What Happens During Lessons
Lessons are tailored to meet each student’s needs that present in the initial lesson, and each week as the voice progreses. Vocal development, instrument strengthening, vocal health, and musicianship are at the forefront; however, working with the voice requires an emotional, heart, and physical connection to the words and feeling behind the music.
Within this framework, lessons begin with awakening the voice and noticing what is functioning and what is not. Clarkia will lead the student through a series of warmups to strengthen and develop the voice and help the student cultivate awareness creating the biofeedback that is necessary as a singer.
These warmups will change lesson to lesson depending on what is showing up for the student. Everyone has tension somewhere in their body— more often than not this tension shows up when we sing.
Vocal freedom and control in any style is the ultimate goal. This does not happen overnight; it takes time to build an instrument, develop your ear, and listen to a wide variety of different styles understanding what is expected vocally in each genre. It also requires that the student uses the warmups from that week as they practice on their own.
The second half of the lesson is spent on repertoire, audition preparation, arrangment ideas, and musicianship development. Song selections will be made by Clarkia and the student— keeping in mind what is age and vocally appropriate for the student. Some songs take a bit of time, even years, before we can sing them with vocal and emotional maturity.
The goal is to build well rounded musicians, not just singers who have knowledge and an understanding of melody, rhythm, harmony, vocal stylings for specific genres, the ability to improvise, read music, sight sing, and basic theory knowledge.
At the end of each lesson, Clarkia will recap with the student what they worked on and what she would like them to focus on for the week ahead. Learning how to practice and self-correct is a catalyst for further growth.
Lesson Length & Cost
Lessons are 45 or 60 minutes in length.
Generally children under the age of 12 should do 45-minute lessons. However, each student’s focus and drive are different.
45-minute lessons are $70.
60-minutes lessons are $90.
Location
Clarkia teaches out of her studio in the Wallingford neighborhood in Seattle. Her cat Sir Isaac, often makes appearances in lessons.
Lessons are back in person or online!!
Weekly and Bi-Weekly Lessons
When beginning lessons I require a 3 month commitment to lessons for adults and a school year long commitment for students.
Weekly Lesson students are given priority for scheduling during the school year hours are Wednesday-Saturday.
Bi-weekly adult students will be required to buy a package of four lessons up front and have 2 months to use them. If you do not use your lessons after that time they will be forfeited.
Hear From a Student
Working with Clarkia is experience of openness and respectful collaboration. She knows when to guide my hand and when to let me guide myself. She always takes a moment to entertain my thoughts, feelings, and requests— however seemingly trivial or unconventional. She never allows me to tell myself I am doing poorly. Clarkia often see facets and talents in me that I haven’t noticed. And she uses her years of experience—as a performer and an instructor—to nurture and grow those aspects. Clarkia creates a learning space where we are allowed to explore and create, while providing us the safety to be bold and supported from the heart.