Rachel is a voice student studying with Dr. Jessica Saunders at Dynamic Music Studios in Coralville, Iowa.
Why did you decide to start voice lessons?
"Voice lessons have always been something that I wanted to do for a while, so after a recommendation from a friend, I decided to start taking voice lessons with Dr. Saunders!:
How long have you been taking lessons?
"This is my second year with lessons. I started when I was 13 years old in 7th grade. My first year of voice lessons were all online."
Do you play any other instruments?
"Yes, this is my fourth year playing the alto saxophone in band and I took piano lessons for 4 years when I was younger."
How often do you practice?
"I usually try to practice my pieces two or three times a week for about 30 minutes. One of my strategies for learning a new song is listening to a recording of the song multiple times a day."
What is one of your favorite pieces you have learned so far?
"A few of my favorite songs to learn have been, I Love Play Rehearsal from the musical Be More Chill, and Live Out Loud from the musical A Little Princess."
What advice do you have for other singers?
"For young singers, don’t give up singing because your voice might not sound how you want it to right now. Your voice is still growing and developing, it takes time to grow to its full potential!"
What do you like about Dynamic Music Studios?
"I like Dynamic Music Studios because we get to have fun during our lessons! We do lots of fun warm-ups and we get to work on songs that I enjoy. If I’m having a stressful day, I forget anything I was worried about as soon as I step into the studio. It’s always a great pleasure to end my day with my lesson."
What goals do you have for voice lessons?
"My goals are to get more comfortable with my head voice and to try new things. I’ve already improved so much in the past few years and I’m super excited to see what else I can achieve."
What is your favorite musical?
"If I have to narrow it down to only one, it would probably be Hamilton. Hamilton was one of the first musicals I’d ever listened to and thoroughly enjoyed. Some of my many other favorites include, Six the Musical, Be More Chill, Mamma Mia!, and so much more."
What are some other activities in which you participate?
"I do a couple of sports such as volleyball, basketball, and throwing in track and field. Throwing shot put and discus is my favorite sport because it's somewhat uncommon and not a lot of people can do it. I participate in plays and musicals with Young Footliters and I also enjoy painting, drawing, and writing as a side hobby."
