Private Lessons

What People Are Saying

“Though plenty adept technically, Essence's vocal and musical coaching approach is distinguished by deeper things than technique or teaching style. She's a true believer in the spiritual value and potential of musical expression and how that translates to creativity, communication and leadership in the workplace and the world at large. Anyone making a genuine offering at that particular altar benefits greatly from a kind of mutual recognition of that truth. She's a priestess in the church of rock and roll, a shaman for the kind of musician who needs to make music as a matter of life. She is a living emissary of the kingdom of music beyond the mundane world, and my guess is, anyone who spends some time studying with her can't help but see that. That, I think, underlies her power as a teacher, and you can't fake that.”

Jon Brody
“Amazing vocal talent and coach. Essence is a great teacher who gets right to work growing your vocal skills and is extremely encouraging when it comes to your specific goals and confidence. A few short lessons with her and my vocal range expanded into an area I thought unobtainable. Would definitely recommend if you are ready to improve your singing abilities.”

Greg Ramirez
“Essence is an incredible voice teacher. She has so much insight and incredible intuition that it really separates her from the rest. I highly recommend beginners and professionals to go and sing with Essence!”
“Having been a lifelong professional guitarist and sideman, I had decided to finally reveal myself as a singer songwriter. I took some vocal lessons with several different instructors with mixed results. When I started lessons with Essence, it was an "Eureka" moment because she was able to explain some of the common techniques that had eluded my understanding up to that point. She designed a structured vocal warm-up routine specifically for my voice that she recorded and handed to me on a CD at the end of the lesson. I am always grateful for Essence's lucid and straightforward instructions that immediately yield great results. Every lesson has been tailored to my newest challenge, upcoming performance or bad habit that she has brought to light. She has been, by FAR, the best vocal teacher I have had the privilege of working with. Thank you Essence!”

Roger Rocha, August 8, 2014 (4 Non Blondes and The Golden Hearts)
"essence teaches the speech style singing technique which helped me to find volume and expand my range beyond anything I had been able to do before."

Jelene Phillips Wilkinson
"If you're looking to transform your voice, gain depth, tone, range and bring out character, Essence is the perfect instructor. She's professional, intuitive, non-judgemental and allows you to explore your own unique style."

Mihelle Denise Milam
"I was two years out of law school. My employers thought I was a talented attorney, but they felt that I needed to improve my courtroom presence. They told me to take voice lessons. I looked around for voice instructors and luckily found Essence. When I went to the first lesson, I felt nervous, uneasy and uncomfortable with making mistakes and sounding awful (at least to myself). She quickly diagnosed my speaking and projection issues and focused on exercise and songs that would improve my speaking abilities. After six weeks of taking lessons with Essence, I had an important court hearing but the partners from my office attended the hearing. Not only did I win the hearing, but the partners said that I was noticeably more confident and forceful during my argument and presentation. I highly recommend Essence's training for anyone who has a job that involves public speaking, for anyone who wants to overcome a fear of public speaking, or for anyone who simply wants to learn how to sing."

Greg Mourouz (Attorney a Law)
"I was struggling to find my voice until essence coached me through basic vocal issues like pitch. I went from not being able to match notes to singing on key consistently. Now, I am more confident and perform regularly."

Laura Santos
"Lessons with Essence are something that every singer, regardless of skill level, can benefit from. I am a classically trained opera singer and was transitioning to singing rock music when I first started working with Essence. Her teaching encouraged me to explore new techniques with courage and I achieved more than I thought possible."

Sushila Sahay
"Essence was a critical piece of my music education and helped me complement my guitar playing with a much improved singing voice. She got me up to a level where I was comfortable with recording and singing live. Her teaching style is really supportive but she’s not afraid to push you too."

Neil Smith
"Essence is the only voice teacher I have ever had and the only one that I needed. I started lessons with Essence during a time when I felt "stuck" vocally, and really needed some guidance and structure in order to find my true voice. She not only helped me find my voice, but also pointed me in the right direction, so that, years later, I am still growing as a vocalist because of the things she taught me."

