I’m living my dream.

 

Now, it’s not exaaaaactly the same dream I had when I was a 12-year-old girl singing along to Debbie Gibson in my bedroom of my tiny town, probably annoying my parents and sister. I’m not sure they knew what to do with the shy but quirky girl belting out “Electric Youth” at the end of the hall. (By the way, I had no idea everybody could hear me. I was that engrossed in my own little world. Sorry, mom and dad.) I dreamed of one day being up on the stage, adoring fans following my every word, and making music that made other little girls sing at the top of their lungs. By the time I got to college, I hadn’t quite shaken that desire, so I got a degree in music business.

 

And then life took me on some glorious and unexpected turns.

 

After working a regular 9-5 and performing on the weekends with a group I helped to start, I decided I wanted to go back to school. I LOVED learning, and I knew there was more potential in me that I wasn’t meeting yet. So I did a graduate degree in vocal performance. As a part of that program, I got to teach voice lessons for the first time....and BAM! I fell in love with teaching. Like, head over heels in love with it. Seeing my students succeed, and working through the little challenges that came up as we tackled their technique together, was invigorating. I was hooked!

 

I moved to Springfield, established my own studio, and went and got another master’s in vocal pedagogy. Even that wasn’t enough to satisfy my nerdy appetite, so I got a PhD in vocal pedagogy and voice science. And let me tell you, I had never been so challenged by the complexities of the voice, and never more in love with it. When I finished, I knew the need and the potential for working with singers right here in Springfield, so I moved home and started up my studio again.

 

I love singers. I love tackling the thorny problems that can come up with elite singers. I love seeing my clients own their spotlight. And I still love being on stage, too.

 

THIS IS THE DREAM!

 

It’s not the same one I had when I was 12. It’s sooooo much better! I not only get to live out my new dream, I get to help others reach their dreams, too.

 

In my down time, I enjoy hanging out at home with Dooey and Sis, cooking new recipes, watching movies, and practicing excellent vocal technique while giggle-squealing on the roller coasters at Silver Dollar City (Wildfire is still my favorite). I’m proud to be planted in the Ozarks and can’t wait to talk with you about how I can be a part of your singing journey.

 

If only Debbie Gibson could see me now!