Ashley Martin, Voice
Tell us about your formal education in music.
My freshman year of college I studied Vocal Performance at Spelman College in Atlanta, GA before transferring to University of Arizona and graduating with a Bachelors in Music Education with an emphasis in voice/choral music. My education in music has led me to being a voice teacher, high school choral conductor, and most recently an elementary music/fine arts teacher for the TUSD Opening Minds Through the Arts (OMA) program.
Tell us about your professional performance experience.
I have performed with the Spelman College Glee Club and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the University of Arizona Symphonic Choir, and the Tucson Symphony Orchestra chorus. I was a soloist for Il Cuore Canta, a singing residency in Hudson, NY. I also regularly participate in competitions, last year advancing to the National Association of Teachers of Singing regional auditions in Las Vegas.
Do you still practice? How often?
I try to practice at least 3-4 times a week for an hour and every day when I have an audition/competition coming up.
What inspired you to start playing music?
My mom tells me at age five I told her I was going to be a singer! I don’t remember that but I do remember seeing “Lady Sings the Blues” (a movie about the famous jazz singer Billie Holiday) as a child and deciding I wanted to be a jazz singer. Later in high school I was preparing for regional choir auditions and first heard a recording of Marian Anderson singing “Liebesbotschaft” by Schubert; I knew I wanted to study that type of singing.
Was finding the motivation for practicing hard for you as a beginner? Is it still difficult at times?
Although when I took piano lessons I practiced almost everyday, I didn’t formally practice singing (other than singing around the house) until I studied voice in college and even then, it most definitely wasn’t enough. I think what separates beginning voice students from other music students is that they tend to not have a clear idea of how often to practice and how to practice. This can definitely contribute to lack of motivation. That was the case for me. After college I decided to continue taking voice lessons and realized just how effective practice is when you are consistent. Practicing is still difficult at times but once I get started it can be hard to stop!
What advice do have for students who need help getting motivated to practice?
Try to practice a little everyday, setting aside a specific time for practice. Although starting might be difficult, once you do start it’s fun! Instead of practicing a piece from beginning to end every time, isolate and focus on parts that are challenging. End your practice with a piece that you feel successful performing. Finally, remember why you practice–because you enjoy music and want to hone your craft just like any other artist.
What types of music do you currently listen to and enjoy playing?
I love lots of music! My favorite genres are jazz, classical/opera, spirituals, gospel, and hip-hop and R&B. Though I enjoy singing all of those genres, in public I mainly perform classical and jazz music.
What do you like the most about the Allegro Student Recitals?
I enjoy witnessing that moment at the Allegro recitals where students realize why they take lessons, why they practice, and why they perform; that indescribable mix of nerves, excitement, exhilaration, and euphoria all come together in one moment shared between the performer and the audience. And it’s addicting!
What’s the single most important principle you try to convey to all of your students?
Be okay with looking silly and making mistakes. “Looking cool” can be stifling, so take risks and allow for the growth and freedom that comes with that.
What aspect of teaching music do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy seeing students grow not only as musicians, but individuals with their own ideas and interpretations.
In what ways do you see your students benefiting from learning music?
Music is transformative and benefits my students in many ways, but I believe the most important benefits are building self-confidence, self-expression, and self-awareness.
What are your non-musical hobbies and interests?
I’ve been really into food blogs lately, reading recipes and choosing ones to create at home. I’ve always loved reading (mainly realistic fiction). I also like playing time management computer games like Cake Mania! I’ve been taking boxing classes for almost a year and I realized I enjoy punching things (not people)!
What overall advice would you have for all music students, regardless of their instrument?
In the day to day routine of life it is easy to think of lessons and practicing as another chore on a list of things to do. I encourage students to remind themselves why they chose music. It could be because you heard a song on the radio and just had to learn how to sing it. Or you went to a concert and saw an awesome performance that made you want to learn how to play an instrument. Keep in mind what inspired you to be a musician and never lose sight of music’s importance in your life!
Interested in taking voice lessons?
Visit our voice lesson page for more information.
