
WELCOME TO
Becoming A Singer
Setting the Stage to Live A Vocal Life
Here’s where you’ll navigate through the lessons.
If you're new to the course, begin with lesson one in the
introductory module. All of these lessons are completely free,
so explore and learn to your heart's content.
INTRODUCTION & RESOURCES
This lesson will give you an overview of what you’ll learn in each module of the course.
Before you begin the first module, please fill out this short survey. Your answers will help me understand your goals so I can help you reach them.
MODULE ONE: A Singer’s Why
In Module 1: Finding Your North Star, we’ll begin by uncovering your core motivation, also known as your “Why,” and use it to navigate your musical journey.
This Why is your guiding force, influencing your choices and leaving an imprint on everything you do. Understanding and staying connected to your “Why,” especially during tough times, will keep you going and infuse your musical journey with purpose and meaning.
MODULE TWO: YOUR BODY IS YOUR INSTRUMENT
Your body is your instrument. It's you! In Module Two, Part One, you'll learn about your body as an instrument, choosing a voice teacher, and a whole-body warmup for singers you can use before practicing and performing.
This module explores the body as an instrument. Learn what makes every voice unique, the physical aspects of voice production, how to keep your voice healthy, and more.
Welcome to the world of sound science! This lesson will explore the mechanics of sound, its connection to your voice, and its value in helping you achieve your full potential as a singer.
Deepen your understanding of the breath in singing. Learn how your diaphragm and rib cage work together for optimal performance. Explore breathing techniques and breath control for sustained, expressive singing.
Explore the fascinating world of the vocal cords and their crucial role in singing. Learn about their vibration, the phrenic nerve system, and the importance of optimal abdominal tension and control. This lesson will help you understand the mechanics behind your voice and how to keep it healthy and strong.
This lesson offers an in-depth exploration of vocal resonation. You'll learn how the tongue, mouth, and pharyngeal cavity work together to create different colors of sound. This knowledge will enhance your vocal function and expand your artistic freedom, allowing you to sing and sound authentic in any musical style.
Ever wondered about the "break" in your singing voice? This lesson explains different voice registers and how to smoothly transition between them. Understand the importance of balanced muscle strength and flexibility, and practice exercises for better control.
Let's make the voice — this fascinating, invisible to the naked eye instrument — more visible. This lesson contains one of my favorite videos of the vocal folds in action. However, proceed with caution, as some may find this content to be quite graphic!
Find out why a good voice teacher is worth their weight in gold and the important questions you should be asking them.
Take a break from theory and get back to basics with this Whole Body Warm-Up for Singers. Designed by a professional voice teacher and NIA instructor, this routine can be done anywhere, fits any body type, and takes just 5-7 minutes. It's easy to memorize, focuses on key muscles, and helps enhance whole-body awareness. Perfect for both practice sessions and pre-performance preparation.
MODULE TWO: PART 2: VOCAL HEALTH
In this series of lessons, you’ll learn about the different systems in your body and their role in vocal function. You’ll also find out what you can do to stay healthy, plus the kinds of health practitioners that can support you when you’re struggling.
In this next series of lessons, you’ll learn about the different systems in your body and the role they play in how your voice functions. You’ll also find out what you can do to stay healthy, and the kinds of health practitioners that can support you when you’re struggling.
Discover the profound impact of sleep on a singer's performance, learning, and well-being. Understand how sleep deprivation affects vocal health, emotional balance, creativity, and the immune system. Learn practical tips to prioritize sleep and enhance your artistry.
Discover the importance of hydration for singers in this lesson. Learn what your vocal cords are made of, how dehydration affects them, and strategies to stay hydrated for optimal vocal performance.
Discover how to maintain vocal health and prevent issues before they start. Besides rest and hydration, there's a surprisingly effective method to keep germs at bay: proper hand hygiene. Yes, really! Learn how to avoid germs while traveling or performing, plus the two critical steps in hand-washing that are often overlooked.
Learn how to keep your singing voice healthy during flu season, deal with sickness, and decide when to cancel performances. Explore how illness can affect your vocal cords, lungs, and sinuses, and the impacts of common medications on your voice.
