ABOUT ME
I was born a singer. This took me down the traditional path of singing in a competitive children’s choir and solo competitions, taking Royal Conservatory of Music exams (singing, piano, theory, and history), and receiving an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Music (and Political Science) from the University of Western Ontario. These were valuable experiences that gave me foundational skills, but I soon realized that the skills I wanted, and the answers I needed, weren’t going to be found along a traditional path. So I took Alexander Technique lessons, dance lessons, yoga classes, acting classes, language classes, Osteopathic treatments, more singing lessons, masterclasses, and opera programs across Canada and in Europe.
I performed, I learned, and eventually, when I felt I had something truly solid to share, I began to teach more and more. In my students, I began to hear and see something that I hadn’t fully appreciated in myself. Voice work is so much more than just learning to sing and speak well. The voice is a mirror of ourselves, and even better, learning to embody your sound can lead to improved health and well-being.
Books that have influenced my teaching
Cain, Susan: Quiet; The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking
Cameron, Julia: The Artist’s Way; A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity
Fleming, Renée: The Inner Voice; The Making of a Singer
Hines, Jerome: Great Singers on Great Singing
Levine, Peter A, PhD: In an Unspoken Voice; How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness
McKeown, Patrick: The Oxygen Advantage; The simple, scientifically proven breathing techniques for a healthier, slimmer, faster and fitter you
Nestor, James: Breath; The New Science of a Lost Art
Porges, Stephen W, Dr.: The Pocket Guide to the Polyvagal Theory; The Transformative Power of Feeling Safe
Rodenburg, Patsy: The Actor Speaks; Voice and the Performer
Tomatis, Alfred A, Dr.: The Ear and the Voice
People that have influenced my teaching
Brett, Kathleen: https://www.kathleenbrett.com/
Cunningham, Roberta: www.robertacunningham.com/
Green, Patricia: https://music.uwo.ca/faculty/bios/patricia-green.html