Robin is passionate about music, and that energy and enthusiasm was transferred to me as a student. She helped me develop my voice, skill and technique, but even more importantly, she taught me how to tell the story of a song. That is truly powerful. Her lessons were always organized and delivered with a sense of humor, and I loved that she pushed me to do and try things I never would have done - like sing a song in Latin! Robin's music experience, education, and talent are amazing, and I feel truly blessed to have been able to learn from her.
Stefanie Wind
Robin is a fabulous teacher. She taught me numerous tips and practical ways to improve my breathing, musical understanding and vocal quality. As my understanding of music and vocals grew, my confidence and performances have blossomed.
Joyfully Singing, Dawn McMillan
I met Robin at a point in my vocal journey when I needed encouragement and needed to get past my own self in order to grow musically. Her instruction was exactly what I needed. She seemed to know intuitively what I needed to hear, and where I needed to be pushed. I still remember the day when I was singing and I heard a voice come from within me that I didn't recognize. Robin opened up a whole other part of my voice. She taught me more than just singing and good technique. She taught me how to truly feel and express the music that I sing. Her own passion for singing and empathetic nature is demonstrated both as she sings and as she teaches. It was a joy to learn under her and I am forever grateful for the gift that she gave me.
Melanna Heebner
You taught me so many useful techniques which I use both when singing and speaking publicly: voice projection, breathing techniques and vowel formation are the ones which I use most often. Because you are such an exceptional vocalist, I draw examples from my memories of your performances, as well.
Fran
I had the privilege of receiving instruction from Robin and would highly recommend her. She is talented for sure, but beyond that, she is warm, encouraging, and patient.
Admittedly, I was deathly afraid of singing for an audience, but by the time my coaching was over, I could do it. From an initial cup of tea, to singing for her family members, and finally to recitals, Robin had the unique talent of bringing out the best in me. To this day, I credit her with the best parts of my performance technique.
Amy
Robin Idestrom was my voice teacher for two years while I studied as an undergraduate student. She was more than just a teacher, she was a mentor. Her own talent is so immense that just listening to her vocal demonstrations is inspiring! Years later I still have recordings of my voice lessons because her teaching is timeless. Unlike many vocal teachers, Robin's teaching didn't narrow my vocal ability into one genre. I am not limited to "only" one style, but have a versatility that allows me to accomplish diverse musical goals. Perhaps above anything, Robin taught me how to communicate through music. She equipped me to express myself to those listening live or on a recording. She gave me the ability not just to sing but to perform, not just to perform, but to connect.
Her knowledge and experience is vast and she pours all of her wisdom into her students - giving us the benefit of her many accomplishments. Her encouragement inspired me to work hard and improve beyond my expectations. Because I felt so confident with her training I went from a young, shy singer to a fearless bellower who motivated others.
Robin is a fabulous voice teacher and has become a cherished friend. I whole-heartedly recommend Robin as a teacher, there is truly no one better!
Christine Chester
Robin did an amazing job of helping our singers connect with the heart of what we are singing about. She took us way beyond technical improvement to the place inside of us and talked about the kind of expression that really moves people. Thank you, Robin!
Peter Neumann, Celebration Arts Pastor, Bayside Church of Woodland, CA
After working with Mrs. Idestrom for the past four months, I feel that she is extremely encouraging and supportive. Her vocal techniques and exercises have not only helped my singing, but have also made me feel so much more confident. Mrs. Idestrom has also coached me for auditions and provided great helpful feedback and insight. The hour flies by -- she is such a positive influence to her students.
Lindsay Clouse
I have loved how expressive you are in your teaching and how much fun you have doing what you do. It encourages your students to open up and take more risks because you are right there doing it with them! I have also benefited a lot from your instruction to take the music away and focus on the lyrics of the song. This has proved to be eye-opening and most especially useful in musical theatre when we are really pushed to embody a character. I've also found that it causes me to enjoy the song that much more because it helps me to really understand what I'm singing about! Your instruction on all the technicalities of singing (breathing, balance, diction, emphasis, etc.) has been clear, and your encouragement throughout each lesson is both uplifting and challenging, pushing me to strive that much harder for success.
