Caroline, please tell us a little about yourself, your background and how Kids Voice NYC was created.
Until I was about eight years old, I was painfully shy, afraid to raise my hand in class. A theatre teacher in third grade, however, insisted I was not only capable of speaking in front of the twelve other girls in my class but singing in front of the entire school. Her belief in me made me begin to believe in myself, and having an outlet through singing and theatre completely brought me out of my shell and led me to eventually become a professional actor and kids voice teacher. I love seeing my students blossom in both their musical skills and personal lives.
I’ve been studying voice and acting since I was eight years old. I graduated from Interlochen Arts Academy as a theatre major and earned my Bachelor of Music in Voice with an emphasis in Musical Theatre from Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music. Singing and theatre took me from being a shy child to feeling outgoing, after finding a way to express myself! Shortly after college, I had the opportunity to perform in the Broadway National Tour of the musical Fun Home. During that time, I was coaching some students over Skype, and when I returned to NYC, word spread quickly, and I began working with kids all over the city.
How long have you been doing this work? Where were you immediately before this?
I’ve been teaching full time here in New York for a little over two years. Immediately before this, I was performing in the Broadway National Tour of the musical Fun Home. As much as I love performing, working with kids and teaching feels like a calling and has become my focus over the past few years. Before Fun Home, I graduated from Baldwin Wallace University with a Bachelor of Music in Voice, with an emphasis in Music Theatre. I am currently earning my Masters in Speech-Language Pathology which will enable me to work with performers with demanding vocal requirements or who have sustained vocal injuries.
How would you describe your teaching style?
Very ‘on your feet’ and active—I begin lessons passing a ball back and forth during vocal warm-ups to get the kids to release tension from their necks and shoulders and feel like they are singing with their whole bodies. Every kid and their approach to learning is different, so I like to get to know them as individuals (what types of music and songs excite them, etc) to figure out how to structure lessons to best suit their needs.
Teaching style also varies with the age of my students. The younger the students are, the more games and fun activities I incorporate. I believe that making lessons fun is important to instill a love of singing (which will encourage them to practice and be more engaged!) With older students, it is still very hands-on and physical, but I also like to ask them what they could do to make a phrase more successful, etc, to help them use critical thinking and figure out how to apply the technique we were learning themselves.
Additionally, I always use a supportive tone and try to build my students up. However, that doesn’t mean that I tell them it was good every time. I might say “let’s figure out how to make this better.” I keep the tone light and fun but always try to push my students to be better. That way, when I do say they got it right, they really believe me—they know I won’t say it until they really did! I want them to feel engaged in their learning process and proud when they finally figure things out!
What is your educational philosophy? Personal learning style? Experiential, visual, aural, physical?
My goal is to provide a fun, safe environment that allows my students to feel ready to try new things and not be afraid of making mistakes. I believe that singing is very physical, and requires full-body engagement (not just engagement of the neck and up…). However, I have found that most children also benefit from hearing me sing a phrase and then repeating it back. Singing requires the use of every single aspect of learning (physical engagement, listening skills, experiencing getting up in front of others and trying to new things, and seeing the shapes of their mouth positioning, correct posture, etc.) However, it is most important to me that my students genuinely look forward to lessons. Whether the student will become a professional performer or not, I love seeing the kids’ faces light up when I arrive or hearing a parent say that it is their child’s favorite part of the week. When a student enjoys something, it is naturally much easier to learn and encourages them to practice.
What advice would you give to a new colleague on their first week doing a similar job?
While being organized and making sure you have developed a curriculum that will benefit all your students is very important, be aware that you may need let go of those plans and create something totally new based on what each student is interested in and their needs. Every student is different, so each lesson requires you to think critically about which exercises and songs will help them the most!
What steps would you take if you find that a student is showing signs of a learning disability?
Because I am earning a degree in Speech-Language Pathology, I am becoming more aware of these signs. In regards to my profession, I would most likely notice a voice disorder, or more commonly I see vocal fatigue due to screaming in gym class or general overuse of the voice. In any one of these cases, I would communicate my concerns with the parents! When a student is experiencing vocal fatigue, I am able to give them exercises or tips to help better take care of their voices.
What are some of your ways to engage the family of your students and their community? Do you host any events that are open to the public?
I hold recitals once or twice a year in various locations. Next semester, we are having a performance at a nursing home in the community. I like to find ways for the kids to feel they are using their voices to spread joy throughout the community and doing something to make an impact.
I also offer my students the opportunity to record in a real recording studio, used by many famous performers. They get to learn about sound mixing and have an authentic studio experience. Having something to work toward in lessons tends to be beneficial and gets the kids excited!
Please tell us what makes your program or work unique from others?
- I usually travel to my students’ apartments, eliminating the need to commute to a class, making it more flexible for the kids and parents.
- I specialize in working with kids and teens, so my vocal exercises, technique and entire philosophy is tailored to suit their specific needs.
- I work with children of all ages, even toddlers. While young preschoolers are not having a traditional ‘voice lesson,’ I like to call it ‘music play.’ We play, while I incorporate rhythm, pitch, and games to build fine motor skills and coordination.
