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 offer Music Together and Rhythm Kids classes in partnership with Sierra Foothills Music Together, serving families with children ages 0-8. Click on Sierra Foothills Music Together, for more information! I accept private voice/music students ages 5 -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, by request, for singing skills and music theory (reading music).
How do I know if my child is ready for voice lessons? It can very much depend upon the individual child and their comfort level with the teacher. As a music and choir teacher in the public schools, I developed extensive knowledge of both the child and adolescent voice. While understanding the physical aspects of the young voice, I believe that it is equally important to nurture and support the emotional development of singers. I try to work with each child "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, at whatever rate is appropriate for them, one-on-one lessons can be the right choice.
What other options are available to my child for singing? Many children really enjoy being with a group of other like-minded kids. Singing is no different! Miners Harmony Music Store will be sponsoring a children's choir, the Mini-Miners, beginning in January 2024. The Mini-Miners will focus on singing songs with positive messages about our neighbors and our planet. Meeting on Monday afternoons, this will be a great class for kids who love to sing and want to be on a "singing team"! This group is open to all kids ages 6-13, no audition required. Good manners, of course, are expected :-).
Are there really classes for babies? Of course! Music Together classes are designed for little ones, ages 0-4, and their caregivers. The effects of music participation on the developing brain are well-documented, and babies learn best when they are engaged with "their people," ie: parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles, babysitters, etc. When you come to a Music Together class, be prepared to participate and have lots of fun!
Can older people benefit from voice lessons? Our voices are constantly changing. Aging, illnesses and injuries, hormonal issues all affect the voice and can be addressed in lessons. Learning techniques to support the voice through our full life-span 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 only for your own pleasure or 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 to a specialist if I think there might be an issue that should be addressed by a specialist.