How I Got Into Teaching
Interesting story... I've always been the type of person to help others when I could. I noticed more and more that friends (and then friends of friends!) would confide in me their problems - sometimes simply needing a compassionate ear but, mostly, needing advice. More often than not, I'd find myself getting them to look at their situations in a different way. I wanted to get them focused on solutions, not problems. It's been a characteristic since as long as I can remember.
Anyway, back in the late 80's, a friend suggested I speak to the owner of a local artist management company (The Rock Shop in Quincy, MA) about doing some potential artist development work. By this point, I'd already been performing for several years and had lots of stage experience. My intention was to share that knowledge through a series of performance classes. Unfortunately, the company already staffed an individual working with its client roster. Not to be deterred or dissuaded, I offered my services, anyway, agreeing to help out wherever needed. I'd never been a part of a management group and thought it might be a good idea to soak up as much as I could there. That eventually led to me becoming a road manager for several of the acts. I did this for many months.
As fate would have it, I became a voice teacher by circumstance. The company had scheduled a vocal workshop, to be led by the person handling Artist Development. On the day of the session, he was nowhere to be found. We had about 15 clients in their seats, waiting for the event to start and had no one to deliver it. And, in that moment, something turned on inside of me. Without thinking, I simply told the management that I'd teach it. And I did.
That was the start of my teaching career.
Over the years, I've searched out and studied many methodologies about the voice and how it works. My studies led me to renowned vocal coach Jeannie Deva (creator of the Deva Method and The Contemporary Vocalist, and Director of Jeannie Deva Voice Studios). I studied for several months before she asked me to apprentice with her. I jumped at the opportunity and eagerly ate up whatever she taught. This eventually led me to a teaching position within her company and ultimately, years later, as a partner (with another former instructor) in her first JDVS franchise in Boston, MA. I enjoyed my practice there for several years until my partner and I outgrew each other and it was simply time to move on. I took some time off from teaching and continued my quest for knowledge. This eventually led me to where I am today.
part of a management group and thought it might be a good idea to soak up as much as I could there. That eventually led to me becoming a road manager for several of the acts. I did this for many months.
"It gives you a feeling of great satisfaction and joy knowing that you can reach deep down into yourself, and return, to share that part of you with someone else. This is what it means to be an Artist. As Artists, we have the ability to let people see the beauty that we see; to feel the emotions that we feel. We are the magic makers of the world, weaving our tapestries of thought and emotion, creating positive change in those we touch."
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