Hello there, my name is...

Throughout my years teaching voice, I have received a lot of general questions about singing and about myself.  This is my 10th year teaching voice!  I decided to start a blog to answer some questions I've received over the years and to also celebrate 10 years!

In case you have no clue who I am, let me introduce myself.  

My name is Kerri Hardwick.  

I'm a Wife, Mother, Singer, Worship Leader, and Teacher. 

I hope you enjoy reading!

How did you become a vocal coach?

This could become a very long answer, but let's shorten it up.  I grew up in a VERY musical family.  My parents and oldest brother were part of The Old Time Gospel Singers.  At the age of 2, I was put up on stage for the first time.  At 4 years old, I began singing regularly with the group.  

I've loved singing as long as I can remember.  In high school and college, I studied vocal performance.  The summer after I graduated college, I was asked to sub at The Virginia Beach Music Academy.  The current voice teacher was going out on maternity leave for 6 weeks...but she never returned.  I was already in love with teaching others how to sing and grateful for the opportunity.

What is your background/training?
I have a BA in Music from Virginia Wesleyan College.  I have studied voice with many amazing instructors, including Billye Brown Youmans and Kathi-Lee Wilson.  I sang with the Wesleyan Singers during my college years.  I have also have the opportunity to sing with The Doorway Singers, a professional group providing entertainment in many genres of music.  I have taught and directed at Theatrix and Hurrah Players.  I also spent 5 years teaching music and chorus at Christ the King School. Currently, I am the Worship Leader at The Lampstand in Newport News, VA and I teach private voice lessons.

Where do you teach?
I decided to start teaching from home about 4 years ago.  It really has been the best decision.  Last year, we (when I say "we," I mean my husband) converted our garage into a beautiful voice studio complete with a small recording booth.

Who do you teach?
I have a wide variety of students.  My youngest is 7 and I have taught people in their 70s.  You are never too old to learn.  Some of my students sing in their church or school chorus.  Some are in a band.  Some have ambitions of singing professionally one day.  And some just take lessons as a hobby, because they love to sing!

What do you teach?
I teach my students how to sing the right way.  I was classically trained in college and later,  I studied Musical Theater - but I love Gospel.  The truth is, it doesn't matter what genre you sing.  You need to learn how to sing it WELL!  So we start with the basics - breathing, posture, placement, etc.  My students begin their lessons with a few warmups and then we move to vocal technique.  They also are usually working on a few songs that will challenge them and strengthen whatever technique we are learning.  All lessons can be recorded.  My students bring a CD or flash drive to their lessons.  This serves as a practice tool throughout the week.

A final Word
I just want to take a moment to "THANK YOU" to my amazing students and supporters!  I love and believe in you!  Keep Singing!

What questions do you have?  

I'd love to answer your vocal questions!