Heather W.
Robin was my first voice instructor when I was only 11. She helped me incredibly, in the ways of teaching me to increase my vocal power and increasing my vocal range. She helped me become a more confident singer, and stretched me by helping me pursue other opportunities with my voice. I have been in many choirs, musicals, and performed many solos since, and would like to give the thanks and credit of my vocal strength to Robin. Thank you.
Robin Idestrom has been a valuable asset to me in my development as a musician and artist. Not only does she teach from knowledge and experience but she creates an incredibly encouraging atmosphere for her students. She will help you believe in yourself and see the possibilities in your vocal development. Robin was the one who taught me I could sing. She led me to my voice and now I am about to graduate with a masters degree in performance! She is incredibly perceptive as a teacher understanding the mechanics of the voice as well as the emotional connection it takes to engage singer to audience. I am grateful to her and know anyone studying with her would benefit greatly!
Maria
Robin took me, (I had no musical learning prior to Robin), as an adult to a point where I was able to sight read a piece of music, utilize proper breathing techniques,(even though I have asthma) and understand why they were important, perform at recitals with little to no fear, thanks to her supportive ways and talks, to a place where I am performing in the community. Without Robin, music would have been lost to me. Her nurturing and understanding allowed me to grow at my speed. She would always take the time to explain my question in a way that I could relate to and it would make sense. No question was a "stupid" question and no question didn't deserve the time and to be answered and explained totally in all aspects. Every lesson was a unique experience from which I grew weekly, never mundane, always something new that worked for me. She has a way of knowing what exercises work best for the individual and therefore takes away frustration that can cause a student to give up. Robin also had me sing in four languages, which was a challenge, but increased my knowledge and
abilities tremendously. I wish I could still be under her tutelage; sadly I live in California a little further away than a commute to allow.
Robin is a fabulous teacher who understands how to develop one's vocal technique from whatever level they start. She is sensitive to each individual's needs and voice types and can instruct in a wide range of styles. Drawing from a broad knowledge of vocal techniques and principles, Robin helped me to strengthen my voice and sing freely so that I felt confident in approaching many kinds of music.
Robin is a wonderfully talented vocal artist. I have learned so much from her. Not only is her passion and enthusiasm for singing contagious, but she is an excellent voice teacher who loves to bring out the best in her students. By giving me exercises and teaching me some important skills, I became much more confident singing in my higher range. I have so much more to learn, but I continue to sing out in my head voice which is now stronger in my 40's than it's ever been. Thanks Robin for your influence and instruction in my singing life.
Robin had incredible patience with me and taught me tools and techniques that I continue to benefit from.
Robin is the first voice teacher I have ever studied with who emphasized really reading the lyrics to songs until the true meaning became integrated into my head and heart. She showed me that it does make a huge difference in the performance if the singer actually believes what she is singing.
I am certainly not a natural vocalist but I was so encouraged when I took voice lessons from Robin. She genuinely worked to help me be more comfortable in my vocal abilities. I'll always remember the "fire engine" that allowed me to open up my vocal range and the patience and genuine demeanour she had in teaching me vocal lessons. I miss that opportunity to be pursuing more of her amazing passion through her teaching. She is amazingly talented as a vocalist and a teacher and shares that in a special way. I couldn't have imagined finding someone more committed to sharing her passion with others.
I was so privileged to be able to take voice lessons from Robin for a year. Within that short amount of time, she taught me so much about developing and strengthening my voice, as well as gaining the confidence to sing in front of an audience. Not only did she have an abundance of suggestions on improving vocal range and technique, but she taught me the importance of connecting with an audience and sharing my interpretation of music through my voice by painting word pictures through dynamics and shaping of each line. My time with her was truly an inspiring and enriching experience!
No comments:
Post a Comment