Ruth Heley: Voice Studio

Wren Song Studio music students I provide instruction for students ages 12 through adult at my private studio—Wren Song Vocal Studio. I teach classical, or bel canto, technique as well as legit musical theater style. I work with the student to determine their singing goals and try to tailor their instruction accordingly. My primary activities, as the teacher, involve:

helping the student achieve functionality and freedom in regards to their vocal instrument
guiding them in matters of musical interpretation
increasing their knowledge of musical expressive markings and basic theory
working with them to increase their interpretive and acting skills, and showing them how to integrate them into their vocal performances
creating awareness of the most efficient alignment (posture) for the student and helping them to be aware of areas of tension or inefficient body movement
instructing them on how to memorize music and how to work with an accompanist
teaching them proper diction for both English and foreign language texts
discussing proper performance deportment and performance anxiety issues, when appropriate.

Activities taking place during the lesson include executing warm-ups or vocalises to build vocal technique, working on pieces of song literature from various time periods to apply vocal technique and performing acting exercises to explore interpretive possibilities.