My vision is that the LA Music Academy will be the destination for singers who want to be distinguished by excellence. The program we're creating will focus on giving vocalists the tools to "get to the music" as full partners with great instrumentalists/producers, etc. We are creating an environment where the individual voice will emerge and the program will be form-fitted to the passions of each student.

Several things attracted me to be a part of the LA Music Academy. First of all, the Academy has a long-standing policy of setting up opportunities, several times a week, for the vocalists to perform with professional musicians in a lovely small performance venue. This is quite rare in my experience. This way, the vocalists can get constant input and experience, working with pros from the start. But even more than this, the opportunity of studying in the LA music community is so rich — we are setting up a mentorship program for second year students where they can be mentored by professionals in their chosen field. They will be able to go to commercial recording sessions, record dates — they'll be able to experience the business first-hand.

The vocalists learn to be musicians, with the same "language" that their instrumental peers know. They learn ear-training, harmony, music dictation, sight-singing and vocal technique. All of these tools prepare them for the craft of music, whether they become song-writers, producers, recording artists, educators...so often vocalists aren't given these tools, which I think is a shame.

Along with what I've said above, students will experience an intimate, focused atmosphere. This should be a time for them to "dig in" and get serious about their dreams.

I have great respect for the faculty members and founders of the LA Music Academy and was ultimately drawn to the opportunity to be able to create the kind of focused, intimate, high-quality program I've never really seen anywhere else.

My personal motivation is to give the students skills that will help them continue their own journey in music. This is a path and we live in a society that is about nothing except a "big break" or "stardom", and, although I wish great success for my students, the success I want for them is a joyous life, making the music they dream about to the best of their ability.