My philosophy of teaching singing is one that involves the whole student—meaning not just the technique, but the mind and soul of the singer. I invite my students to explore the deepest parts of their beings and bring newfound depths to their singing. Yes, this philosophy comes from a personal singer and voice teacher standpoint that grew up in stern music programs, earning a degree in music in which vocal pedagogy dominated.
I was taught to be a technically correct vocalist and learned to teach that way as well. My formative years in vocal music education were great and necessary for my path. I taught my students from the same curricula that I learned from, even including theory and ear training in their practice. As they themselves honed in on those very same skills, the vocal sounds they produced were beautiful, healthy, and polished. I soon began to realize that my teaching could not end there, though.
Cassandra Claude, vocal coach
This is not solely about a blueprint to vocal performance. It is a guide to be centered and to explore one’s inner self, creating openness and vulnerability that influence singing to not only sound beautiful but to be heartfelt and honest.
I believe in offering wisdom and courage to singers and becoming a conduit to them evoking sounds that are reflective of their life experiences. I involve the importance of technique in an effort to point the way to opening the threshold of connecting body and mind, and nature and nurture to singing.
I allow my students to consider beyond the fixed technique and towards a place of singing from the depths of themselves.
Singing is personal, and it is important to feel connected to the honesty and beauty of their talent.