Alison

Alison found her passion in song as a young girl and believes that every singer can experience the joy of singing expressively with warmth and freedom. Although voice is her primary instrument, her first instrumental learning was on piano which she has continued to play since childhood, not only to accompany herself and her students, but to teach it as well.

With almost thirty years of experience singing professionally and teaching both voice and piano since 2001, Alison knows first hand the needs of growing musicians and is passionately committed to helping them. In voice, she uses the foundation of her years of training in classical bel canto style and other diverse vocal music traditions, to listen to, evaluate and respond to each singer and their unique gifts and goals. In piano pedagogy, she has used Alfred, Faber and most other tools and ancillaries that are age-appropriate for her students of all ages.

After completing her undergraduate education, Alison moved to New York City where she was based for much of her performing career. She has performed professionally as a soloist throughout the world. She has performed in opera, classical concert and recital, musical theatre, and jazz (solo and ensemble).

Alison holds a B.A. in Vocal Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and an M.A. in Vocal Performance from San Jose State University. She has served on the voice faculties at San Jose State University, Chabot College, and The Music School of Sunnyvale.

In addition, Alison is currently the director of the youth choir at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in San Jose.

Teaching Style

Alison is very creative in the way that she teaches, using her cheerful personality, and great sense of humour balanced with a sensitivity to each student's learning syle to motivate them to succeed.

Instruments

Voice
Piano

Teaching Locations

Home studio on Julian in downtown San Jose

Examinations

Certificate of Merit

Alison is a "Tier 3" teacher.