Teaching Philosophy

It is my goal as a voice teacher,
  • to help you sing in a manner that avoids strain or injury,
  • to help you discover the potential capabilities of your voice, be they in range, endurance, strength, flexibility or emotional expression.
  • to help you find personal satisfaction in your singing experience.
Scheduling and Canceling Lessons
Lesson length is a personal decision. For other than financial reasons, I sometimes suggest that 30-minute lessons are sufficient for younger students. Once one reaches high school through adulthood, I recommend at least a 45-minute lesson. Serious career-directed students should definitely consider a 60-minute lesson.

Once we have agreed on a lesson day and time, I try to keep as close to that schedule as possible. To ensure progress, it is important to maintain a regular lesson schedule. Temporary changes, obviously, can occur on occasion. Although we all have interruptions to our regular weekly schedules, checking ahead usually prevents last-minute cancellations. To cancel a lesson and not be charged, I require at least twenty-four hours notice. Lessons canceled within twenty-four hours of the scheduled time will require full payment and are not rescheduled.
Lesson and Practice Suggestions
I strongly encourage students to record lessons (smart-phones, laptops, digital recorders). This is a great tool for reviewing exercises, hearing vocal changes, and for making the best use of lesson time. I expect students to purchase music for lessons, including anthologies, sheet music or legal internet downloads. Students should bring a folder or binder for storing music, and a pencil. Always make notes in pencil!

Regular practice sessions (daily) result in the most progress. Singers are vocal athletes, and regular exercise results in greater strength, flexibility, endurance, and personal satisfaction. Sometimes several shorter practice sessions make more sense than one long workout. Find a private (if possible) space without distractions. Have a pitch source (e.g. piano, keyboard) a place to set music, a mirror and some water handy. Think of practicing as your playtime—a time to explore the possibilities in your voice.
Recitals and Workshops
In addition to weekly lessons, each year I sponsor a winter student caberet and a spring student voice recital, as well as workshops throughout the year. While not mandatory, participation by each student is strongly encouraged. I also encourage and prepare students to participate in local and regional competitions.
Student Recitals
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Contact Me
(610) 613-8965 kantakate@aol.com
Address
75 Birch Lane, Paoli, PA 19301