Life of a student: Dalia S.

Singing and performing is for every. single. person.
​-Liz Jackson Hearns

Although The Voice Lab primarily works with adult students we love working with kids, too. It’s amazing to see a young singer step into their own space as a thoughtful, energetic artist, and Dalia is a perfect example of that. We’ve seen her grow from a shy beginner in her first performance to her most recent gig fronting a large band (check out the video here!). We are constantly impressed and excited to support you, Dalia!

​Dalia has been working with Katherine for just over a year and we have seen some amazing transformation from this dedicated and enthusiastic student. Upon suggestion from her parents, Dalia decided to start singing lessons simply for the joy of it. When asked about why she started lessons, Dalia says, “I love to sing all the time. I was singing along to a music video and had all of these notes come out. That’s when my parents encouraged me to try lessons. I always knew I had music in me to sing, but didn’t have the confidence to try things with my voice yet.”

Confidence is among the things Dalia says she’s learning, along with perspective about what it means to be a singer. “I used to only sing at home, but now I feel super confident and excited to share my voice. It also changed my outlook on pop stars. I used to think that performing was for famous people like Ariana Grande, but after taking lessons I realized that singing and performing is for every. single. person. Including me!” And her technique is supporting her new vocal adventures as well, “high notes are still a bit scary, but once I remember my technique and tell myself to just go for it, it usually comes out great!”

As Dalia’s teacher, Katherine has a knack for finding the balance of serious technique and silliness in lessons, and you may have heard a few of her character voices before. From South Park Canadians to British royalty, Katherine uses creative vocal imagination to help her students find new sounds. Dalia says of Katherine’s lessons, “We do so many funny weird things, but my favorite is when we sing I like pie. I can feel it stretch and help my soft palate stay lifted. It works!”

Dalia certainly seems to have caught the singing bug and is excited for things to come. In the upcoming year she hopes to “work on playing guitar while singing and perform way more! I’d also love to meet more kids my age who like to perform music together, and maybe even try writing my own songs.”  

When asked what impact singing lessons have had on her life, and what she might tell folks who are thinking about lessons, she says, “I’ve really learned how to let go and try new things and I feel way braver. It’s a fun activity to help me express myself and feel good about my voice. And if you’re thinking about it, you should totally do it! It’s so worth it! When you take voice lessons you expand the possibilities of what your voice can do.”

We’re amazed by you Dalia, and we are thrilled and grateful to be a part of your vocal journey and growth!