teaching philosophy
not a "one size fits all" teacher
Each student walks through my door with different goals for their lesson time. For some, this is simply to prepare for an audition that is on the horizon. For others, it is to improve their musicianship. And sometimes, people just want to begin to learn how to sing. I believe it is paramount to take the time to assess each student's goals before we start.
focus on a solid technical foundation
Regardless of what a student's goals are, my top priority for each student is helping them with their technique. This starts with breath support and posture and includes everything from flawless onset to vocal flexibility to blending registers and evening out vibrato. No matter your lesson length, we will focus on technique. We don't sing warm-ups, we sing exercises. The energy you spend singing should always be thoughtful and structured to carry you toward your goal. It should never be mindless.
developing a communicative singer + artist
Singing is as much an emotional art as a physical art. And no matter how much of a beginner you are, you will still be expressing emotion through music and participating in the experience as an artist. For that reason, we will spend a lot of time talking not only about our bodies and the way that they are serving our singing, but we will also spend a great deal of time exploring emotional expression, the vehicles for emotion and the many ways of communicating. We will also spend time analyzing the poetry and words that are being sung as well as working on character interpretation. Without this step of the process, we would only make beautiful sounds and communicate nothing.
free to express yourself
Above all, in the studio I emphasize free communication between myself and my students. My students are encouraged to express themselves, their opinions, goals, ideas, and fears in my studio. It is my goal to help develop an independent, thinking artist, and to equip each student with the tools necessary to accomplish their unique goals.
Site design and photography by Kelly Kruse Photography
Copyright Kelly Kruse 2014, All Rights Reserved
Copyright Kelly Kruse 2014, All Rights Reserved