Reviews
Dr. Dettbarn-Slaughter is one of the most competent and invested instructors I've ever worked with in any field. She doesn't just explain the how, but also the why for each technique. This is perfect for someone like me who likes rationalization rather than just accepting instruction on faith. She is extremely good at isolating the source of my throat or jaw tension, as well as any constrictions of proper airflow, and then offering targeted exercises for eliminating such problems in the future. Dr. Dettbarn-Slaughter also regularly spends time outside of our scheduled lesson time to listen to artists that I like, to try to help me achieve similar effects with my voice. She works to understand what I want to do with my voice, rather than focusing solely on classical technique.
5/5 Stars. Best value in private instruction ever. |
I took voice lessons with Dr. Dettbarn-Slaughter for five wonderful years. It is very hard for me to think of the right words to recommend a woman whose experience and talent as a vocal teacher recommend themselves. When I began lessons with her, my voice was already powerful, but I was going about harnessing my abilities in all the wrong ways. Tirelessly, and with good humor and innovative approaches, Dr. Dettbarn-Slaughter cleared away all the bad habits I had developed through the years. Though I was not always quick to understand, she brought new techniques and approaches to our lessons until she found the ones that worked for me. Speaking with my peers throughout my academic career at the University of FIndlay, I was constantly finding that she did the same for them. A lesson with Dr. Dettbarn-Slaughter will be many things, but it will not be cookie-cutter. It will be inspiring, engaging, practical, and most of all, joyful. She has taught me much, and I owe her the joy I find in singing daily. If you are looking for somebody to instruct you in voice, you cannot do better than a lesson with her.
|
I have been a student of Dr. D’s since the summer of 2015. I graduated from high school and knew I wanted to pursue a singing career, so my mother and I went online to find vocal coaches. When we found her site, we were interested right away. It was a dream come true to find someone so knowledgeable, and I told my mother I wanted to meet her. We were both impressed with the instruction I received on my first visit, and my voice has improved tremendously. Dr. Dettbarn-Slaughter is is also very friendly and makes you feel right at home. She somehow can learn how your voice works to help it improve. I cannot speak enough about how talented she is. I would encourage anyone looking for instruction to consider Dr. Dettbarn-Slaughter: you will not be disappointed.
|
Vivian is one of the many vocal coaches I have worked with during my career as a performer. The thing that stood out to me during my time with her was her willingness to try "something else" if she knew I wasn't quite where I needed to be. She was able to use different techniques and styles to help me sing by myself. Instead of manufacturing an unrealistic sound, she pushed me when I needed it and laid back when I was having a rough day. I also appreciated her musicianship, and her ability to teach that to singers.
|
Thank you, Dr. Dettbarn-Slaughter! It only took a few months for me to begin hearing an improvement in the music that came out of me. I went from struggling with the notes to singing effortlessly and with confidence. I didn't think I would ever be able to hit all the right notes and have it sound so beautiful. I look forward to every lesson, and I am seeing real progress with every session. I am not the only one noticing my progress. My fellow choir members have noticed it too, and remark on it weekly. They can't believe the difference in such a short time. I took voice lessons for two years before being referred to Dr. Dettbarn-Slaughter, and there was nowhere near the progress I have made with Dr. V in just three short months. She is a pleasure to learn from, very patient, and extremely knowledgeable. I am having a blast!
|
I have twice had the honor and pleasure of having Dr. Dettbarn-Slaughter conduct her workshop with my "Singing from the Heart" class. The time she spent with my students was an educational joy, and a boon for the entire class! Many of my students have since incorporated the Vocalist's Toolbox exercises and techniques into their own vocal practice.
|
In addition to team teaching with Vivian, observing her productions over the years, and watching her voice students perform, I have taken voice lessons with her myself. It is from my own experiences as a student that I have gained the most insight into her unique abilities as a voice teacher. She is very well versed in a wide variety of techniques which can be used to get the best sound from any student. In the studio, she is patient, warm, demanding and funny. I think her students are lucky to have such a talented and well-trained teacher.
|
From the award presentation speech by Dr. Gary Johnson, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Findlay:
One former student attests that "she was an absolute inspiration in my life. She taught me to believe in myself and my vocal abilities, and moved me beyond any limits I thought I could reach. I knew that with Dr. Dettbarn-Slaughter I could let my guard down and make mistakes. She was a mentor who was there to teach and inspire me to find my inner voice." Another former student notes that "she was always encouraging me to do my best, leaving me surprised at the amount of progress I could make in a semester. Vivian is very professional and yet able to form a great bond with her students." A highly qualified and talented vocalist and musician, Vivian Dettbarn-Slaughter is a true asset to the University of Findlay's Department of Visual and Performing Arts. She encourages her students to achieve more than even they can imagine, and she does so in such a way that leaves them both respecting and liking her. Although the diction might be unique, one admiring student perhaps sums it up best: "I love Dr. Dettbarn-Slaughter! No matter how 'crap-tastic' my week is going, my lessons with her make me happy again." |