We shouldn't have to choose between a voice lesson & our grocery bill.
As performers, we're told to invest in our career before it begins. We're expected to have top notch headshots, miss rent-paying-jobs for auditions, spend hundreds on the right acting classes, and so much more. It's really no secret that those who thrive are likely to have the financial means and/or support to make it all work.
But like... what about the rest of us?
Why I'm Making Voice Lessons
Equitable
An equitable leader or teacher recognizes that each person has unique circumstances and allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome.
Through the option of adjustable rates, I hope to encourage other creatives to adopt this business structure and remove the shame/stigma around financial inequities.
I grew up in the suburbs of Indianapolis and at 15, I began voice lessons with a life changing teacher who only charged $20 an hour. I slung pizzas 4 nights a week at the local Papa Murphy’s to afford them. I don't know if she had adjusted the rate for me specifically or was offering this across the board. But without this incredible woman, I would't have had the resources to be where I am today. My family was somewhere between middle class and living paycheck to paycheck. We always had the necessities, but with 3 kids, we didn’t have much money for extracurriculars.
I went onto college to earn my Bachelors of Science in Classical Voice and Musical Theatre at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. The coursework was rigorous, and I emerged with a cute pile of debt that proved I did what I was supposed to do! I went to school! I got the training! But I’m gonna be honest… it didn’t matter much to anyone. There were still expensive classes to take and $800 headshots to buy. As a person completely supporting yourself, it can feel like you’re 100 steps behind everyone. However, we cannot expect ourselves to be in the exact same place as someone with generational wealth. It is possible! But applying the pressure of expectation will only bring disappointment and heartbreak.
I’ve been out of school for almost 5 years now and in that time, I’ve performed abroad with Disney, on cruise ships, professional regional theaters, and with symphonies. I’ve also dedicated my life to vocal science, health, and technique on every contract and between. During the dry spells between contracts, I’d coach my friends for auditions and offer any and all insights I could. Coaching my peers with vocal technique in mind lights me up. It truly is my why.
If you’re on the hunt for a reasonably priced coach, consider me! You’ll find my prices below but remember, everything in life is negotiable. You get half of what you ask for and none of what you don’t. 😉
