Kelly Taylor O.

I've been performing consistently since I was around five years old in a variety of disciplines. While I have extensive training in several instruments: Piano eight years, Cello six years, Hand Bells four years, and Electronic Music Makers one year as well as training in Acting fourteen years and Dance four years-ballet, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, tap my primary focus has always been in the vocal arts. I have had a lifetime of experience in classical, operatic vocals. While I personally have focused my skills on developing my voice in the high soprano range, I have conducted vocal training lessons for all vocal ranges. I have primarily trained novice vocalists who are still learning the basics of the field. In a time when contemporary vocals that heavily rely on belting and the utilization of the chest voice, my extensive experience in classical methods of the vocal arts has become increasingly hard to find. I have significant experience running lessons after three years of working in daycare, finishing both my Bachelors in Communication and Master's in Urban Planning which heavily involved training in public speaking, lesson planning, and communication skills. Before beginning my collegiate career I spent significant time volunteering at the performing arts center which I got a significant portion of my training from assisting with vocal training for both individuals and choral work. My teaching style is heavily involved in experiential learning which lends itself incredibly well to the deeply personal and self-involved art that vocal performance entails. I have conducted studies relating music to broader societal issues and strongly believe in the social power which skills in music can provide individuals. I approach the subject from an all-encompassing, more holistic perspective. I encourage my students to approach the art with an exploratory perspective to better develop a sense of self both in terms of musical skill development as well as personal development. As my teaching approach is very human-based I believe in handling my classes very collaboratively and casually. My training will go beyond experiential learning of student-selected pieces and lead discussions into the meaning behind the work and the music theory used to design the sound. I am a passionate musician who possesses over twenty years of experience in this field and will work to create engaging and personalized experiences for students which encourages the development of a lifetime of love for music and the many skills that education in the field can provide. Working with me will provide a highly experienced mentor who approaches the field from a multi-faceted, interdisciplinary perespective.