Hello! My name is Anne Vaaler (rhymes with "scholar"!), and my students usually call me Anne, Miss Anne, or Teacher Anne, depending on their age and the lesson or class. I am a professional singer and music teacher, and I love helping people of all ages discover the fun and joy of singing and of making music. Here are some questions that voice and music teachers are often asked, and my answers:
Where did you study? I grew up in Minnesota, where I took piano lessons from age 7, and then voice. Music is a huge part of my family life, so I sang at home and in school and church choirs, played in the school band, and participated in school and community musical theatre. I earned my B.A. in Vocal Performance at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, known for its music department. I continued my studies at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and San Francisco State University, where I completed my California teaching credential in Music. I taught in the California public schools for 35 years, and while I have taught privately for many years, I finally opened my own music studio, Anne Vaaler Voice Studio/Anne's Music Room, in 2023.
What ages do you teach? ALL ages! I accept private voice/music students ages 4 -105, working with each unique student, whether it be music exploration and discovery for younger children, maintaining and strengthening the singing and or speaking voice for mature singers, or working with a singer to develop their unique and special voice. I also offer small group classes, called Singing Clubs, for ages 4-10.
How do I know if my child is ready for voice lessons? It depends upon the individual child, the parent/s, and their comfort level with the teacher. As a music and choir teacher in public schools, I developed extensive knowledge of both the child and adolescent voice. While understanding the physical aspects of the young voice, I believe it is equally important to nurture and support the emotional development of singers. I try to work with every singer "where they are at." For some students, a progressive style of lesson, with music lesson books and song assignments can be very reassuring. Other students may do better with a more kinesthetic and open approach, using lots of movement, echo work, and may take a long time before they are ready to sing an entire song alone. If a child is engaged, happy, and progressing, one-on-one lessons can be the right choice.
What other options are available to my child for singing? Many children enjoy being with other like-minded kids. Singing is no different! I offer "Singing Clubs" for ages 4-6, 6-8, and 8-10. Small groups of 3-5 children learn about singing and music through activities and games, led by a teacher with over 35 years of experience working with children and music.
Can older people benefit from voice lessons? Our voices are constantly changing. Aging, illness and injuries, and hormonal issues all affect the voice and can be addressed in lessons. Learning techniques to support the voice through our full lifespan is an investment in a healthy life. Exploring new music, or revisiting old favorites can be a wonderful way to enrich your own life and the lives of others. Singing is beneficial for our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual life, whether you sing for your own pleasure or to share music with others. Voice lessons can also help to support the speaking voice, keeping it healthy and robust. *I am not a voice therapist, and will always refer students if I think there might be an issue that should be addressed by a specialist.