Vocal Coaching free the voice
free the self
Whitney believes that the voice is a mirror for the psyche, and that ultimately, singing is a mind-body awareness practice. In addition to the application of vocals tools and technique, she also seeks to uncover the natural voice by releasing tension and encouraging an experience of confidence, focus, and presence. In addition to years of "classical" training, she is currently completing her certification requirements in the Speech Level Singing style. She teaches at the Asheville Music School as well as in her home studio- both in West Asheville. Her students range in age from 9-55.
TESTIMONIALS
"Whitney is so grounded and present that I have no shyness to sing in front of her. I've always wanted to sing, but made my voice little so I would not be heard above anyone else. Now I feel confident that with a bit of practice, I can sing along with people without any shame. She gave me the skills and the tips to help me to continue on my own. I feel like Whitney gave my voice to me. She surprised and delighted me when she tuned in to my in-confidence intuitively, and saw exactly what I needed to bring forth." - Sharyn
"Before finding Whitney, I had spent 2 and a half years (and at least a thousand dollars) studying with teachers and singing materials. I thought I at least knew how to sing with my diaphragm but Whitney showed me that I wasn't, but that it was simple to do. On our 3rd lesson I learned it well enough that I could put it into practice on my own, which gave me the confidence to sing and begin to explore my voice. The reality of it is that to date Whitney's course is probably the most worthwhile thing I've done in my study of the voice."
- James
"As a performing musician and former dancer, the stage is not unexplored territory for me. But my voice was an instrument I felt unable to master - in fact, singing in public at all made me self-conscious! My first lesson with Whitney put me at ease immediately, my discomfort evaporated with her kind and encouraing wisdom, guidance and humor. Whitney introduced me to my own voice and its possibilities and I'm so grateful!"
-Kathleen
"I was looking more for a coach to help me to find my own voice and guide me through interpreting a song. I'd studied witrh classical singing teachers and in a choir, all of whom had a very academic approach- all our work was done through sight reading. I got very excited when I saw that I could pick a song I wanted to sing- and that we wouldn't be using sheet music! She walked me through the beginning stage creating an atmosphere of comfort but at the same time demanding that I learn and achieve certain goals such as maintaining rhythm while singing. She encouraged me to stretch out of my comfort zone experimenting with my voice rather than just hitting notes. When I felt the vibration of my voice for the first in my stomach area I had a deep physical reaction, as if a block was moved out of the way. Since that experience I have felt more pleasure in singing more security and freedom with my own voice. I am very grateful to Whitney for walking me through that beginning process, she is able to create an atmosphere of confidence joy and the necessary discipline needed." -Doris
Shows Saturday, May 15th
6-7:30
LEAF Festival, Black Mountain, NC
Brookside Dance Hall Salsa Dance
Saturday, October 8th
Headlining Asheville's Fiesta Latina in Pack Square. Show from 7-8. Dance lesson at 6:45. Free.
Saturday, May 21st
9-10:30
Opening for La Sonora Dinamita and Jaschel at Senor Tequila's, Huntsville, AL
Saturday, December 10th
Playing Latin Christmas music at the Grove Park Inn - Great Hall. Free.
Friday, July 8th
10-12
Latin world beat/salsa at Hole n da Wall. S. Market St., downtown Asheville. No cover.
Saturday, January 28th
Salsa with MONTUNO at Creatures Cafe on Pritchard Park downtown Asheville
Dance lesson 10
Band plays from 11-1
$15 at the door $12 advance tickets
Saturday, July 23rd
2-5
Great Hall at the Grove Park Inn. No cover.
Friday, February 3rd
Tressa's Downtown Jazz and Blues
10-1 $5 cover
Thursday, July 28th
7-9
Salsa at Lake Tomahawk, Black Mountain. Local food vendors, free admission, family event.
Saturday, February 4th
Bardic Circle at Dobra Teahouse with Jeremy Schewe, Jeffrey Thompson, and Sage Sansome
8-10
