teaching

There’s nothing more frustrating than feeling stuck, limited, or avoiding areas of music for fear of sounding bad.

You have options!

If you're a beginning singer, a working professional, or anything in between and would love some help along your journey, please get in touch.
Live voice lessons can be virtual or in person (NYC).

Topics include:

• finding your authentic, healthy voice

• technical development

• finding "mix"

• repertoire development

• performance skills

• improvisation

• musicianship skills

• preparing for a recording, showcase or gig

• preparing for an audition

Teaching Credits

my teaching journey

I was lucky to be born into a family of musicians and was singing as soon as I could talk. I followed my father, bassist/composer/singer Jay Leonhart, to every gig I could. And I sang constantly. Everywhere.

Because I had done all my learning by ear, music theory went straight into the “math” corner of my brain and stayed there. Theory and notes on the staff didn’t connect to my process of making music, and the voice teachers I studied with had their own agenda. They insisted I stop singing the music I loved (gospel & soul) to develop my instrument. Not a chance. So, I learned on my own. 

I fell deeply in love with Sarah Vaughn, Carmen McRae, Nancy Wilson, and Billie Holiday, and my focus turned to Jazz. As a young singer, I soon realized I didn’t know how to communicate with other musicians or create music and arrangements independently. I became very insecure about revealing all my limitations to other musicians. I won Jazz awards and was a working singer in NYC, but I often felt like an imposter.

And then, I found the wonderful Thurman Bailey. He was the first voice teacher who respected my instrument and my goals, and who gave me a real path forward.

I also sought out help from another wonderful voice teacher who changed my life, Jeannette LoVetri. Jeannie taught me about basic functionality, exploring strength and flexibility while embracing and honoring my existing relationship with my instrument. She taught me to be curious and push boundaries while assessing and continually managing vocal health.

Finally, understanding that my musical path was legitimate (despite what earlier teachers had claimed), and releasing the shame I had carried around for years, I decided to learn whatever was needed to become a functioning musician. I also studied vocal pedagogy and became certified in Somatic Voicework (TM). 

I found it was possible (and quite beneficial) to learn music theory and notation in a way that complemented existing aural skills. A world of possibilities finally opened for me as I learned how to compose, arrange, and lead a band.

an unexpected gift

My teaching career was never planned, but it was an unexpected gift. I love helping singers learn the skills required to be professional musicians who can function both independently and collaboratively. My focus with jazz vocalists has been a labor of love, helping them develop their ears, their ability to listen, to connect, to improvise, and most importantly, to approach the cannon of jazz literature humbly and with the utmost respect to the masters so as to sing this great music with authenticity.