What is your greatest passion or joy as a singer, voice teacher, or vocal professional?
I think one of the greatest feelings as a teacher is witnessing a student recognize their own progress. After studying for some time, I think it’s fun to revisit songs that the student used to sing earlier in their life or before any training. I find it really highlights a singer’s progress for themself; they may feel that certain passages are much easier now or they have more sounds, colors, and textures accessible to them than before. I love doing this with my own voice too! I find it invigorating to track my own progress and it can be a helpful reminder to only compare myself to past versions of me- rather than comparing my voice to other singers. I think it helps me create my own definitions of success as a musician.
Tell us the latest news about you, your studio, and your work!
I recently came on board as a vocal teacher with Snyder School of Singing in Glenside, PA! The owner of this studio used to be my voice teacher so it’s been meaningful to come full-circle and teach for her. I also teach privately and continue my own vocal study.
What is an interesting or funny fact about you?
An interesting fact is that I was an intern at SNL! I guess that could also count as a funny fact…because SNL is funny.
What led you to the NYVC Voice Teacher Training & Certification Program?
This program was highly recommended to me by several of my colleagues. I personally know graduates of the program who went on to teach voice lessons full-time and open their own studios. They had nothing but amazing things to say about Justin and NYVC so I knew I had to check it out!
What was your experience in the NYVC Voice Teacher Training & Certification Program?
It was the most informative and practical vocal education I’ve ever received. It gave me a deep and extensive understanding of not only vocal pedagogy, but what it means to be a singer. Singing has been a part of my entire life and until meeting Justin, I hadn’t met someone as passionate and dedicated to sharing his knowledge and skill set with aspiring performers and teachers. He doesn’t hold anything back and really wants you to succeed. I would recommend the program to anyone who wishes to better understand the voice.
What advice would you give to future participants of the Program?
I kind of wish I re-listened to the lectures more often throughout the program. There’s so much detailed information in them and all of it is useful, so I know that for me, I need to listen back a couple of times for it all to really seep in. Since graduating, I’ve been going back and re-listening, but I think doing so along the way may have helped a ton for the final exam.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced as an artist, teacher, or vocal professional?
I think a big challenge for me personally was figuring out how to define success for myself and not be discouraged by not meeting others’ expectations for my voice. I see this in my students too. This industry is highly competitive and auditioning can be an overwhelming and exhausting project. I know from my own experience that the times I’ve felt the most bogged down or stuck in my vocal journey were when I was focusing too intently on failing by others’ standards. I’ve been trying to learn how to create my own markers of success when it comes to my voice. I think that vocal progress is extremely personal and individualistic. There will be achievements that are barely perceptible to someone else’s ears, but you will know. If those achievements can be fulfilling, I think that's what helps me stay motivated and kind to myself throughout training.
What was your greatest victory ever as an artist, teacher, or vocal professional?
My first professional performance job was a big milestone for me. I was cast in a world premiere of a children’s musical that went up in Raleigh, North Carolina. It was one of the first gigs I secured through NYC agents. I had a great time exploring a new city and met awesome people.
What is one piece of advice that you would love all singers to know?
Getting better is a long process and my advice is to stay kind to yourself. I don’t know anyone whose voice transformed over night. I think it takes consistent practicing for those muscles to strengthen. If you can enjoy the process and keep singing along the way, I think that’s the most fun way to learn it! I remember times throughout my life falling into the trap of thinking, “I need to wait until I’m better to sing, or to audition, or perform, etc.” I don’t think that’s a helpful or realistic plan and I would encourage any singer to respect their process and never let a bad audition, recording, gig or anything make you stop singing.
What is something you've learned on your journey that you would love other vocal professionals to know?
I think that teaching has made me a better singer. I love working with beginner singers because I find it really fascinating to dive back into the basics that I may have forgotten about or have taken for granted. It really forces me to check myself and align what I do with what I teach. As a teacher, I've learned that creating a safe space where the singer feels comfortable and encouraged is probably the most important thing you'll do. If that's not there, it will be difficult to make progress because singing requires vulnerability. I believe the student must feel a certain level of comfort and emotional safety in order to be able to explore their voice fully. I'm always striving to be in total service to my students and meet them where they are. I continuously remind myself there is no one-size-fits-all approach; every voice and person is unique and that’s why this job is never boring!
How can we find out more about you and your work?
I don’t do much on social media, but you can find me on Facebook and Instagram @emilytolnay. If you are interested in lessons, feel free to email me at emilytolnay29@gmail.com or check out Snyder School of Singing if you are in the Philly area!
