Meet Kelsey

Like many music educators, I’ve been a music-maker for forever. When you’re told you’re good at something and you have fun doing it, you make it your job, right? So, that’s what I did.

I spent eight years leading choirs in large middle and high school programs. I got a Masters in Choral Conducting. I loved making music with kids. But…

I overworked myself.

(And, frankly, I’m realizing more and more that we are overworking our students, too.)

I burned out. Hard. Despite world-class training and lots of success on paper, I wasn’t happy or healthy. I realized when my first child was born that something had to change.

the transformation

In 2022, I quit my job. It was simultaneously the easiest (for my family) and most difficult (for my career) decision I have ever made.

The day after the school year ended, I dropped my son off at daycare and attended a yoga class around the corner. Breathing Room Yoga became (and still is) a haven. For the first time, I was actually internalizing things like…

“Take what you need.”

“You deserve rest.”

“Observe without labeling.”

I returned to teaching the following fall as a private voice and piano instructor, and I noticed, little by little, my yoga creeping into my instruction. I started instructing students to take specific yoga poses and use pranayama breath practices to solidify singing technique. I coached students on mantra and mudra. I encouraged students to approach their lessons with non-judgment about the sounds they were making.

In the summer of 2024, I realized I wanted more, so I enrolled in a kids and teens yoga teacher training.

I’m so excited about the intersections, and I can’t wait to share them with you.

I truly believe that the universe keeps steering us to the opportunities that we need and that allow us to share our gifts to enrich the lives of others. I’m grateful for all the ways that new and different work has fallen into my lap for the last three years. I’ve led protesters in song. I’ve taught early childhood music classes. I’m in an “if you can dream it, you can do it,” season, and I can’t wait to hear about your dreams for your classrooms, performances, creative spaces, and daily lives.

There are so many offerings I want to put out into the world. Now, more than ever, I just want to help people feel supported. Students. Teachers. Parents. Singers. Actors. All of you. I just want to shout from the rooftops how many different ways yoga and mindfulness can positively impact your work and your daily lives. Even the stuff I did pre-yoga, like conducting, voice teaching, and music directing, I’m approaching with a new lens focused on embodiment, expression, and cultivating inner peace.

Check out some of my wild ideas below, then let me know how my work can enhance your vision.

I look forward to creating together soon.

something new

Let’s

Collab!

  • A few examples of workshop focus, based on your ensemble’s needs:

    • Yoga-Informed Singing Technique

    • “Tell Me A Story!”- Communication and Expression

    • Mindful Ensemble Citizenship

    • Mission/Vision Development

    • Curriculum Work

    • Repertoire Selection and Planning

    • Instructional Techniques

    • Yoga in the General Music Classroom

    • Yoga in the Choral Rehearsal

    • Yoga for Athletic Teams- Stretch and Strengthen

    • Section Leader and Dance Captain Training- Job Description Development, Peer Support, Conflict Resolution

    • Yoga for Confidence and Empowerment

  • Your show- embodied!

    • Character physicality analysis

    • Guided meditation for pre-performance focus and energy

    • Yoga/breath techniques to improve stamina

    • Story refinement

  • Choral Methods

    • Work/Life Harmony

    • Mission/Vision Development

    • Yoga Techniques for Singing

    • Yoga Techniques for Classroom Management

    Studio Voice

    • Yoga for Body Awareness

    • Yoga for Vocal Pedagogy

    • Self-Care for Singers

    • Mental Resilience and Anxiety-Busters

    Available both in-person and virtually!

  • I have one rule: I won’t sit there and write numbers without talking, face-to-face, with students.

    Available for solo, choral, show choir, and musical theatre adjudication.

    The more student contact, the better.

  • Like I said, I’m in a “dream it-do it” season. Reach out to talk about your unique idea or scenario and we’ll make it happen!