21st Century Singing

Testimonials

Amy W. (adult)

I hadn’t sung in years before I started seeing Susan, so I had a lot of catching up to do. One of my main challenges has been breath control, and she’s given me the guidance and exercises to hold back that air, and maintain a pure sound throughout a song. Sue has provided me with the exercises and tools to fully explore my range, both artistically and technically. I’ve been singing songs I never dreamt I could sing, and covering styles I never thought I would cover. The lessons are fun, and she provides all her students with a CD of their lesson, so our practices at home continue to have structure. My only wish is that I had started working with her earlier. It doesn’t matter how young or old you are, become the artist you deserve to be.

Ellen L. (adult)

I first met Susan as a pianist and singer when she came to our Church as a colleague and support for another music teacher and mutual friend. Over the past several years I have enjoyed singing with Susan on many occasions. She is both a talented musician and performer, and a friend.

I like to sing in the car, the shower, and with a group of talented ladies at Church (Suzie sings and accompanies us, also). Last year, I felt it was time to improve my skills as a singer, and I turned to Susan because she had been training as a Speech Level Singing coach. I wanted to expand my range as a vocalist, and overcome some nagging problems I had, such as getting stuck as the melody got higher, and being able to sing through my “bridges”. I had always sworn I was an Alto. I did not “sing the high stuff”, although on occasion I could hit some pretty high notes, but not consistently. Suzie expanded my range beyond what I thought was possible. She helped me to manage my “mixed voice”, and move through my bridges more confidently. She also taught me the importance of approach to a song (yes, it pays to practice and sing the same song a lot – really get to know it if you’re going to perform it). Most recently, she’s been teaching me the benefits of singing while controlling my larynx (I didn’t know I could do that – I’m still learning to do it consistently). Wow, can that change the sound of your voice!

I want to say a few things about Susan as a teacher. She is never satisfied ith one approach. She is constantly learning, constantly networking with other vocal instructors, and learning new techniques, and new ways to teach well established concepts. She likes to get to know her students’ abilities, weaknesses, tendancies, and she works with those strengths and limitations to help the student achieve his or her goals. She does it all with a sense of humour, warmth, and encouragement.

Jennifer (mom of Chelsea 11, Allison 9)

After a year and a half of lessons, we have become big fans of the speech level singing technique, and even bigger fans of Susan. We have watched our girls blossom under Susan’s guidance. The vocalizations are fun, quick and easy to practice daily, and effective. Both girls have seen their range increase, and have aquired an understanding of their voice, and style techniques that have improved their singing. For us as parents, the greatest reward from being in her class is the self esteem and confidence our girls have gained. Susan is an outstanding teacher, and her ability to bring out the very best in her students often leaves our girls amazed at what they could do with their voice. For that, we can never thank her enough!!

Chayln N. (age 17)

When I started taking singing lessons with Susan 6 yrs ago I was very shy, my voice was not very strong, and I didn’t know how to control it very well. Over the years I have gained so much confidence in myself and my voice. I feel that I have a lot more control, I am able to add and take away pressure on my voice, to make a song sound the way I want it too. Susan has taught me a wide range of vocal exercises and warm-ups; they have really helped to widen my range. Although I am a soprano, I am now able to sing much lower than I could before. Susan has not only taught me vocal techniques but also stage presence, and given me the opportunity to sing in front of audiences. I love taking singing lessons with Susan; she is a great person and an amazing teacher! She has taught me so much and it has been a wonderful experience.

Richard W. (adult)

Through speech level singing I have learned that power and control of a voice come not from strength and force but from the attention to details and subtleties that are not always heard but felt. Many of us have accepted limits of power, intonation, range and tone as something we are born with. These limits are a product of misunderstanding and lack of knowledge of proper technique. Speech level singing will elevate you far above what you thought to be your limits and find in you a voice that you will proudly and confidently parade to the largest audience you can find. It is said “When the student is ready, the Buddha will appear”. If you are ready, speech level singing is the Buddha.

Brenda C. (adult)
I have been taking lessons with Susan for almost 3 years. She is a wonderful teacher, instilling confidence as well as proper technique and skill. She has helped me do something I thought was impossible …. She has helped me overcome my natural shyness and perform on stage!!! Thank you, Susan