What is your greatest passion or joy as a singer, voice teacher, or vocal professional?
My greatest joy is helping people along their journey and watching them grow. As a voice professional I teach both speakers and singers and nothing gives me more joy than seeing someone freely express themselves. To see them explore and have fun with this voice they have. The never ending combinations and ways that they can express themselves is just an absolute joy to watch. The curiosity that people have in their voice is so much fun to work with. I feel very lucky that I am here to help them on this road.
Tell us the latest news about you, your studio, and your work!
I am about to become president of the Business and Professional Women's Club in Galway, Ireland, I am almost finished Voice Coaching with the American Speech Coaching Association and it has been another wonderful journey. I recently recorded some new music, specifically designed to switch on the parasympathetic nervous system, to which we won first prize in a short film contest. My approach to voice for speakers and singers is deeply rooted in neuroscience and your voice is not just a stand alone part, all of you is linked to your voice. Your nervous system plays a huge role and I like to ensure all my students and clients understand the importance of their voice as part of their whole system.
What is an interesting or funny fact about you?
I have developed my own SOVT Tool which is called Voice Smoothie. In Europe it has become impossible to get plastic straws, so I went ahead and devloped my own SOVT straws for my students and they absolutely love them. I now have them for sale on my website and have sold Voice Smoothie straws to singers all over the world!
What led you to the NYVC Voice Teacher Training & Certification Program?
I was looking for information on YouTube and techniques. I came across Justin and was enthralled by his way of teaching, so approachable, friendly, encouraging, kind and helpful. I was then thrilled to discover he offered voice teacher training and I signed up to the course right away. One thing I must say is that Justin Stoney is one of the most gifted, hard working and truly inspiring humans I have ever met.
What was your experience in the NYVC Voice Teacher Training & Certification Program?
It was amazing from start to finish. It really has everything you need to know. It is very detailed, but Justin makes it so enjoyable. If only all courses could be this well thought out, fun and fully formed. If you think that Justin teaches well on the YouTube videos, you have seen nothing yet!!!
What advice would you give to future participants of the Program?
Just do it, you will not regret it. Best money I have ever spent.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced as an artist, teacher, or vocal professional?
It would be the lack of other singing teachers to chat - it can be a lonely profession sometimes
What was your greatest victory ever as an artist, teacher, or vocal professional?
I won "Wedding Singer of the Year" in Ireland twice, and developing my own SOVT straws has been a great achievement.
What is one piece of advice that you would love all singers to know?
You are good enough and you have a voice inside you that can help you process emotions and express yourself, far beyond what you think is capable. The confidence that exploring what your voice can do is one of the most worthwhile things you can do.
What is something you've learned on your journey that you would love other vocal professionals to know?
That the journey never ends with learning about your voice. Your voice will grow with you as you go through life. It will be with you during the good times and the bad, it can help to take you places you have only dreamed of. It can get you your dream job, help you find the love of your life and make your dreams a reality. You just have to go ahead and explore what your voice has to offer.
