Embodied Singer

“Sing what you sing the best!” 💫

The most standard audition advice we hear. In my training and the first *twenty years* of my professional career as a soprano, I never felt comfortable in operatic repertoire. I sang a few roles, did a few auditions, but my audition rep always felt like what I could get through, never what felt good, let alone “best.” ✨

In the last several years of embracing being a mezzo, I’ve been astonished at how good and EASY everything feels. And while it certainly took some shopping, I even have operatic audition repertoire that I feel great about. 💫

And while I never thought Carmen would be on the list, surprise surprise….it’s what I sing best! 😺💃🏻

Your magic power reunites all that custom has divided.

All men become brothers under the sway of thy gentle wings.

Beyond grateful to be part of these inspiring and timely performances with the SF Symphony and Chorus, under the baton of the inimitable Michael Tilson Thomas.

📷:

What do you want to feel when it’s over? ✨

Yesterday, my group voice class gave their final semester performances! Before we began, I asked them what they hoped to feel when it was finished. They delivered bold, beautiful performances that demonstrated clear artistic intent and vocal techniques to support their artistry. ✨

This weekend, I sing my first B minor Mass as the alto soloist (I’ve joked that I’m getting my bingo with these performances - sop soloist, sop chorus, alto chorus, alto soloist!). I am channeling their bravery. Trusting in my preparation. Recognizing that we are all always in progress. And as always, staying as close to the music as possible. ✨

What do you want to feel? 😺

Farewell, Holy Names University. 🌹

It was an honor to give my final performance at HNU before its imminent closure.

As an alum of the vocal pedagogy M.M. Program and faculty member since 2015, it was quite emotional to sing one more time on the stage where I gave my masters recital, directed opera scenes, and many, many more performances.

Mahler’s ‘Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen’ is the most magical and moving offering I can imagine to commemorate this space, and the HNU community, past and present. I’m so grateful to the Holy Names University Community Orchestra and Martha Stoddard for one last performance in Regents Theater. 🌹

📷: Robert Lee

Thank you for sharing your precious magic. ✨🎁✨🎁✨🎁✨🎁✨🎁✨

Pretty short punch list for Messiah! 🙌🏼

Beware of the flies. Beware of the furies. ⚡️

The Furies: A Laptopera is finally coming to fruition after over three years of development. I’ve been singing the role of Electra since the project’s earliest stages and after postponing our intended premiere in May of 2020, we’re finally about two weeks from the opening. ⚡️

This innovative project has been challenging, pulling me artistically well outside my comfort zone (improvised dancing 😳). It’s also been fascinating to go through the several year process of embracing my true fach (voice type) with this piece. In many ways, this role has been a catalyst to understanding what I want to do with my voice and in my art. ⚡️

It’s coming together. And if I’m feeling brave, I’ll share the link to the livestream. 😺

Shana Tova! 🍎 🍯

Wishing you sweetness in the new year. Whether you celebrate Rosh Hashana or not, there is great value in honoring and celebrating where we’ve been, where we’re going and who we want to be, for ourselves and the world. ✨

Singing High Holy Days services reconnects me to my essential why. I sing to bring beauty to the most meaningful moments in life. To help people, including myself, feel more deeply and completely. ✨

A good year. A new year. 🍎🍯

Rolling into a new semester like….💗💗

Ahhhhhhhhhh…..✨

Creativity requires rest. Vulnerability requires rest. Artistry requires rest. ✨

Deep and conscious restoration goes beyond our favorite Netflix rewatch and even beyond a good night’s sleep. Restorative yoga offers the opportunity to calm and reset the nervous system as well as release body tension. ✨

Grab your pillows, blankets, and comfy clothes and join me tomorrow on Zoom (Sun 8/28) at 5p pacific for Supported Rest! ✨

All minds and bodies welcome! Each position can be customized for your comfort and needs.
$15 base rate, $5 grace rate.
Link in bio or DM to register. 😺

Fiiiiiiiiiiinally!🎉

I’ve loved these pieces for years and I finally get to sing a couple of them this fall with a dear colleague. 🎉

What’s on your musical wishlist? 😺

Some days are easier. Savor them! ✨

When you’re having a particularly easy singing day, a sunny mood day, a strong and supple movement day, enjoy it! ✨

Enjoying it could be as simple as taking 15 seconds to truly savor the sensations or sounds. This helps store the experience into your long-term memory, building confidence and satisfaction over time. ✨

Sometimes an easy day is an opportunity to challenge yourself, building on your current capabilities and growing! ✨

Whether you choose to simply take the win or push yourself further, enjoy the sunny weather as long as you can. 😺