Wow, I've done a lot since October 2013 and have much to be thankful for this holiday season.

I have talented and dedicated students who inspire me ever week, fun classes in my studio and for the Black Rose Acoustic Society, the new Stage Training class that is supporting musicians to gain confidence and stage skills and MORE.  I'm going to offer a Garage Band Class in 2016...a class where students can come together, polish a few songs & do who knows what??? It will be a fabulous year!

I am also ever grateful for my wonderful, talented Music Team at Unity Spiritual Center! 2016 will mark my 15th year as Music Director there.  If you want to check out my Sunday joy job---drop in on the 11 am service any Sunday. Unity is a non-denominational center for positive living where folks of all faiths gather to be inspired and motivated to create their best life. (1945 Mesa Rd)

Christmas Eve service, 6pm is filled with inspiring music & a positive message. Hope to see you there!

Well Done

Here are just a few of the highlights from this fall semester.

Stevie opened at the Black Rose Acoustic Society to rave reviews....was asked to headline there in the future!  He is polishing his set list even now...

Michaela's lead role in Lewis Palmer HS production of "Legally Blonde" was a hit!  Way to go!

Stevie, Beth and Kaitlin will be joining forces in their first public performance (after their debut at the Studio Concert on Jan 16th, of course) in Colorado Springs, in early 2013....details on where you can go see them play will follow in the new year.

Sarah, Kimberley, Renee and Judy performed 2 songs at Unity in the Rockies contemporary service in December, and the community loved their renditions of Down in the River to Pray and The Rose.  Well done, ladies!

The high school girls are polishing 4 songs and plan to take their set 'on the road' after the January Studio Concert...look for them at Jives on open mic night.

Sarah & Stevie join Connie and her music team on Christmas Eve at Unity in the Rockies for a contemporary Candle Lighting service.  If you are looking for inspiration to energize you in the new year, join us at 6pm (get there early as it is packed) for the service for great music and a great message.

January Student Concert

The Winter Concert will be held on Wed, January 16th, 2013 at Unity in the Rockies (1945 Mesa Rd) from 7:30-9pm.
Students are encouraged to invite family and friends to this fun evening of many styles of contemporary music...as well as ensemble tunes to entertain and rock the house!

Talent Oozes from Your Pores!

Yahoo and Tallyho!  Fall is here and off we go!

Congratulations to Michaela…a sophomore at Louis Palmer HS, who was selected to be the LEAD in their fall production of Legally Blonde. 

Congratulations to Stevie….opening at the Black Rose Acoustic Society on Nov 24th

Congratulations to Elizabeth…one of only three freshmen to be selected for Dougherty’s top HS choir.

Here’s to New Starts and More Smarts…

Welcome to High School!….Elizabeth, Graham, Jetta

Proud, Proud, Proud!

May Studio Concert

Just wanted to share what a fabulous job all the students did at the May Studio Concert.  You had 'em laughing, crying, dancing, singing along, and listening with rapt attention.

Thank you, dear Students, for all your hard work and dedication throughout the school year.  May your summer be filled with joyful activities and lots of music!  Remember to stay hydrated, do your exercises regularly to keep your voice in great shape and hit those open mic nights to share your talents!

Sunday lesson slots are full through August, but there are a few Monday morning slots still available!
Again, I'm so proud to have a studio filled with enthusiastic, talented and just plain wonderful individuals.
Visit my website to see 74 more photos of the concert.

Make Lessons A Priority During Periods of Heavy Vocal Use

Today, I want to emphasize the importance of maintaining your lesson schedule as religiously as possible while in the midst of performance commitments.  It is common for students to want to drop out of lessons when they get into a show (or whatever singing opportunity it is) & start up again when it's over. That is the WORST decision you can make for yourself, as this is the time when your vocal technique should be reviewed weekly. 

Unhealthy vocal habits set in quickly (it only takes a week or two of rehearsals) in performance environments that can cause permanent damage or that can take a year or more to undo.  I have witnessed this over and over, AND have experienced it myself.  

Whether it is a dramatic role, a musical role, joining a rock band, a school A cappella group, or even a folk duo singing in coffeehouses...the more you use your voice, the more you need to stay on top of your technique. 

A poor sound system, singing material keyed outside your range, performing material that unbalances the voice by singing only alto or only first soprano, directors who want full voice at every rehearsal, and so on....all lead to a greater likelihood of vocal abuse.   Never, never, never put your voice at risk. 

A few of you reading this have  had a taste of this situation.  Many of my students already get the 'lecture' on excessive compression and pulling up of the chest voice on a weekly basis-- simply as a result of their high school or community singing activities!  These issues must be addressed constantly to maintain good technique & avoid injury.

If music is going to be a big part of your life, regular technique lessons will be necessary all along the way.  Even for me...I have to go for 'checkups' regularly & sure enough, if I wait too long, there is something for me to 'undo'.  No one is immune.  Even my teacher developed nodules & had to increase her own schedule of lessons.  It is the same situation for a professional golfer & their 'swing', or a basketball player & their 'shot' or a pianist & their technique.  

For those of you who will be entering college soon, if you are planning to major in music or theater you will want to research and find a great voice teacher as a part of your college plan. 

Studio Concert Sat., Dec 3rd

Family and Friends are invited to attend the CCMS Fall Concert to be held this Saturday, December 3rd from 2:30-3:45pm.
The concert will feature students performing a variety of styles from pop, blues, jazz standards, country and musical theater.

Doors open at 2:15pm....1945 Mesa Road (Unity in the Rockies).  See you there!