What would you consider to be the main focus of your career, or your “specialty”?

Voice acoustics research (+ music acoustics and teaching audio)

How did you discover your calling for your specialty? How did it start?

Even as a child, I was always interested in both science and music. After that I pretty much went with the flow.

What do you love the most about your work?

Spending my time on things and with people that interest me.

In your opinion, what qualities do you feel make an "excellent" Vocal Pedagogue?

Understanding how each student can use their voice to its best advantage and being able to guide the training to that goal.

Can you speak to the importance of having mentors? How have mentors influenced your life/career? Can you tell us about some of your mentors?

Mentors are all-important; the first was my music teacher in high school who was always very supportive; the second was PhD supervisor, and the third my host when on research exchanges abroad.

Building Blocks - Questions About Key Areas of Voice

The below topics cover key areas of voice. In regard to each topic, what are the most influential tips, insights, or research findings that you would like to share with our audience?

Breathing

Plan your breathing ahead in the score. Balance lung pressure against glottal adduction. Initially, validate what you are doing with respiratory tracking instrumentation and/or a knowledgable teacher.

The Larynx

Try not to think about the larynx.

The Vocal Folds

Precise posturing and accurate dynamic control of the vocal folds is crucial. It's a pity we can't see them directly. Try to get hard evidence of what you are actually doing.

Acoustics/Resonance

What you hear/feel is not necessarily what the audience hears. Record yourself. Make sure that the lyrics and message come across. The story is more important than the timbre.

Vocal Registration

Each register is a different instrument. You can strive to unify them, or to exploit the differences. Master the ones you need, and know what you are doing.

Vocal Health

Be aware of what you are doing to your body.

Vocal Style

Learn from your idols, and then let yourself into the mix.

Posture & Body Alignment

Have an expert on the body monitor and help you with your posture. Watch out for bad habits.

Teaching Methods/Communicating complex ideas about singing

As humans, we have evolved to learn speech and song through imitation. That's why singing education can work without a factual background - when it works. When it doesn't, look for the facts, and for someone else to imitate.