I believe the most important thing in teaching voice is to build confidence and a solid foundation of technique.  This gives the student something steady to rely on as they work through different styles in practice and performance.  Building a strong voice begins with breath and posture.  I discuss posture early on and then offer gentle reminders that posture should be balanced and relaxed throughout lessons.  With breath we always strice for finding low, relaxed breaths.   Then finding ways to use that breath efficiently and learning to engage support.  From there we work on resonance and placement. 

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    For a student to truly engage in lessons they need to be engaged in the subject matter.  I encourage students to try things in various genres and to bring things to lessons that they enjoy singing.  Then we can apply techniques we have learned to help them sing that favorite song the best they can, and in a healthy manner.  I also choose songs for them that I believe will develop a technique further, increase range, or focuses on a problem area.  

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    To me, it is essential to connect with the student to better understand how to help them reach their goals.  The absolute best part about teaching is to see those "ah ha!" moments and periods of growth.  I celebrate their successes and I feel their disappointment.  I bring my own experiences into all my teaching, and for me my biggest disappointments were followed by my greatest breakthroughs.  I know this can be true for my students and so I always strive to challenge them and encourage them to grow.