Check in! How are you doing? Feeling overwhelmed? Remember, perfection doesn't exist, but there are strategies to help your body handle daily life and the extraordinary pressures of a performing life. Plus, singing is good for you, so keep going! Only a few more lessons to go in this module!
Explore how your gastrointestinal, endocrine, and musculoskeletal systems impact your singing. Understand the effects of stomach acid, hormones, thyroid health, and spine alignment. Learn prevention strategies and tips for optimal vocal health.
Discover the surprising truth: talking can be harder on your voice than singing! In this lesson, you’ll learn techniques for speaking that will safeguard your vocal cords in challenging environments and prevent vocal fatigue. Discover how to adjust your speaking pitch effectively, recover from voice strain, and keep your voice fresh, so you’re always ready for your next performance.
If your voice is strained from overuse, noisy environments, or illness, I have a vocal exercise for you! It's called the Siren, and you can use it to gently rehabilitate your vocal cords.
The life of a singer can be stressful. Late nights, performance anxiety, and constant travel all take their toll. However, there's a simple antidote we vocalists often overlook: Singing is good for you! This lesson highlights how singing enhances physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
We’ve covered a lot of territory in this module! Let’s do a quick recap so you can review what you’ve learned.
MODULE THREE: THE SONGS YOU SING
Because songs are the vehicle for your voice, your relationship with the ones you sing is paramount. In Module Three, you'll learn how to choose, interpret, and communicate through songs and pick the best keys for your voice.
What is it about a song that draws you to it and makes it a powerful vehicle for communicating emotions and thoughts? This module will answer that question and deepen your connection to the songs you sing.
Explore the profound influence of music on our emotions and memories. Learn about the interaction between music and the brain and how rhythm, melody, and harmony evoke feelings. Discover how to apply this knowledge to enrich your singing.
Explore the power of song lyrics and their role in connecting with music. Learn how lyrics can refine a song's meaning and context, how to emotionally connect with them, and the importance of choosing songs that resonate with you.
Learn to make a song uniquely yours. Unpack a song's architecture, original key, and the composer's intentions. Learn how to choose a key that fits your voice and singing style and transpose songs to suit your vocal range. Start making your songs your own with stylistic choices.
Discover how to develop your own singing style. Learn to use stylistic tools like Vibrato & Vowel Color to sound authentic within any genre, from classical to pop. Develop an attitude of curiosity and think like a 'sound scientist' to expand your artistic capabilities.
In this lesson, we'll revisit the purpose of singing - to evoke emotion. We'll explore how to see songs as a whole, stepping into the song's character to authentically convey its story. Through a series of questions, you'll deepen your connection to the song, ultimately transforming your performance.
Ready to practice what you've learned? Download the eBook, print out the checklist, and reference it while watching and listening to videos of well-known singers performing the same song in different styles.
MODULE FOUR: Preparing For Performance
Part One: Practicing
In Module 4, you’ll learn how and what to practice to achieve your musical goals. We’ll look at the difference between practicing technique vs. practicing artistry, plus you’ll learn how to organize your gig book and charts — an essential skill for every singer!
Like a relationship, your practice needs nurturing, commitment, and even a sense of play. In this module, you’ll learn tools to make practice sessions productive and fun, plus the mindset to sustain the joy in your practice, transforming it from a task into an enriching journey of musical growth.
Before we begin, take a moment to reflect on your current relationship with your singing practice. How would you like this relationship to change? What are two or three aspects of your practice that you hope will improve after completing this course?
In this lesson, we'll focus on the powerful role of mindset during singing practice. We'll explore how the body, mind, and emotions work together to refine singing skills. You'll also learn about the fascinating way your brain learns and how to use this knowledge to enhance your musical growth.
In this lesson, we’ll navigate the art of practice. You’ll learn why quality matters more than quantity and the power that consistent, daily practice holds. We'll also explore various strategies to make your practice sessions not just productive but enjoyable, too.
This lesson will walk you through a practice outline that integrates the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of practice covered in lesson two. Start by warming up your body and mind, then delve into strategies for learning songs, memorizing lyrics, and forming an emotional connection to your music.
