What is your greatest passion or joy as a singer, voice teacher, or vocal professional?
My greatest joy as a vocal professional is the people that I interact with. For me, making music is a one of a kind experience, but it’s only a piece of the pie. The icing on the cake is meeting individuals who are working creatives, authors, professors, software developers, etc. I have learned more about myself through their work than I ever would have thought possible.
Please tell us the latest news about you, your studio, and your work.
Currently, I have a studio that specializes in all things voice. My work includes teaching voice lessons and public speaking and consulting on digital storytelling. I am currently enrolled in pre-requisite coursework at the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health in hopes of pursuing a masters in Speech Language Pathology. I have a special love for vocal anatomy and holistic health!
Presently, I am working with a student who is a NY times best-selling author who is taking voice lessons as a research opportunity for her historical novel, whose heroine is a singer! Our latest victory was utilizing her new-found mixed voice to record an Ella Fitzgerald so that she could have her own performance moment just like her heroine.
What is an interesting or funny fact about you?
An interesting fact about me is that I hold a pilates mat 1 certification and Berklee Vocal Styles certification. I am currently investigating getting a computer science certification. If I could stay in school, learning, forever, I would.
What led you to the NYVC Voice Teacher Training & Certification Program?
I first started the NYVC Voice Teacher Training & Certification program with no intention to ever teach a lesson! I loved singing so much, I didn’t want to merge it with my professional endeavors and have it become “work”. What initially drew me to the program was the focus on vocal anatomy. It is, unfortunately, so hard to find a voice teacher that is not only versed in performing, but the anatomy of the voice. However, with COVID, my corporate comms job was remote, and was finding ten times the satisfaction in my teaching life. Now, I am happy to say that I have a nice balance between helping individuals find their singing voice and helping them brand their voice through my digital marketing experience.
What was your experience in the NYVC Voice Teacher Training & Certification Program?
I wouldn’t trade my experience for anything. I am still in touch with many of the fellow educators and students in the program. I also found the program to have given me the flexibility and knowledge to teach a diverse client base in my own work.
What advice would you give to future participants of the Program?
One piece of advice I would share would be to pursue the program with the passion that brought you there in the first place. There is a lot of information, which could be overwhelming, but every single person there came with the intention to grow.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced as an artist, teacher, or vocal professional?
The biggest challenge that I have faced as an artist is finding the balance between artistic pursuits and the grinding routine that’s required of many creatives. Finding the time to explore and play has been pivotal in keeping the love strong. I also think that it keeps me fresh and engaged in the lessons I teach.
What was your greatest victory ever as an artist, teacher, or vocal professional?
My greatest victory as a vocal professional has and continues to be creating digital content to share with other learners. I greatly enjoy the duality of logical, problem solving and creative, music making that comes with computer generated media.
What is one piece of advice that you would love all singers to know?
One piece of advice that I would give all singers is hardly ever about how good you sound. There are a lot of fabulous sounding singers, but it’s the individuals that are patient, put in the work and are present with others that tend to succeed.
What is something you've learned on your journey that you would love other vocal professionals to know?
What I learned as a vocal professional is you’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with. This is true when performing in a band, marketing yourself, or teaching others. Know your worth, but also know what others bring to the table.
How can we find out more about you and your work?
If you’re interested in my work, please visit arabellavoicestudio.com and stay connected on social @arabellavoicestudio. I am always happy to talk voice!
