Why Do I Teach?

If you follow me on the socials, you will see that I am doing a “12 Days of Christmas Rant”, which is not a complaining diatribe each day, but rather, a combination of “IF you are doing xyz, then perhaps make sure xyz is prepared” to encouraging singers to take ownership of self, space and more.

Will I call out the industry based on knowledge and experience? Absolutely I will. It doesn’t mean everybody is at fault, but if it’s an issue it should be addressed, called out and not just “it’s the way it’s always been”. Will I also give credit where credit is due? Absolutely I will! Our industry is a beautiful, messy, unfair, uneven, ridiculous space where it all seems to be present at the same time.

On one of my posts, a conversation continued, and the approximation of 5% of performers actually make the top living in our industry. The rest of performers have to supplement. And it’s okay. However, someone decided to slide into my DMs and send this passive-aggressive DM “So if 5% of us are only making a living, why you do teach?”

Hm. Why indeed.

I teach because I believe I was called to do so.

I teach because I have an insatiable desire to learn.

I teach because I want to hold space for each singer who walks through my studio door - literally or online - to continue to discover who they are, why they are, what is possible in a space that is safe and continues to challenge them to discover it all.

I believe true artists are everywhere in our industry. They aren’t necessarily the 5% that make a large living. It doesn’t matter. If you are an artist, you are an artist in every aspect of your life.

I teach, as an artist. I live, as an artist. I learn, and seek and explore, as an artist.

My artist moves through my teaching to reflect the artist that puts their trust in me in the studio. This is where so much hard work, ah-ha moments and magic can be woven together into the fabric of the artist as performer and as human being.

This is why I teach. To see you claim yourself.

Take a moment to look at your reflection this holiday season and catch a glimpse of the magical spark in your eyes looking back at you.

With fondness & fierceness,