About

 Pamela L. Westphal 

Highlights

 Teaching Philosophy

Pam's first love and focus in her career has always been on teaching and inspiring students. Coupled with her musical and pedagogical expertise, her belief in the ability of all students to learn to sing and develop a musical skill, has served as the foundation for Pam’s success as a teacher, mentor and leader in developing the voices of many young musicians. Her unique approach to teaching focuses not only on developing each individual voice, but fostering the growth of a well-rounded musician. Pam uses a variety of strategies in her teaching to meet the needs of each individual learner. Her belief in a holistic and functional approach to teaching serves as the foundation to develop the student’s potential by guiding the musician through a process of technical, intellectual, artistic, musical and personal development. She believes in not only developing the student’s technique, but the ability to be a life-long musician by incorporating music appreciation, music theory, ear training and basic piano concepts in the process of learning to sing. In considering the all aspects of the student- voice, mind, body, feeling, intellect, learning style, vocal history and goals - she is able to partner with students of varying abilities, backgrounds and styles, resulting in optimal success. Pam assesses the goals of each individual student, be it a career in music, a lead in the high school musical, or just learning to sing better for personal satisfaction, and provides a purposeful plan for developing the potential in each student to best achieve these goals. 

Background


Pam’s professional career includes ten years in the public schools teaching choir, voice lessons and AP Music Theory, as well as 7 years as a private voice instructor. She has also served as vocal coach and music director for musical productions. Her students have had great success in festival competitions in both classical and musical theatre categories. Many of her students have gone on to earn degrees in music and become music teachers and performers. 

 In addition, Pam is an active member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing and American Choral Directors Association. She is also certified in Somatic Voicework ™ through Shenandoah University's Contemporary Commercial Music Vocal Pedagogy Institute with Jeanie LoVetri which focuses on vocal technique in all contemporary vocal styles from pop to musical theatre. 

Pam holds a degree in Music Education with a Vocal Emphasis from Central Michigan University. She has also completed extensive graduate studies in vocal pedagogy. Pam has been an active performing from a young age, singing in choral ensembles, contemporary a cappella groups, musical theater productions and classical solo repertoire. While her love for performing was what drew her into the music world, it is her passion for inspiring and coaching others that led her to make it her career. 

 

Click HERE to contact Pam for more information.