We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful JoAnne Hart. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with JoAnne below.

JoAnne, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What was one of the most important lessons you learned in school? Why did that lesson stick with you?

Before I share this lesson, it’s important to note that I have a master’s degree in vocal pedagogy and I teach voice lessons. If you don’t know what vocal pedagogy is, here’s a quick definition: it’s the science and art of teaching singing. So basically I learned all the super technical things about the voice and how to apply that knowledge to teaching my students.

When I chose to go to grad school for vocal ped, I had massive imposter syndrome. I had a bachelor’s degree in voice and took vocal ped in undergrad, but I felt so inadequate as a teacher and like I needed more knowledge. In reality I wasn’t inadequate, but I definitely needed more knowledge.

I entered grad school hoping to find the answers to all my questions about singing. I wanted to learn the right way to teach and the right way to sing. I was so confused and needed clarity. In the end, I did learn a lot. I got a lot of answers, but I also left with a lot of questions and learned that there is nuance to most things with singing. Art itself is nuanced and while some functional things are true, there are many things we still don’t know about the voice…and that’s ok!

I am a lifelong learner and learn most through teaching. I will always continue looking for new research and learn as much as I can. But I’ve also finally accepted that I’ll never have all the answers and that’s actually a beautiful thing. I once was looking for black and white answers, but instead I found the shades of grey. And with those shades of grey comes a lot of freedom.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

You can call me a voice teacher or a vocal coach, but at the end of the day I help singers find more freedom and confidence in themselves as singers and as people. I have a master’s degree in vocal pedagogy, so I have a significant amount of voice science knowledge which heavily informs my teaching. I also have training and hold certifications as a personal trainer, yoga teacher, and life coach which also heavily informs my teaching.

Ultimately, I believe that physical and mental health play a huge role in singing. This is why I teach the whole student and not just their singing voice. This is what creates a healthy and confident singer longterm. I believe in taking an individualized approach and finding what works for each student rather than teaching everyone who takes a lesson with me the same way.

I’ve worked with every kind of student at all levels from 5 years old to people in their 60s. I’ve helped beginners learn basic techniques, taught opera singers how to belt, and even assisted in rehabbing a singer following an overuse injury. I myself have training and experience singing all styles from pop to opera. Most of the time though you can find me singing and teaching my favorite style: musical theatre.

Teaching voice is still a passion of mine, but I also do some vocal pedagogy coaching for professional singers and voice teachers who want to learn more about the voice as well as get feedback about their own teaching methods.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I love helping people find confidence in expressing themselves. Singing is such a vulnerable activity, and I am honored to be a safe space and to have people trust me to guide them in their artistry. Seeing students blossom and fully connect to the work they’re singing is one of the most beautiful experiences, and I love being a part of that.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My goal/mission is really to help people connect to themselves and perform work that speaks to them on a soul level. Choosing repertoire, finding the perfect vowel, tapping into the emotion of a piece, all of these things are such powerful experiences. They are transformative and healing. And when a singer takes that work to the stage, they can transform and heal the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://joannehartsings.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joannehartsings/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS8E1ImKBt7zxbVVuwHTlQ

Image Credits
Photos by Jamie Pratt Photos