Pedagogic Philosophy
Singing is one of the most powerful forces on the face of the earth. The New Harvard dictionary of music says "As the most common and instinctual form of music making singing has had the widest possible links to other human activities, the singer having been at times also priest, healer, actor, poet and much more."
Do not fear that you are not good enough. You are good enough; you are a singer, and the fact that you are considering lessons shows that you care enough to explore your voice. In this environment, there is no judgment, no destructive criticism, no competition or negative comparison. To adapt a phrase I learned at my church "whoever you are, and wherever you find yourself on your journey of song, you are welcome in this place.
Every person has a unique voice, and we as performers and teachers need to respect that. The great tenor Caruso once said: We teach ourselves to sing with the aid of a competent teacher"; not great, not wise, not charismatic, but simply competent. The responsibility is yours to uncover your true voice, to really listen to what your body is telling you and to strive to turn off that inner voice, or "the committee", as I call it, telling you that you're no good, that note was flat, who do you think you are, you have no business here, etc. Remember, as a singer, you are your instrument: all of you, not just that 3/8" piece of soft tissue lodged in your larynx.
For the professional performer and coaching student:
It is up to you to be ready for the rigors every vocal performer faces. Increasing roles, demanding scores, foreign languages, exhausting schedules - all of these will test your voice and your endurance. And, while you must continue to enhance and refine your vocal prowess, you must also pay attention to the nuances of interpretation and delivery.
Exceptional performances are rooted in focused preparation. Regular work with a qualified vocal coach is a sure way to attain the expertise you'll need to produce your best results.
Dan Bridston is a professionally-trained voice coach who has dedicated his career to helping singers find their authentic approach. Working together with Mr. Bridston, you'll gain useful knowledge and applicable techniques to ensure your professional growth.
