Tiny But Mighty
The canary is a unique little creature. It’s so small, and delicate. Fragile, even. Its tiny system is so sensitive, it can’t survive in air that others would plunge into without hesitation.There was a time when coal miners exposed themselves to the toxic dust of the mineshaft, inching closer towards death with every swing of a pick. What’s more, the risk of digging their way to a channel of carbon monoxide was high; a worker could die, miles underground, from exposure to the stuff.
In come our little yellow friend, the miners’ safety plan. Releasing a canary into the coal mine was their way of testing the air quality. If the bird flew about, warbling its sweet melodies, then the air must be safe. But if the canary should fall silent, beware: the air was not safe, and the miners would swiftly retreat aboveground.
Beware the silent canary.
You see, the canary sensed and experienced that which the miners could not, namely that it was dangerous to be in that environment. Its extraordinarily sensitive system reacted long before the workers did, and in dramatic fashion - it simply dropped dead. Meanwhile, the humans remained living, and if they were wise, heeded the warning of this remarkable little bird. While there are those who would zero in on the inherent fragility of our tiny friend, the miners knew better. They recognized that the canary’s sensitivity was actually its greatest strength, and their saving grace.
Kanarios is built on the knowledge and understanding that our systems are wise, and have much to teach us if we are willing to listen. Having been born with an extraordinarily sensitive system myself, I have found success and strength in learning to listen to it, and to share what I know with my students and clients. I have also experienced the all-too-painful lessons learned when we ignore our inner wisdom, that small and mighty voice which guides us, but only if we’re listening.
How does this translate to the voice studio? This means that my approach to voice work begins and ends with listening. Over nearly two decades, my approach to teaching has been cultivated intentionally, focusing on each individual before me and discerning their unique needs. I have no prescribed path for any particular person; my job is to help you unleash your voice as you see fit, and to support you along the way. My approach is shaped by years of study, degrees earned, and a near-constant thirst for science-informed best practices. I seek out advice from my peers, and those who have gone before me, and am always learning new ways of serving my students. And at the end of the day, I come back to myself. My own inner wisdom, my own voice, is what guides me to be the best teacher I can possibly be.
It is my honor and privilege to help you to learn to do the same, if you’ll allow me.
