and working with a voice teacher, ENT, and SLP can achieve great results. Having a recent scope video can be very helpful in coming up with strategies to heal and improve your singing.
Do you work with beginners?
Yes! As long as someone is patient, passionate about singing, and willing to work hard. I think I’m a pretty good guide through the wilderness of figuring out your voice. If you’re having fun, voice lessons are worth it. If you feel like you are being challenged, thinking critically about your instrument and preconceptions, or learning more about how to grow as an artist, voice lessons are worth it. If you need to sing at your wedding in 3 weeks voice lessons are also worth it.
How often do you suggest new (or experienced) singers take lessons?
For people looking to make consistent progress, I suggest a 30 minute lesson every week. More frequent than that reinforces the new habits you’re building. Less frequent than that is cheaper, and gives more time for practice and experimentation. 60 minute lessons are ideal if you are learning a lot of songs quickly, preparing for a tour, need to audition prep, or want to talk a lot.
Do you work with shy singers?
Yes. I do my best to tailor my lesson plans to whoever my client is. If you think it’s not a good fit, or I don’t think it’s a good fit, I am happy to refer you to other teachers who may be able to help you better.
Do you teach _____ genres?
I teach vocal technique and try my best to encourage healthy vocalization. This is independent of genre. That being said, yes I do work with the genre you are thinking about.
Will you react to a video of me?
I am currently unable to offer this service. In the future I will absolutely react to fan submitted viewers as videos on my channel. Please stay tuned for any announcements about these events!
What is your rate?
My current rate is $70 USD per half-hour lesson and $130 for an hour.
What time zone are you in?
I live in Austin, Texas, which is Central time. If you are interested in seeing how my teaching schedule fits with your time zone, the second page of my booking tool allows you to adjust the displayed time zone.
Do you work with international students?
Yes! As long as you’re able to have lessons during my working hours I am happy to work with international clients. I am also open to working with people who don’t speak English if they are up for a fun and silly experience.
What is your cancellation policy?
I require 24 hour’s notice to offer a refund or apply your payment to another lesson. Because so many people are interested in booking lessons, late cancellations don’t allow others to pick up lessons when they become available.
If you wake up sick the day of your lesson, please contact me as soon as you know you won’t be present. I am happy to reschedule if you are actually ill and made a good faith effort to let me know. I would also rather not get sick if you are contagious.