Aisha Elmehdaoui
"I had always wanted to feel more comfortable singing and to learn proper technique, but was terribly shy about singing in front of ANYONE! I finally gathered my bravery and looked for lessons. I was fortunate to find Essence: she is very talented, patient and an excellent teacher. She helped me, not only with my voice, but also my confidence. I found the exercises very useful in learning to use and trust my voice and enjoyed the 'homework' practices and our sessions. I have recommended her highly to friends, and would do so again to anyone who was looking for a great voice teacher!"

Donnelly Liebsch

Whether you are a professional or a complete beginner who’s always wanted to sing, or a seasoned pro, now is the perfect time to take your love for music to the next level. I am currently offering virtual as well as in person VOICE, SONGWRITING and GUITAR & UKE lessons via FaceTime, Zoom and What's App. I spend most of my time performing, recording, and writing songs, but when time allows, I teach healthy vocal techniques, guitar, and songwriting to a small number of students. A few voice lesson slots have now opened up and I would be honored to work with you to develop your voice and craft! I draw from the disciplines of 'Speech Level Singing' as well as classical theory that can be applied successfully to any singing style. Lessons increase vocal range, dynamics, pitch accuracy, vibrato, develop ear training, build confidence, anchor breath support, improve tone, learn to growl and belt without strain, navigate transitions seamlessly, and ultimately cultivate each singer's unique style and sound. Lessons begin with warm-up exercises and work with musical selections in styles ranging from rock, pop, standards, jazz, R&B, country, folk, rap, spoken word, and even classical arias. The goal is to build healthy technique, cultivate creativity, develop self expression, and find the heart of each song.

Voice and presence have a huge impact on how we feel and how others receive us. When students "find their VOICE," they can achieve more in all avenues of life. Physical voice is only one part of "finding your voice." I'm equally passionate about sharing the experience I've gained in my own 25+ year and counting artist journey and performing career. (To learn more about me scroll down to bio and press links below.)

For songwriting we look at telling stories in the most authentic voice possible. We work on lyrical imagery, melodies, hooks, and a variety of song structures and formats ranging from traditional to pop, country and rock, ballads and up tempo. We study the works of the greats who paved the way and learn what makes their work powerful and iconic. I will give you assignments and tools to break through creative blocks and to keep you generating new material.

We will:

Free write
Breakthrough limiting ideas and boundaries
Find new ways to access the full-range of your originality & creativity through a series of exercises designed to jumpstart the creative process
Create a platform to tell your unique story
Conquer writer's block
Solo write as well as collaborate
Silence the inner critic
Effectively mine memories
Write more songs about more diverse subjects

I also offer guitar and ukulele lessons at beginning and intermediate levels. We explore chord shapes, strumming patterns, fingerpicking, melodies, keys, alternate tunings, popular songs and original composition, and so much more.

Lessons are available in 60 minute sessions, cost $100, and are recorded digitally, so you can review the lesson and practice on your own. Shorter lessons can be arranged and pro-rated for children.

Singing, songwriting and music can also be a powerful tool for shifting focus and transforming personal hardship (health or otherwise- see link below to Believe Music Heals, the non-profit I founded.)

Whether you are a professional, aspiring artist, a shower-singer, or something in between, I can help you develop your VOICE, songs, and musical skills and craft to where you want them to be. Please email me before these spots fill up! I look forward to hearing from you!

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“Essence is an incredible voice teacher. She has so much insight and incredible intuition that it really separates her from the rest. I highly recommend beginners and professionals to go and sing with Essence!”

"essence teaches the speech style singing technique which helped me to find volume and expand my range beyond anything I had been able to do before."

"If you're looking to transform your voice, gain depth, tone, range and bring out character, Essence is the perfect instructor. She's professional, intuitive, non-judgemental and allows you to explore your own unique style."

"I was struggling to find my voice until essence coached me through basic vocal issues like pitch. I went from not being able to match notes to singing on key consistently. Now, I am more confident and perform regularly."

"Essence was a critical piece of my music education and helped me complement my guitar playing with a much improved singing voice. She got me up to a level where I was comfortable with recording and singing live. Her teaching style is really supportive but she’s not afraid to push you too."

Private Lessons

Empower Your Team with 60 Minute Power Ups