When I first discovered my voice…

I had a hard time accepting my sound.

I was convinced that what I was given was it—there was no way to shape, hone, or refine it.

I felt stuck, trapped even.

I yearned to have the Disney princess-like beauty of Lea Salonga’s voice or the raspy jazziness of Ella Fitzgerald - the queen of jazz. 

After years of eager searching and comparison after comparison, I finally came to the life-altering revelation that my voice was a

gift custom-made for me.

There was no one in the entire universe that could embrace my sound but me. I discovered that my voice isn’t in a box—I have the ability to develop, train, and grow it as much as I set my mind to. This growth mindset was inherent and has made all the difference.

This is the desire I have for my students, that they embrace their voice and learn to sing out their own unique song.

---

Why Teach?

I grew up in a Filipino-American family and no - that didn't mean we were all musical. Being the obedient children my sisters and I were, we all took piano at a young age because mom said so. Even though it wasn't our choice, it was through those lessons that we uncovered my innate musical ability, which ignited my interest in music.

I became highly involved with the music ministry at church, performed in musicals, sang in multiple choirs, and even had my own trio. 

What started as daydreaming in junior high about pursuing music in college soon became reality as I was accepted into the vocal department at CSUF. I studied classically, developing a solid foundation that allows vocal versatility when taking on pieces from opera, jazz, contemporary, to musical theatre. 

I was always taught that “practice makes perfect” and felt that pressure weighing heavily on my shoulders. The technicalities of music began to outshine my initial passion and love for it and made me believe that if I didn’t perform perfectly, what was the point? I lost sight of why I loved music in the first place. 

While I value technique and structure, I want to instill in students that mistakes are okay.

I believe that leaving room for imperfection encourages freedom of musical expression, authenticity, and ultimately relieves the pressure of a flawless performance.

Establishing that foundation is imperative. Though excellence is held at high regard, I believe it is achieved through dedicated practice and hard work.

“Hard work beats talent when talent won’t work hard.”

Outside Music

Though music intersects every aspect of my life, I love filling in my schedule with family time.

I played competitive volleyball in high school and so the love of that sport courses through my veins.

I am an avid Pinterest-er and a die-hard Lakers fan.

“Mamba Mentality” is ingrained in my brain forever.

Health and fitness have recently become something I’ve highlighted in my life, so “gym rat” would probably be an appropriate category to place me under too.

​If you ever need to find me, I’ll be at the beach reading and/or journaling with boba in hand.
​​