Singing Sensei

08/10/2026

For years, I thought the goal was to keep the larynx low. I was wrong.

When I was a voice major, I couldn't make a single sound without my larynx rising. I was taught to lower it before singing and keep it there.

It stopped the rising—but it also gave everything I sang an artificially dark, "operatic" sound.

After decades of singing and teaching, my approach is very different.

The goal isn't a low larynx. The goal is a free one.

I recently completely updated one of the most-read articles on my website, Unlocking Your Voice: The Power of Laryngeal Tilt, to explain what I've learned and how I teach it today.

Read the updated article: [insert your blog link]

08/08/2026

🏆 Congratulations to my student Daven Hamamoto on winning 1st Place in his recent ukulele competition!

Watching students grow in confidence and share their talents on stage is one of the most rewarding parts of being a teacher. Daven put in the work, stayed dedicated, and delivered when it mattered most.

Congratulations, Daven! I couldn't be happier for you, and I can't wait to see where your musical journey takes you next.

"Helping students build confidence and perform at their best is what Singing Sensei is all about."

👏 Please join me in congratulating Daven on an outstanding achievement!

07/25/2026

🎭 From Voice Lessons to Center Stage

Six of my voice students are performing in PAPA's How to Train Your Dragon—and I couldn't be prouder.

Congratulations to Aria Chock (Astrid), Evelyn Lui (Toothless), Madison Cooke (Houdini Monstrous Nightmare), Samantha Decosta (Marky Scauldron), Daxson Chock (Snotlout), and Evan Lui (Evan Lui). Your hard work, courage, and dedication have paid off, and it's been a privilege to be part of your journey.

This photo features Aria, Evelyn, and Madison backstage after another fantastic performance. Three more shows to go!

Break a leg, everyone! ❤️

12/09/2025

📣 Exciting Announcement!

I’m honored to join the PAPA Hawai‘i production team as the Vocal Director for
SIX: The Musical — Teen Edition (Hawai‘i Premiere) 🎤💜👑

Huge thank you to J.P. Tai, the incredible director behind PAPA, for inviting me into this creative process. This show is bold, high-energy, vocally demanding, and deeply empowering — perfect for young performers ready to rise to the challenge.

If you know a teen singer who wants to grow, perform, and be part of something unforgettable, registration begins Monday.
This cast is going to be 🔥.

Let’s make history with Hawai‘i’s first teen production of SIX!

12/04/2025

First student on Getty Images. Faith Simone is Communications and Graphics Manager for Songwriters of North America, SONA and will be releasing her first album next year.

11/12/2025

Ever dreamt of truly unlocking the potential in your voice? 🎤 At Singing Sensei in Honolulu, we combine the timeless Italian 'Inalare La Voce' technique with our revolutionary VoceVive™ Method, making lessons both transformative and accessible. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned performer, our online vocal lessons bring personalized coaching right to your home—flexible, convenient, and tailored just for you! 🌟 Join the Singing Sensei community today and start your journey toward confident and tension-free singing. Explore more now: [Link Below]

Singing is a beautiful journey. Whether you’re just starting out or have been belting tunes for years, there’s always room to grow. I’ve found that the best way to improve is by learning from someone who knows the ropes. But what if you can’t make it to a studio every week? That’s where on...

10/29/2025

Unlock the secret to gliding into high notes effortlessly with the power of laryngeal tilt! 🎤 This incredible mechanism allows professional singers to hit those highs without strain. Want to know how? Read more! https://wix.to/Ih7ijCi

If you’ve ever wondered how professional singers glide into their upper range without strain, you’ve already brushed up against one of the most powerful mechanisms in the human voice: laryngeal tilt.What Is Laryngeal Tilt?In simple terms, laryngeal tilt refers to the forward tilting of the thyro...

09/06/2025

Many singers dismiss falsetto as 'just the airy voice,' but it plays a crucial role in a singer's versatility. Discover why you should train your falsetto muscles in our latest post! Read more here: https://wix.to/iCNeYtq

Why Falsetto Matters More Than You ThinkMany singers dismiss falsetto as “just the airy voice” or something only used for special effects. The truth is, training falsetto is not optional—it’s foundational. Falsetto engages muscles in the larynx that most singers underdevelop, and neglecting ...

06/19/2025

Are you making one of the 3 sins of vocal training? Discover habits that could be disconnecting your diaphragm and impacting your singing! Check out our latest article for essential insights! https://wix.to/7t51AtC

🎤 The 3 Sins of Vocal Training: Habits That Disconnect Your DiaphragmWhen singers come to me for lessons, they often have good intentions… but also deeply ingrained habits that are quietly sabotaging their progress. I call them the Three Sins of Vocal Training — not because they’re morally ...