Allie Faulkner – Voice Teacher

Voice and Piano
M.M. Vocal Performance and Pedagogy, Westminster Choir College
B.M.Vocal Performance, Guilford College
Classical and Music Theater

HEADSHOTI’m a professional classical singer and a voice, piano and choir teacher.  I have been singing for as long as I can remember– from a girls’ choir through high school, college and ever since! Now as a professional, I’ve been lucky to have a wide range of performance opportunities such as with The Philadelphia Orchestra and The New York Philharmonic to smaller, intimate chamber and solo recitals.  Although I’m trained in solo voice, I have a deep love for choral music and sing regularly along the east coast with a number of ensembles including The Thirteen Choir, The Crossing, Mendelssohn Club and Kinnara Ensemble.  I have a Master of Music in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy from Westminster Choir College and Bachelor of Music in Vocal performance/Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Guilford College in Greensboro, NC.  I currently live and work in Philadelphia where I am a staff singer at Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church and walk dogs in my spare time!

 

When did you begin singing, and why?
I began singing when I was 7 years old with a community girls’ choir in my hometown.  I sang with that choir for ten years until I graduated high school and loved every minutes of it!  Making music has been a passion from the very start.

What other instruments do you play, and what is your experience with them?
I have studied piano for many years and use piano skills every day in my life as a professional singer!  I can also play a few chords on the guitar and ukulele (but only just for fun!).

What are your personal goals as a musician?
Aside from maintaining my career as a professional performer, my ultimate goal is to pass the love and value of the musical art form onto future generations.  At times such as these when arts programs seem to be valued less and less, I believe that instilling a love of music in future generations is key!

Do you have a memory of a time when a musical concept or technique really clicked?  Something you’ll remember forever?
There were many times in college and grad school that I would get bogged down by the anxiety and pressure of music making.  Luckily, I had a wonderful choir director who reminded me that making music is a joy.  In times of stress, I often take a moment and remember my mentor’s words.

What is your favorite piece of advice from one of your past (or current) teachers?
It might sound silly, but inhaling to sing as if you’re smelling something delicious…. Like freshly baked cookies!

What was your most challenging moment learning an instrument?
For me, the most challenging thing about singing to reckon with is vocal health.  So many things in our daily lives affect the way we sing: hydration, weather, allergies, stress, diet, anything and everything!  It’s something I always have to think about!

What is your biggest musical achievement?
In 2013, right after I finished my master’s and because of some very good fortune, I made my solo debut at Carnegie Hall. I had sung there a few times before as part of a choir, but being at the front of such a famed stage was an experience I’ll never forget!

Favorite thing about teaching?
I love seeing the light in a student’s eyes when a concept clicks.  There is nothing quite so rewarding than witnessing an ‘a-ha’ moment!

What is a piece of advice you would like to share with anyone learning music?
Do it for the joy of it!  While music is be a serious and complex discipline, I believe that it should be done with a sense of fun, enjoyment and love.

Personal music projects:
Aside from my regular musical engagements, I’m currently embarking on a choir podcast project with a few friends called Craftworks!

Up

Philly Music Lessons specializes in connecting students of all ages and skill levels with great teachers in the Philadelphia and Main Line areas.