Frequently asked questions

I work online with students ages 12 and up, with exceptions made for younger students on a case-by-case basis. Studio members span many different stages of life, including grade school & college, emerging & established professionals, and retirement.

Nope! While many of the singers at SDVS are actively performing or working towards auditions, I also work with hobbyists who love to sing. You don’t need a goal beyond “I want to get better at this thing I love.” That’s more than enough reason to show up!

Musical theater, pop, classical, rock, folk…I don’t force anybody into one style, and we work in whatever genres fit your goals. Students sing all kinds of songs and lead approximately 80% of repertoire choices. Whatever you sing, make sure you love it and connect with it on an emotional level!

The short answer is no. Being able to read music or understand some basic music theory is helpful but not a dealbreaker. Experience with another instrument (piano, guitar) is a bonus! If you can’t read music at all, we’ll work with what you have and build from there.

No, you do not need special equipment in order to have a robust online singing lesson. However, you will definitely need reliable, high-speed internet, so that both teacher and student have the clearest connection possible. Zoom has audio settings that we’ll adjust at your first lesson for optimal sound quality. If you’re interested in purchasing a microphone, external speakers, or headphones to enhance your online experience or to practice microphone technique, I would be happy to provide a list of recommendations!

Typically, lessons are 45 mins and take place weekly or bi-weekly while the studio is open, depending on which lesson package you choose. Drop-In Lessons are 50 minutes long, and you may book them on an as-needed basis.

The studio does not offer reschedules, but you have some wonderful alternatives to cancellation! Depending on which lesson package you’re registered for, these include: Asynchronous Lessons (personalized video lessons), Non-Singing Lessons (to work on character development, musicianship skills, or other strategic planning), and Flex Weeks (makeup lessons).

No. SDVS offers convenient, practical, quality voice training exclusively online. We highly value each student-teacher-family relationship at SDVS, and online lessons allow us to maintain these important, long-term relationships, regardless of geography.

Each lesson is uniquely tailored to each student, but you can expect:Technical exercises to build skills in support of your vocal goalsBreath & movement to build self-awarenessTime spent on songs you care about, building technique & expressionGuided self-reflection – what’s working, and where do you want to grow

Yes, 100%. If you love to sing and want to feel more confident, expressive, and free using your voice, you're in the right place. Whether you’re preparing for auditions, returning after years away, or exploring your voice for the first time as an adult, this work will meet you where you are.

Advanced singers often come to me when they’ve outgrown previous traditional training and need something more holistic. When it feels like your body keeps sabotaging you or something is “off” no matter how hard you work, we take an integrated approach, directly addressing the physical, mental, and emotional interconnections of your instrument. SDVS offers you a space to recalibrate and refine your singing, bringing you back to meaning, connection, and a sense of empowerment.

I’m so glad you asked! Everything starts with a Discovery Call. In this FREE 20-minute session, we’ll thoroughly answer all your questions, get to know one another, and decide if we both want to move forward with the Discovery Package. Click here for the 3-step roadmap to joining the studio.