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Laura Thomason
The South Carolina School of the Arts
The South Carolina School of the Arts
Adjunct Instructor of Voice
lthomason@andersonuniversity.edu
- lthomason@andersonuniversity.edu
Academic Background
MM, Indiana University
BM, Converse University
Teaching at AU
What year did you start teacing at AU?
2021
How would you describe your classes to someone who has never attended one?
I meet each of my students where they are. Teaching in an intensive, individual environment means I get to assess each student's skill level, learning style, and needs, then provide them with vocal instruction based on that. Essentially, I teach my students how to practice. I try to do this in a way that is supportive, engaging, instructive, and (hopefully) fun.
Contact
lthomason@andersonuniversity.edu
Fast Facts
I meet each of my students where they are. Teaching in an intensive, individual environment means I get to assess each student’s skill level, learning style, and needs, then provide them with vocal instruction based on that. Essentially, I teach my students how to practice. I try to do this in a way that is supportive, engaging, instructive, and (hopefully) fun.
Applied Voice
I have the wonderful opportunity to teach Musical Theatre, Classical, and Commercial Music to talented, engaging students in a supportive, faith-based environment.
Having a career in singing is so much more work than most people realize. I don’t say that to dissuade any prospective student from pursuing this career, but to prepare them. You will spend more hours in a practice/rehearsal room and/or doing theory homework than most of your friends do in their science labs; you will face more rejection in a year than most people do in a decade or more. You will have to evaluate and re-evaluate what work-life balance means to you and learn how to set boundaries so you don’t burn out in six months. You will come across people– often loved ones– who ask you, “So what’s your real job?” You will doubt yourself. You will probably compare yourself to your friends and have to learn that, while this business is competitive, there’s room for all of us– so be kind and stay humble. Take care of your mental health. If this is what you really want, then it will all be worth it. This work is well worth all of its challenges, but go into it with your eyes open.
I absolutely love working with my students. They are delightful, eager, and so far seem to be almost as nerdy about all things singing-related as me.