My Teaching Philosophy
I believe that as a teacher, it is most important to cater to each student's individual needs, goals, and personality. Students learn best in an environment that prioritizes individualization of technique in combination with teaching with patience and kindness. The first lesson with a student includes a conversation about their goals and ideas regarding their instrument. Each lesson after that, I begin by asking students how they are feeling that day as much as they are comfortable.
I emphasize with my students that mental health is just as important as physical health, and can affect the voice just as much as a physical condition. Students may choose to take their lessons online or in-person on a week-by-week basis depending on how they feel. Creating an environment where students feel comfortable sharing how they are feeling in the moment improves communication between myself and the student, and allows the student to be more confident in taking chances and experimenting with new sounds.
Heather Morrison is a coloratura soprano and teacher based out of Sumter. She received her Bachelor's degree in Vocal Performance from Kent State University where she studied with Dr. Lara Troyer, and her Master's degrees in Voice Performance and Voice Pedagogy from The Peabody Institute where she studied with Elizabeth Futral. She has teaching experience from renowned schools such as Baltimore School of Music, The Music School Settlement in Cleveland OH, and Little Nightingales Opera Theater in Hudson OH.
Heather teaches private voice, piano, and violin lessons in person in Sumter, South Carolina, and remote voice lessons through Zoom and Facetime.