Jorge Cortez

For the longest time people had told me I should do something with my voice. I just never knew what – I always felt intimidated about singing in front of other people, I felt like it was just too late to start doing any meaningful work, and I had a whole slew of self judgement around hearing my own voice. Anita told me that was all pish posh and we promptly began learning scales!

She saw that I had a deeply rooted desire to hear my own voice. Without judgement, the most wonderful patience, a good bit of humor and a really good ear we cut through my resistance and found songs that both suited and challenged my range. She helped me cultivate my voice to the point where I don’t have to feel shame at a karaoke bar, or in my own home while taking a shower. I don’t even think twice about belting out Little Mermaid with my nieces! Thank you, Anita, you’ve made a huge impact on my life. You helped me find my voice.

—Jorge Cortez