In this lesson, we'll explore listening as vocal practice. We'll talk about imitating vocal models, drawing inspiration from different instruments, and building an emotional connection to songs. Additionally, you'll learn how to befriend your inner critic, transforming self-judgment into a tool for personal growth.
Discover how a Practice Planner can transform your singing journey. This lesson offers tools and techniques to plan your practice, track your progress, and document your vocal discoveries.
In this lesson, you'll learn to create a practice plan based on your musical values, transforming them into meaningful goals with a clear pathway to achievement for more purposeful and rewarding sessions.
You can use many helpful tools in your practice — apps to sing along with, record, transcribe, or even create charts. The possibilities are endless and overwhelming. Which ones will be worth your time and money?
In this lesson, I'm excited to share some of my favorites with you.
From the moment a song enters your life, it needs a place to live — somewhere you can access and share it easily. In this lesson, you’ll unleash your inner librarian and learn how to organize your gig book, sheet music, charts, and song list. Your inner singer will thank you!
Bravo on finishing the practice module! You've covered a lot of material, so take a moment to reflect on what you've learned and envision how you'll apply this knowledge moving forward. And keep in mind that revisiting these lessons will reinforce and strengthen your newly acquired skills.
MODULE FIVE: Preparing For Performance
Part Two: Stage Craft
In Module 5, you’ll learn how we “see” each other through gestures, facial expressions, and body language. I’ll share with you some thoughts about acting and authenticity. And you’ll learn how to practice with video so you can feel comfortable in your own skin and communicate more authentically with your audience.
In this module, we transition from solo practice to rehearsing with others, emphasizing the visual aspects of performance. We'll focus on body language for emotional connection and use video feedback for refinement. Prepare for a transformative journey into performance!
In this lesson, we’ll explore how to make rehearsals more fun and productive using mindset, preparation, communication, and practical tips. Discover how your enthusiasm can transform your rehearsals and create an atmosphere that sparks creativity and connection.
Step into the captivating world of visual communication in this lesson. Discover how your body language and facial expressions, backed by the intriguing science of mirror neurons, can transform your singing into an emotionally rich, unforgettable performance.
In this lesson, we'll examine facial expressions and their role in establishing genuine connections with an audience. We'll review several performances, discuss the pros and cons of closing your eyes while singing, and I’ll share some tips to enhance your stage presence.
In this lesson, we'll explore the art of body language in performance. We'll study how different body parts communicate emotions using musical elements like tempo, intensity, and dynamics. By analyzing iconic performances and experimenting with varying postures, you'll learn to elevate your stage presence, connect more deeply with your audience, and enhance your expressive skills.
Discover the transformative power of videotaping. Improve your stage presence as you learn to set up and review your performances, communicate your emotions through movement, and find your authentic performance style. Find inspiration from your favorite singers and use it to ignite the heart of your performance, making every moment you're on stage memorable.
MODULE SIX: Stage-Ready Success:
From Microphones & Sound Systems to Show Planning
COMING IN DECEMBER 2025!

In Module 6, the first lessons are all about Sound Equipment: microphones, sound systems, monitors, EQ, and effects for singers. You'll learn what each piece of gear is and how to set it up. We'll also cover sound check—a crucial process that helps you achieve the best possible sound during your performance. We'll also cover essential performance documents like stage plots and riders, and I'll show you how to create the perfect set list that keeps your audience engaged while protecting your voice.
Technical details aren't always the most exciting part of being a performer, but I've learned through experience that understanding your gear and being prepared makes a huge difference in your performance experience. I'm looking forward to sharing these valuable tools with you!
MODULE SEVEN: STEPPING ONTO THE STAGE
COMING IN SPRING 2026!

Finally, in Module Seven, it’s time to step onstage.
We’ll start with a lesson about one of the most important relationships of all, the one you have with your audience. I’ll share some helpful techniques for warming up your body and mind before performing and how to navigate performance anxiety. We’ll also explore the what, when, and how to talk with your audience and what to do once the show is over. It’s a wrap!
Ready to begin? Here’s where you’ll learn how to navigate lessons, utilize class materials, and apply learning to your unique musical journey.