private lessons

View the spring 2013 spring schedule
Information on summer lessons in June, July, August
View the fall 2013 lesson schedule…

Questions? Please see FAQ

“I have had a deeply enriching experience as a student of Kate’s. She is a very attentive instructor who is able to identify what each student needs to work on, communicate this effectively, and offer a practical tool base to assist in the integrated development of each individual vocalist. Kate offers a wide variety of musical sensibilities that make learning from her a truly joyful experience.” —Jocelyn H.

“Kate, you are an inspiration to me! As a teacher you are consistently encouraging and unconditionally supportive, yet you somehow always manage to push and challenge me to go beyond what I think I am capable of.” —Caralyn T.

Read more of what Kate’s students say…

about lessons

Welcome to my private lessons page.

If you would like an initial e-mail or telephone consultation, feel free to contact me. Please be sure to include your telephone number in your message.

All skill levels and ages are accepted. (Please see FAQ for notes on students under 13 years.) Private lessons are divided into regular seasons of fall (mid-September to mid-December) and spring (mid-January to mid-May) seasons. I also offer summer lessons by appointment, as my schedule is irregular. Please contact me at help! if you are interested in summer instruction.

To book a lesson, select the season (below) that you are interested in and check the schedule of available times. Then send a note to help! with your choice of day(s), date(s) and time(s). Please put LESSONS in the subject line. I will confirm by e-mail.
June-August
September-December
January-May

My approach to private instruction considers the needs of each individual student and we build on that. I teach vocal technique, performance preparation, performance techniques, jazz improvisation, and more. The atmosphere is professional while remaining casual and friendly.

Out-of-town students may wish to book a longer personal lesson/workshop of 2-4 hours. If you require a session for more than two people. Please e-mail me.

I also work with groups. Please see group classes for an example of workshops that I offer. Or feel free to name your own topic or direction. I am happy to communicate with you to develop your ideal class. I am comfortable in a variety of group class situations, including coaching for performances of small groups (choirs or bands) or specific topic-based workshops.

FAQ

How do I get a schedule of available lesson times?: Please choose the link that applies to the season.
June-August
September-December
January-May
How do I join your mailing list for lesson schedules and studio workshops?: Please e-mail me with your request. Be sure to put ADD TO LIST in the subject line. I will confirm receipt of your note by e-mail.
Where is your studio?: I teach from my home studio on Vancouver’s east side in the Commercial Drive area. It’s easy to get here by Skytrain, bus or car. There is street parking available in the area. Contact me at help! for directions.
How do I prepare for my first lesson?: I ask all new students to come prepared to sing something (anything) so that I can hear their voice. This can be an a cappella song, something with an accompaniment track that can be played through my computer, or a song with a sheet for accompaniment. I read chord symbols but not two-hand piano score. It is helpful if you come warmed-up for singing.
If you have a SPECIFIC PROJECT that you wish to work on, please bring all the pertinent materials with you. This includes sound recordings, links to internet video files, etc. Feel free to e-mail me if you have questions.
Please note that my studio is a FRAGRANCE-FREE zone. Like many people, I am sensitive to a variety of commercial and natural fragrances.
How often should I come? Weekly? Once a month?: Lesson frequency is up to the student, depending on how much time they have to practice between lessons and other personal variables. Once a week, bi-weekly, monthly, once or twice a season; students can make their own schedules.
When do you teach?: In the spring and fall, private instruction time is generally limited to Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 5–8 pm as I also teach at Capilano University and Vancouver Community College. Summer is more flexible.
If the spring and fall times listed do not work for you, please feel free to contact me to see what else might be available. Out of town students may want to contact me to discuss weekend lessons or private workshop sessions.
How long are the lessons?: One hour each. Or 30 minutes.
How much do lessons cost?: $50 per hour or $35 per half hour.
Do you book lessons for two people?: Yes. My fee is $75 per hour for two people.
May I record my lesson to take home?: Absolutely yes! If you have a recording device, you are welcome to record the session.
Do you teach young children?: Yes, with some reservations. Singers under the age of 13 are generally too young to be working on physically rigorous vocal technique, but there are many other ways to teach young children to enjoy singing in a healthy way. I think that all lessons should encourage growth and be a rewarding experience, but no one can promise commercial success to any artist of any age. If the parents are interested in encouraging their child’s general musicality and enjoyment of singing, I am happy to teach the child. I prefer to avoid situations where either the parent or the child has unrealistic goals of stardom or success.

spring 2013 available lesson times (january-may)

(updated May 12, 2013)

My regular spring schedule is now finished. Please see SUMMER LESSONS below.

Feel free to contact me at help! to see if there are non-regular times that will work for you. Last day of spring season is May 16.

summer lessons (june-august)

I continue to teach in the summer months, but I do not have a regular schedule. If you are interested in summer instruction, please feel free to contact me at help! and we will see if our schedules match.

fall 2013 available lesson times (september-december)

Wednesday, Sept 11 @ 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 pm
Thursday, Sept 12@ 5pm, 6pm and 7pm

Wednesday, Sept 18 @ 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 pm
Thursday, Sept 19@ 5pm, 6pm and 7pm

Wednesday, Sept 25 @ 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 pm
Thursday, Sept 26@ 5pm, 6pm and 7pm

Wednesday, Oct 2 @ 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 pm

Wednesday, Oct 9 @ 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 pm

Wednesday, Oct 16 @ 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 pm

Wednesday, Oct 23 @ 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 pm

Wednesday, Oct 30 @ 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 pm

Wednesday, Nov 6 @ 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 pm

Wednesday, Nov 13 @ 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 pm

Wednesday, Nov 20 @ 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 pm

Wednesday, Nov 27 @ 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 pm
Thursday, Nov 28 @ 5, 6, and 7pm

Wednesday, Dec 4 @ 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 pm
Thursday, Dec 5 @ 5, 6, and 7pm