- I offer daytime lessons to students who are homeschooled, and sometimes set up classes for kids in these communities. In addition to voice lessons, I also teach acting lessons/classes, which the kids find really fun.
What technology is typically helpful for your students? How much are “plain old” pencil and paper notebooks leveraged?
We often use instrumental tracks in lessons that I send to the parents or students to use for practice. Additionally, I send custom vocal warm-up tracks and often print out lyrics that we can write on so they can remember various notes I give them in lessons.
Strong teachers and cultural influencers are constantly learning. What is an inspirational book or resource that has helped you grow and that you would recommend to others?
I recommend listening to and watching Ted Talks! There are so many fascinating speakers and it’s a great way to continue learning and thinking. There is something for everyone, and it’s been a great resource for me.
We want to get to know you a little better. Let’s play a round of quick questions. Tell us the first thing that comes to your mind:
Where are you originally from? Memphis, Tennessee
In which Hogwarts house would you be sorted? Ravenclaw
Your all-time favorite movie? The Sound of Music
Your hidden talent? My grandparents used to have an old school Ms. Pacman arcade machine in their house growing up, and I am a Pacman master!! I’m pretty sure it’s the only video game I actually know how to play…
What is your dream vacation? St. Lucia. I love the outdoors and the combination of beautiful mountains and beaches. I also really want to explore Ireland.
What would the students be surprised to find out about you? That I was a shy kid!
What’s a typical Saturday night like for you? I love taking quick trips upstate on Saturdays when I am not teaching, so you would most likely find me checking out a new town or restaurant! Otherwise, you will probably catch me studying for graduate school…
What are your “trapped on a desert island” books or movies? I am still a total Harry Potter nerd. Otherwise, anything historical fiction.
What is your favorite dessert? Tiramisu
What accomplishment fills you with pride? Performing in Fun Home and being accepted into graduate school!
Routine that gets you ready for work? Going to the gym and getting outside for some fresh air!
What inspires you? My students - I love hearing about all of their accomplishments and watching them take risks and try new things in lessons, even if that means making a mistake!
What is the best thing about teaching? Watching my students gain confidence, get cast in their school play, or see them surprise themselves when they execute a difficult phrase or song they did not think they were capable of singing! In addition, many of my students are just entering middle school and beginning to experience all the changes or difficulties that may inevitably emerge with friends, self-image, etc. Acting as a mentor to many of my students may be the most meaningful part of my role, when I have the opportunity to act as a positive role model/older sister of sorts, to guide them toward making good decisions and figuring out how to be confident, kind and inclusive as they navigate their way through challenging times with friends, school, competition with auditions, etc.
What is one mistake that you made? Feeling guilty about taking time for myself and not knowing when to say ‘no’ to various commitments. It is something I can still struggle with, but I have learned to be better about it! Working hard and making sure I am always there for my friends, students, and classmates in school are top priorities of mine. When I began teaching on top of doing school, I stretched myself so thin that I became exhausted, feeling like I was not able to be my best self (whether that may be as a friend, teacher, or student.) Learning how to create a schedule that gives me time to take breaks to clear my mind and enjoy life has given me much more energy and allows me to give 100%!
Any advice you would like your students to remember, always? To look at yourself in the mirror every day and tell yourself ‘I CAN’ and ‘I’ve GOT this!’ Singing is just as much of a mental game as it is physical. 9 times out of 10, I can tell when a student will or will not successfully execute a difficult phrase in a song based on their expression of self-doubt or self-confidence in the previous phrase. When we believe we cannot do something, our bodies and voices have a tendency to fulfill that prophecy. This goes beyond singing, but singing is a great way to see the incredible results of positive thinking. That isn’t to say that we shouldn’t feel sad, frustrated, or upset at times, but I always emphasize the power of self-talk and positive thinking to the kids I teach.
A gift from your student/s that you value the most? I love all the cards and little notes I have received throughout my time teaching, and I like to decorate my refrigerator with them! I also received a beautiful bouquet of white roses from a student after a recital, which was very sweet.
Is there a quote or saying that you live your life by? “The fact that children can make beautiful music is less important than the fact that music can make beautiful children.” – Cheryl Lavender I included this quote in the program for the first recital I held for my students. It’s powerful to me because no matter if a child is born with a naturally incredible voice or perfect pitch, singing and music is an invaluable way for children to express themselves, learn to take risks, share their voices with others, be creative, and find the courage to get up in front of others, even though it may be scary at first.
What song do you know all the lyrics to? Anything Beatles! (And pretty much any musical theatre song sung by a child because of teaching!)
Your favorite holiday is… Christmas!
Please offer some words of wisdom for the rest of us.
Don’t let fear hold you back from achieving your dreams!
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Ingrid Wilkes is a mother of two children aged 11 and 7 who has worked in the sports and fitness industry since 1990. She has lived and worked in Southeast Asia, Europe and the US and enjoys trying new trends and exploring healthy alternatives to mainstream eating habits. She graduated from the University of San Francisco with a master’s degree in sports management and has taught spinning for several years as a way to balance her interest in marketing and communications.
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