Vocal Training
Have you always wanted to sing, but think you don’t know how?
On vacation with my parents and brother, the summer before my senior year of high school, we went to a show at The Pink Garter Theatre in Jackson, Wyoming. Just nine days before my 18th birthday, we saw their production of Shootin’ Irons & Petticoats, a rollicking western musical.
I was utterly transfixed throughout the entire show. My heart connected with the performers, the music, the theatre itself, the rest of the audience…the entire experience…in a way that filled me with deep appreciation and even deeper longing. If only, I thought, if only that could be me up there one day. I wanted the show to go on forever, to never end. It wasn’t a sad show – quite the opposite – filled with upbeat numbers, dancing, and a lot of comedy. Yet Mom reminded me years later that I cried when it ended.
Of course, I did. I’d been a childhood actor and singer, yet never allowed myself to take it seriously. In sixth or seventh grade, I had a school assignment to create a future “business card.” At least that’s how I remember it; the classmates I’ve asked don’t. Either I have a great memory or a great imagination…perhaps both. At any rate, I drew a sketch of myself wearing a long gown and holding a microphone.
Therewith the adults in my life made clear: being a music teacher was a realistic goal, but being a professional performer was not.
And I bought the lie.
Do you know somehow, within, that you’re meant to voice more of yourself than you are right now?
Somehow, after high school, I let my music leave me. Other than one college performance and playing piano and singing to myself when I could, I didn’t get on stage or seek vocal training until my 40’s.
I found acting teacher, Jo Dodge, at the Pentacle Theatre in Salem, OR, and she taught me how to be emotionally present and confident, enough so that I was on stage again at the age of 40, to a sold-out show.
Then, I was introduced to the founder of Transformational Voice®, Linda Brice. Linda showed me how to nurture, treasure and hone my personal authentic voice in a way I’d never imagined. I sang alto in school. Through Linda’s guidance, I learned my authentic vocal range and I’m speaking and singing in a way I’d never have thought possible even a few years ago.
If you’re ready to rediscover the inner voice in you that longs to be creatively alive and expressive, let me help you set your authentic voice free. I am now a voice teacher in Lake Oswego, Oregon.
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I teach voice in my home studio in Lake Oswego. $65/hour or $55/hour for five or more lessons.
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Long-distance voice lessons online for beginning to intermediate students. $65/hour or $55/hour for five or more lessons.
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Piano for beginning to intermediate students. $32.50/half hour.
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Speak Up! workshop for high school teens and mothers/daughters. Speak Up! presentations empower participants to gain self-confidence through the voice and learn to reduce negative thinking while learning to create a calmness in the mind. $500 per trainer each class.
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Online public speaking workshops, PS (for public speaking), Your Voice Could Be Better! $197 for six weeks.
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Beat performance anxiety and fear of public speaking
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Kick your inner critic to the curb
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Make your voice resonate and carry
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Express your inner truth in your outer voice
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Clients are saying...
Working with Laura has been a huge blessing in my life. I have wanted to learn to sing for years now but always believed I didn’t have a good singing voice. After a couple lessons with Laura I heard sounds coming out of my mouth I couldn’t believe I was making! My skills and my confidence have improved. I’ve performed hip-hop live twice now and voice lessons have helped me with public speaking too. Highly recommended!
Lennon R
I feel much more knowledgeable about my own voice and have practical exercises to use and explore.
Jennifer F
Laura Handke’s Transformational voice therapy lessons are wonderful! She is a treasure trove of valuable information about voice, speaking, singing and acting. Laura guides you in understanding how your own voice “works” and provides easy practices to do between appointments. I want to thank Laura for being a very warm, encouraging, supportive vocal coach. I warmly recommend her.
Paivi PV
Laura is a skilled teacher and observer of her students.
Anita E
Laura helped me find my truer voice. After just one lesson, I already feel more resonance, and more ease and comfortability in singing. Thank you.
Levi P
Every time I have a lesson with Laura, I come out having learned something new about my voice, and my breathing. I try to use these techniques on a daily basis for acting, singing, and general speech. I recommend Laura to anyone hoping to improve their voice.
Noah G (13 yrs.)
I came away with a much better understanding of of how to do and effectively use belly breathing to speak confidently, efficiently and effectively.
Caroline M
This vocal practice helps people in so many areas of their lives. Bless you for doing this work.
Dr. Scott A., DC
I hired Laura to be my voice coach after hearing her speak at an NSA (National Speakers Association) event. Laura is AMAZING! In just a few coaching sessions with her, I learned so much about where my voice comes from, what my range is, and how to get the most out of it. I absolutely love working with Laura!
Cathey Armillas
Speaker/Trainer/TEDx Speaker Coach
Thank you!!
Rachel L