Voice Lessons
Embedded Files
My goal is to help you discover your artistic style and unique sound, and learn a healthy and sustainable vocal technique, so that you can sing with freedom, joy, and confidence! I enjoy working with students of all skill levels and vocal interests. My teaching is grounded in a system of thought that requires an understanding of how the voice and acoustic principles work, along with nurturing a mindset that allows your body to feel, hear, and express with spontaneity and ease. This approach is rooted in three interdependent principles that are essential for healthy speaking and singing: breath-balance, relaxation, and resonance.
Because every student has different abilities and ambitions, voice lessons are custom fit to your objectives. I teach a variety of genres including musical theater, pop, jazz, and other commercial styles including contemporary worship, as well as the bel canto techniques of the classical tradition. No matter what your choice of music, we work to sing with healthy and stylistically appropriate expression that fits you! The principles for healthy singing remain constant across all genres, yet for different musical styles a range of resonance choices and registration options (like chest, head, and mixed voice) require special guidance.
“Jenice introduces, demonstrates, and reinforces concepts clearly….She is straightforward, patient, and attentive to detail. Her substantial experience in musical theatre, improvisation, and directing has greatly benefited our students.” Jennifer Juul, Associate Professor, Theatre and Cinema Department at Radford University
For those interested in the theatrical stage, I bring years of stage experience and training to the vocal studio, combining singing skill with dramatic concepts such as character motivation, improvisation, and stage movement. Bring your song to life with believable and honest expression that will win you the role you are auditioning for!
As a pianist, I offer live accompaniment during lessons which is an essential part of a vocal studio, allowing for flexibility in key and tempo changes, and providing an ease in the necessary starts and stops during lessons. In addition, I offer musical coaching tailored to students with diverse aspirations, teaching score interpretation and other foundational aspects of music.
I employ voice therapy and relaxation exercises to uncover hidden tensions, including rehabilitation techniques for the fatigued or aged voice. In addition to singing, I enjoy working with actors, teachers, and other professional voice users seeking to cultivate a healthier more resonant speaking voice. My studio serves as a one-stop shop for individuals with technical challenges and vocal health issues looking to improve both their speaking and singing.
Most importantly, I strive to make the studio an affirming and encouraging place of trust and mutual respect, and a safe space for vocal exploration. Singing can be challenging… but be encouraged! It is also fun and rewarding! I’m thankful for the opportunity to inspire and encourage you on your unique artistic vocal journey, so you can find fulfillment and satisfaction in your singing!
Three Principles for Healthy Singing and Speaking
Breath-Balance
Proper breath flow freely sets the vocal folds into vibration, ideally making the throat a mere conduit for airflow. However, excessive breath pressure can cause the vocal folds to act as a valve attempting to regulate airflow. This is all too common among singers and leads to unnecessary strain and vocal fatigue! Since breath-balance is so foundational to healthy speaking and singing, each lesson begins with a series of stretches and breathing exercises, regardless of your vocal experience.
Relaxation
The most beautiful voices are those that are the most free. When we sing, tension often accumulates – particularly in the neck, jaw and tongue. I aim to create a comfortable studio environment where you feel safe and at ease to explore the potential of your voice. Using sighing, stretches, and voice therapy exercises, I’ll help you uncover hidden tensions and free your natural sound. My mantra “It doesn’t matter what you sound like,” might seem counterintuitive in a vocal studio, but when we’re worried about how we sound, tension creeps in easily!
Resonance
Resonance is described as the quality or timbre sound. With optimal resonance, the voice projects comfortably without strain, the vocal folds vibrate more easily, and breath-balance becomes more efficient. I encourage you to find your natural resonance by hearing the desired vowel within the words, and making vowel choices and modifications that align with musical style and acoustic principles. Just as a driver relies on the steering wheel to stay the course, so too singers rely on the ear to direct their sound quality.
Studio Policies
payment is due at time of lesson (cash, check, Venmo or PayPal )
lessons may be scheduled weekly, bi-weekly, or ad hoc
a 24-hour cancellation policy avoids paying for a missed lesson
Please contact for pricing information
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse