Inspiration

Happy September! I hope your school year is off to a wonderful start. This time of year always feels a little askew as we settle into new routines for our families and our lives. I’ll admit—I didn’t write a blog post last week because I knew you’d be too busy to read it… hehe. I’m […]

So—you’ve signed up for music lessons and choir. That’s amazing! You have an exciting year ahead. September is just around the corner, and lessons and rehearsals will be starting soon. (Honestly, where did the summer go?!) I can’t wait for what’s ahead: Technical growth and new skills. Discoveries—new music, new genres, new techniques, new artists.

Have you ever noticed how people can’t help but sing in the shower—or belt out tunes in the car? There’s a reason: singing feels amazing. But it’s more than fun.  Singing is an incredibly personal and vulnerable form of expression—AND it’s also a powerful tool for building confidence, self-trust, and personal transformation.  When a child

One of my 11-year-old students walked into her lesson today—clearly frustrated. When I asked what was up, she let it all out:“My friends don’t think singing is a sport. They think you just open your mouth and sing. They don’t get it.” She was right to be frustrated. Because they don’t get it. They don’t

I didn’t always put my vocal health first. When I first started teaching, I would be two weeks into the school year and—without fail—I’d lose my voice.  Even worse, I’d end up sick with a cold or sinus infection that would knock me off my feet.  In the whirlwind of getting started with new students,

I’m sure this has happened to you—you’re scrolling through Instagram or Facebook and come across a meme, mantra, or quote that really resonates. You think, “I need to remember that.” But the thing is…I never remember them. Or I get the gist but not the exact wording, and then I end up wasting way too

I’ve been a voice teacher and singing coach for over 20 years, and there’s a pattern I’ve noticed—one that science now helps explain. Here are just a few things I’ve heard from my students over the years: “I had to choose between spending money on therapy or voice lessons, and I chose voice lessons. Totally

At Donais Studios and RISE Children’s Choir, we believe something very simple — and very profound:   Your voice is powerful. 💪   Your voice is deeply connected to who you are.    It’s not just something you use—it’s a reflection of your identity, your emotions, and your energy.    Whether you’re singing, speaking, laughing,

What’s in a Name? The Story Behind RISE Children’s Choir When I first dreamed of creating a children’s choir, I knew it needed a name that was simple yet powerful. One syllable. Strong. Uplifting. A word that carried energy, hope, and movement. That word was RISE. RISE Children’s Choir was born during one of the

As we approach concert season at Donais Studios—with the RISE Children’s Chorus concert on Saturday, May 31 and the Donais Studios Spring Concert on Saturday, June 14—the air is filled with anticipation. It’s concert season for most musicians!  Many of our students are also preparing for their Royal Conservatory of Music voice and piano exams.