Teaching philosophy
Singing is an innate part of who we are as humans. Singing is a tool for collaboration and introspection. Because of this, singing can feel deeply personal. We’re going to make silly noises and ask our bodies to try new things. Practicing bravery is one of the skills we’ll build in our time together, as is learning to listen to our bodies when they ask for a break. The best singing work happens at the happy medium between practicing courage and honoring how we feel.
I love helping singers build a relationship with their voice that includes curiosity, experimentation, and play. My priorities as a teacher include supporting a diversity of musical style and genre, clear and kind feedback, situating the person at the center of the music making, working toward technique that centers each student’s unique needs, and holding holistic wellbeing and music making in equal regard. My teaching incorporates elements from Kodaly, Orff, Simply Music, Classical training, and by-ear learning strategies.
Part of being a musician includes playing the role of collaborator, communicator, and team member with one’s musical peers. I use language with my students that centers curiosity, active listening, deep listening, and encourages students to notice and communicate musical observations with clarity and kindness. These skills equip students with the tools to navigate chamber ensembles, band leading settings, and jam session environments with courage, confidence, and care for themselves and their musical peers.
My pedagogy includes empowering those students with a narrative of vocal shame. Many of us carry internalized beliefs that our voices must be “good”. Many of us believe we “can’t sing” despite desperately wanting to do so. If you want to, you’re meant to. I can’t wait to help you find the freedom you’re after.
About Ray
Ray holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and Musicology from Western Washington University. They have experience with classical repertoire, choral music, chamber music, musical theater, American roots music, and various folk traditions from around the globe. When they’re not singing or teaching, Ray can be found performing with Bellingham based Ukama band, playing marimba, and visiting all the local fabric stores.
Testimonies
“Working with Ray Sharpe has shown me what an outstanding music educator they are. Ray truly prioritizes care, curiosity, and play in their teaching. As a leader, they continued to arrive each rehearsal with specific goals and a plan to execute them. Ray’s thought process is clear in their scaffolding of each lesson and sets up each musician working with them for success. In working with them, I learned the importance of specificity, consistency, and commitment in musicality.
As a disciplined musician, Ray also finds ways to push against the traditional boundaries of making music and play with different ways to create sound. I found this refreshing as there was still structure in our rehearsals but with a new sense of discovery of the music. Instead of dictating a specific idea of “correctness” they instead ask questions of specificity. Why we are singing the way we are? What does that mean for us? How does the music sit in our bodies? Through the very unique and personal answers we find to these questions, Ray then helps us play with and shape the music to these ideas.”
Mia L.
“Ray is so efficient in helping others understand and achieve a vision, whether it be for a small ensemble, a chorus, or just one voice. They respond to feedback extremely well and are not afraid to rephrase their advice and guidance in a way you can understand. I’ve worked with them in many different settings…I absolutely trust their knowledge and leadership.”
Bek G.
“If I were to describe Ray’s teaching style in one word, it would be compassionate! They are always more than willing to meet their students exactly where we are, no matter what. I have always felt completely supported when learning from Ray, both in my voice—and just as a person! Additionally, Ray is one of the most technically knowledgeable musicians I have ever known. Each exercise they assign and every piece of guidance they give has a distinct purpose. They are especially phenomenal at tailoring these exercises to whatever a solo or ensemble singer might need for any particular piece. Once, I was struggling with an interval in a piece they were coaching me through, and they gave me a multitude of drills to help me—and now I can confidently sing do-te-do until the cows come home! The repertoire they assign is varied and unique, and the passion they bring to their work is unparalleled. The amount of research and careful thought that goes into every song and every student is truly extraordinary. Anyone who has the opportunity to learn from Ray is lucky indeed!”
Millie B.
“Ray Sharpe is not only a gem of a human, but a deeply skilled, dedicated, and curious musician and educator. Their care-centered process is evident through every step of working with them. Ray shows authentic and thoughtful commitment to vocal, emotional, and mental wellbeing, while also challenging and encouraging their singers to try new things. They cultivate a brave rehearsal space that celebrates the process of growth in every step. Working with Ray was such a joy; I love when musicians share their comprehensive understanding of a score and bring it to life for the other singers. Whether it was our trio, quartet, or octet, Ray brought passion and curiosity to each rehearsal. I grew so much as a musician and a human in their rehearsals, and I wish I could have worked with them for even longer.”
Emma H.