Voice lessons give so much pleasure to the singer and ultimately to the listener as well.  The voice is a perfect instrument from the time a small child begins to sing songs and on throughout the rest of life.  Singing is a gift for everyone!

Healthy singing occurs when good habits are reinforced and bad habits are eliminated.  Good singing in any and all styles can be accomplished using successful techniques designed to enhance the natural voice with no strain in the throat or sound.  Students of any and all levels of ability and goals are welcome in the Standifer Music Studio.

During Covid19 considerations and for all online lessons, the following will be needed for each lesson:

• Computer for using Zoom
• Phone or other device to use for playing pre-recorded wav files.  The wav files are computer generated audio files that are either warm-up exercises or other voice enhancement exercises, or they are melodies or accompaniments to songs the student is working on.
• Music purchased that has online and/or CD accompaniments available.  The online accompaniments can be played on a phone or other device during the lesson so that the student sings along, and everything is then heard on the zoom meeting connection.  Suggestions on music will be given to each student.

Student’s lessons are customized to fit individual goals and needs. Breathing and articulation techniques are included in each lesson along with elements of music reading and music theory. The first half of the lesson is spent on vocal development and technique.  Attention is given to expanding vocal capabilities and exploring new potential, with a concentration on posture, breathing, articulation, pitch and rhythmic accuracy, flexibility and extension of the vocal range. Smooth register transitions (no more breaks in the voice!) and getting the right sound for the genre that you want to sing are also a part of the lessons.  Audition and performance preparation is included when appropriate.

Accompaniment and vocal exercise CD’s are provided when possible for the music to be studied, and some music books provide a rehearsal CD or online access to the accompaniments.  Students are expected to purchase their own books and refrain from using photo copies of music.  Photo copies of music without specific permission are illegal!

All students are encouraged, but not required, to purchase a small digital recorder (from Target, Walmart, etc.) such as the type used for taping meetings, classes or dictation.  These recorders can be used during each lesson and will facilitate the practice during the week.  A tape can be used many times, however, it is recommended that the student have at least 3 tapes available so that there is always a tape available for the lesson.

Children as young as six are welcome to become a part of the vocal studio after an initial interview to determine whether the student is ready for private lessons. The special vocal technique that I have developed for children has been presented to the New York Singing Teachers Association in a program on “Teaching the Young Voice”.  See the tab for "Voice for Young Children" for additional information.

The most important things needed for your lessons are water, a positive attitude and a pencil.  No ink ever in music books!

Voice students under the age of 12 are strongly encouraged to study piano in addition to their voice lessons.  A combination lesson of 55 minutes can be arranged for for voice plus piano lessons

Students with damaged voices may join the studio if medical permission and ongoing medical consultation is available.  Students in active speech therapy will need to inform the therapist of the lessons so that goals and techniques will be complementary and progress can be tracked, in cooperation with the speech therapist.  Regular medical check-ins will be essential and required for all voice students who are working to reclaim their voices.  Students will be coached in healthy singing using proven breathing and articulation techniques.  While this approach should not replace or be considered speech therapy, it is designed to enhance, reinforce, and coordinate with formal speech therapy.

The goal of my voice teaching is to provide the tools and techniques for healthy singing in whatever style is preferred by the student, giving each student the ability to sing with confidence and reliability forever!