The Story of Ted’s Journey & Ted’s Voice Academy

The Journey to Authenticity
For years, I sought perfection—in music, in teaching, and in life. My love for great singing and choral music, nurtured by my own enriching experiences growing up, fueled a desire to create the best choirs and choral programs. However, my early teaching years were a wake-up call. I didn’t get the high school choir job I dreamed of; instead, I landed in a challenging inner-city general music classroom. The struggle with classroom management and the lack of student engagement left me frustrated and questioning my approach.

I tried to emulate successful teachers who used authoritative methods, but they felt wrong for me. Systems like point charts and strict consequences worked for some but backfired when I tried them. Success came only when I met students where they were, treated them as equals, and built relationships. It took years of trial and error, but I realized that authenticity, kindness, and connection were the keys to my effectiveness—and my fulfillment.

Performing with Purpose
My journey of self-discovery deepened through performing and competing as a singer. I was skilled at using facial expressions and gestures to engage an audience, but at higher levels of competition, that wasn’t enough. A world champion quartet coach pointed out that while I was doing all the “right” things, my expression lacked authenticity. I was performing through a shield, afraid to reveal my true self.

Through years of small breakthroughs, I began to understand the elusive quality of genuine expression. Singing to specific people with real intent—though initially uncomfortable—helped me lower my guard. During a period of self-reflection after my second divorce, I asked myself profound questions: Who am I? What makes me unique? What are my strengths and values? The answers unlocked something extraordinary: my authentic self. Suddenly, my confidence, interactions, and even my appearance aligned with who I truly was. This honesty transformed my life, relationships, and teaching.

Teaching Beyond Curriculum
A pivotal moment came when I was thrust into a chaotic elementary general education classroom. Following the examples of colleagues, I initially relied on scolding and control to manage students. It felt wrong and ineffective. After winter break, I decided to lead with my authentic self. By focusing on relationships—seeing each child as an individual and meeting them where they were—I created a nurturing learning environment. Over time, this approach yielded remarkable results: my students thrived, their test scores soared, and I was honored with the Teacher of the Year award.

This experience reinforced my belief that teaching is not about curriculum but about people. Relationships and authenticity are the foundation of all meaningful learning and growth.

The Voice as a Tool for Connection
Authenticity is, at its core, a type of honesty. Our voices—whether singing or speaking—are tools for expressing that honesty. Humans are emotional beings, connecting through shared experiences and emotions. When we perform or communicate authentically, we engage others on a profound level. Mirror neurons in our brains allow us to feel and share the emotions we witness in others. This is why genuine expression resonates so deeply—it’s how we share our humanity.

In singing, this means connecting to the universal emotion of a song and anchoring it to your own story. When you perform with authenticity, the audience senses your honesty and connects their own experiences to yours, creating a powerful emotional bond.

A Call to Action
My work now centers on helping others discover their authentic selves and unlock the full potential of their voices. Whether coaching singers or speakers, I guide my clients to embrace vulnerability, align with their true selves, and use their voices to connect with others. Everyone’s journey is unique, but the path to authenticity always begins with honesty—with yourself and with those around you.

Your voice is a reflection of your essence. When you embrace it fully and share it authentically, you not only transform your own life but also touch the lives of others in meaningful ways.