Take voice lessons with a Sheridan College alum who brings passion and musical curiosity to every class

Hey! I’m Makoto Ashley, let me tell you a bit about myself! I’m a 4th-year student currently in the final year of my Bachelor of Music Theatre degree at Sheridan College. Although I’ve been disciplined in multiple different forms of performance, vocal work has always stuck out to me. I’ve been singing since before I could even speak, and have used it as a way of communicating my thoughts and feelings throughout my entire life. Singing is a language, and it’s one that I find is often “spoken” and understood differently from person to person. I remember never quite finding anyone who could understand my voice, so when I began studying voice work at Sheridan, I immersed myself in it wholeheartedly. I didn’t want to just understand my own voice, but understand how others worked too so that no one would have to find themselves alone in their journey. I specialize in most forms of contemporary singing, such as Pop, country, jazz, folk, etc. RnB, gospel, blues, and hip hop are my all-time favourite genres! I always find that the best learning environment is a friendly one, and I operate in that way. If any questions come up, or something isn’t clear, I always encourage active conversation! It’s my job to understand what my students need and want, so I want to cater to that specifically. The more I understand about what you need, the better! Although I’m used to teaching professional-level clients and colleagues, I’ve also taught many absolute beginners and have sessions that are just as helpful for them. If anything I said has resonated with you, whether you’re a professional who’s looking for a specific, minor change to their pure vowel shape, or you’re someone who just enjoys singing and wants to be confident in doing so, then I strongly believe I’m the right fit for you!

Everyone’s journey in singing/voice is different. Therefore, I believe there can never be a “one size fits all” lesson plan or path that everyone can follow. I like to hear about my students experiences with their singing and voice, to not only better understand their journey so far, but understand how they view their voice, and how they’d like to see it grow. I think of sessions like conversation, a place where the student can speak freely on what they’d like to work on, improve, reinforce, or any such ideas they maybe have in that particular moment. Voices aren’t always consistent either! Even if someone practices consistently and trains consistently, something as small as a sickness can completely throw us off, which is why I also meet my students where they’re at in that moment. Meaning if one day they’re feeling great and belting into space, and another day they’re vocally tired, I will always ask them what they feel they can accomplish today. Every session should be valuable, and I believe the student should be in control of what that looks like!