As a Teacher

In 2001, after many years of a successful international operatic career, I decided to leave the stage and to teach voice full-time. I realized that I had always been a teacher. I have taught occasionally through the years of performing and now have over 30 years of teaching experience.

I have worked with some of the best coaches and conductors in the business and I feel it is vital to share the vast knowledge that I have been so privileged to learn.  My vocal training began at 13 years old with Virginia Lindle, who was schooled in the pedagogy of William Vennard. She guided me through a long career of singing, and she taught me a bel canto vocal technique on which I could depend. Eventually, this technical foundation gave me the security to sing some of the most demanding bel canto roles. Another important mentor in my career was Carolina Segrera. She taught me how to interpret music and words without changing the secure technique that I had worked so hard to develop.  So, when studying with me you are studying with many.  You will learn the bel canto vocal technique that has stood the test of time. This technique will inform all the styles of singing that you choose, whether you aspire to sing on Broadway or on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera.

For several years, I have also repaired voices that have been damaged from surgery, abuse, faulty technique, acid reflux, or fatigue.  I do this work in conjunction with, or approval from, a speech/voice therapist. It takes time, commitment, and patience, but I have witnessed remarkable results.  

My students have performed at The Metropolitan Opera, New York City Opera, on Broadway, regionally and internationally. I facilitate singer forums and Master Classes. In 2001, I was honored with an invitation to give a series of Master Classes on the Art of Bel Canto singing in Tokyo, Japan.  It has also been a privilege to give Master Classes for Opera Noire of New York as well as being a frequent guest speaker with the Exploring Opera series in San Francisco and New York City. I am an approved voice teacher for the Lindemann Young Artist Program at The Met and I have a professional affiliation with Hunter College in NYC.  Also, I am on the advisory board of Momentum Artists.  I have studios in Midtown and Upper Manhattan.

My communication style is simple and direct. To learn more about my teaching technique, please see "Technical Matters."