Using the voice as an artistic instrument- whether that is to speak or sing, can be a very vulnerable experience, even for highly trained performers. When you sing a song or perform a monologue, there is nothing but your voice standing between the audience and your soul. Art is sacred, and our voice is too- it's our identity. You can instantly recognize the sound of a loved one's voice, as well as the sound of your favorite singer or actor. And for a performer, the health, functionality and longevity of the voice is extremely important. 

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My teaching philosophy when it comes to singing is this: From an anatomical standpoint, we all have very similar instruments. I want each student to find their most natural, healthy and uninhibited sound. Once the voice is operating in its most free state, we then explore how to healthfully manipulate vocal production to fit the genre and technique that the student desires to grow in. Different musical styles (country, jazz, Broadway, pop, rock, gospel, indie, etc) are all manipulations that can be taught, practiced, and mastered. The most adaptable (and frankly, hire-able!) singer is one who's voice is free enough to choose which "flavor" they want to pick for the genre of music they are being asked to sing. 

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When it comes to acting, my philosophy follows the words of the great acting teacher, Sanford Meisner, "Acting is behaving truthfully under imaginary circumstances." We practice being humans every day, and yet when a script is put in front of us, many of us find it hard to remain authentic and natural. My main goal in any acting coaching is to help the actor strip down external distractions and habits, allowing them to find the most truthful and "real" portrayal of the character they are playing. This is done by working on subtext within the dialogue, determining the core desire of the character, and freeing the physical body to move and react as it naturally would in real life. 

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Most importantly, I want to create a safe space for each student. I have had both types of teachers- the ones that I could cry to, and the ones that would make me cry. There is nothing more debilitating than a teacher who creates an environment that does not allow the student to feel safe enough to fail. I work to find a balance of pushing my students to do their best while always reminding them that failure is required for growth. I want to be a mentor and listening ear as much as I am an advisor and instructor. Lessons should be fun, challenging, and hopefully full of breakthroughs! 

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I look forward to working with you! -Suzanna