What is your greatest passion or joy as a singer, voice teacher, or vocal professional?
My greatest joy as a singer is being able to share my voice and make a positive impact when I sing. As a voice teacher, it brings me joy when I witness the look on a student’s face the moment they realize that they’re able to sing a technique that they were sure they could not sing before.
Tell us the latest news about you, your studio, and your work!
I am proud to be able to say that I am teaching voice lessons on a weekly basis now. This means a great deal to me because when I started the VTT Program, I was extremely nervous and didn’t know the first thing about teaching voice lessons. I was afraid to step out and start teaching lessons. I remember when Justin Stoney said that the key to becoming a master voice teacher is to teach as many voice lessons as you can. This motivates me to keep teaching and looking forward to growing into becoming a master voice teacher.
What is an interesting or funny fact about you?
Here’s a fun fact: there have been numerous instances where people have heard me speak for the first time and were surprised. I’ve been told that I have a deeper speaking voice than most people would expect. This used to make me feel a little self-conscious, but now it’s a quality that I embrace and use to my advantage when singing.
What led you to the NYVC Voice Teacher Training & Certification Program?
As a singer, I would often get requests from people about teaching them to sing. I would decline because I wasn’t sure that I could teach singing to anyone. As the days, months, and years went by, I never forgot about these requests. Overtime, it sparked an interest in me to look into teaching voice. I checked out several voice teacher training programs, but Justin Stoney’s program resonated with me the most.
What was your experience in the NYVC Voice Teacher Training & Certification Program?
Entering the program as a new voice teacher, I experienced mixed emotions. I was nervous, excited, and eager. I had no idea what to expect. By the end of the program, I felt fully equipped with the resources that I needed to be a successful voice teacher. The entire process from beginning to end was one that I will never forget. The lessons were fun and interactive, and Justin Stoney teaches with great zeal that leaves a lasting impression. I am sure that choosing this program as the catapult for my voice teacher career was a wise investment.
What advice would you give to future participants of the Program?
Don’t be hesitant to ask questions if you don’t understand, and don’t feel pressured to memorize all the information. Give yourself grace and remember that you’ll always have access to the lecture videos, the syllabus material so that you can review, and a team of great mentors if you ever need help.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced as an artist, teacher, or vocal professional?
The biggest challenge that I’ve had as a singer and voice teacher is comparison to other singers and teachers. When this happens, I remind myself that my own unique abilities and personality is what sets me apart. This is also the same for everyone else. Now I understand that there will be certain people drawn to my singing voice and style of teaching, and this is what will make me a good fit for them. So, it is best to try not to be like anyone else.
What was your greatest victory ever as an artist, teacher, or vocal professional?
My greatest victory as a voice teacher was when I partnered with a local recording studio to give voice lessons to their clients and also received a great deal to use their studio space for my in-person lessons. I only offered virtual lessons for a while, but I decided to go out and place my flyers in different locations and make phone calls to other local music businesses. As a result, I am now able to offer in-person lessons which has expanded my business.
What is one piece of advice that you would love all singers to know?
Learn to embrace your artistry and love your own voice. Once you do, it’ll unlock the door to a firm confidence as a singer that can’t easily be taken away.
What is something you've learned on your journey that you would love other vocal professionals to know?
Take every opportunity to explore your own singing voice. As a voice teacher, those moments of curiousness about how my voice works has led me to figuring out how to teach my students from a relatable place. I’ve seen this help students accelerate in reaching their singing goals.
How can we find out more about you and your work?
You can connect with me on Instagram @ignitevocalstudio and visit my website: www.ignitevocalstudio.com
