Aloha!
For me, music is an essential element for navigating our complicated world. In my life, it has been the constant thread that connects all of the things and people that I cherish the most. At times, it plays gently in the background, and in particularly challenging moments, it roars to life and is the very air that allows me to remain afloat.
Throughout life, we are presented with gifts - the physical attributes we’re born with, God-given talent, and very importantly, the tremendous gifts handed down by mentors along the way. I think that it is so important to honor those gifts, share them, and pass them on to enrich the lives of others. That is my true desire in this studio - to take the wisdom that I was so fortunate to absorb over the years and hopefully use it to enrich the lives of others as a way of giving back.
The only promise that I will make to my students is that I will honestly and wholeheartedly work to help them achieve their goals as a performer. I don't pretend to have all of the answers or that I can sing or teach anything and everything. I don't guarantee parts, college placement, or status, and I certainly do not promise to make anyone into a STAR! But together, we will sharpen your vocal technique, along with a strong focus on song performance and auditioning.
Perhaps the most important goal that I have for myself and my students alike, is to develop LIFELONG singers with HEALTHY singing technique that will lead to a long and satisfying career. Though my background and university BFA degree is in Musical Theatre performance, I have enjoyed maintaining a solid focus on classical singing, and feel that a well-rounded and broad approach to repertoire is best for any singer.
The techniques that I teach are designed to promote relaxed, easy, yet powerful singing, and they transcend genres. Whether you are singing a pop song or an opera aria, these building blocks will absolutely help you find a powerful sound without tension or strain. I focus on a connected, solid tone - a single voice from the bottom to top of a singer's range. I strongly believe that any singer can be conditioned to virtually eliminate the "break" or "passaggio" and can avoid flipping or breaking into an airy "head voice." This "Mix" technique essentially puts into communicable terms the method I've been using personally for years. The research and accreditation that I am pursuing through the International Voice Teachers of Mix has made a significantly positive mark on my own singing voice, and I continue to see steady - oftentimes dramatic - improvement in each of my students.
Thank you for visiting!
Sincerely, Drew Niles