I'm a singer/songwriter and music educator/coach whose mission in life is to fill as much of my time with creativity as possible and empower others to do the same.
As a former public school music teacher, I've always been bothered by the fact that most music education spaces are primarily focused on regurgitating music written by dead people, exactly the way the composer intended. While I find great value (and fun!) in practicing music written by others, I strongly believe in creation over regurgitation and would love to help you find and develop your unique voice - both as a singer and a songwriter, if you're up for it!
I wasted decades not pursuing my life-long dream of being a singer/songwriter because I genuinely didn't know that singing like my huge-voiced heroes (Avril, Evanescence, Paramore) was a learnable skill. I studied voice at GRCC and GVSU while finishing my Bachelor of Music Education with vocal/choral emphasis, and my voice improved dramatically, but still not in the way I had always dreamed of. It wasn't until I discovered the non-classical side of vocal pedagogy that my entire world opened up and I started becoming the singer I've always dreamed of.
I also spent a very long time battling the most intense performance anxiety and general insecurities. If you're nervous about starting this journey, I can assure you, I've been there! I basically spent my entire first year of voice lessons crying, so while I'm not a licensed therapist, I am so ready to hold space for whatever comes up as you begin this super vulnerable work
In addition to teaching, practicing, and writing music, I also love arranging/producing my own music, and of course performing! I perform as Mar in Color, either by myself, with my band, or on my husband Aaron (TechTonic)'s DJ sets. In the rare moments when I'm not musicking in some way, my other favorite creative outlets include painting, sewing, collaging, and misc. crafts/home decor projects. I also live for seeing live music, roadtrips with my husband in our beloved old van Flo, sunshine, nature, the beach, and my 4 cats
