STUDENT / Parent TESTIMONIES
To Whom It May Concern:
I have taken voice lessons from Sommer Garner for 6 years. She was able to teach me to project my voice toward my audiences. Under her tutelage, I developed my ability to establish greater breath control, allowing me to sustain long phrases and project my ending phrases toward my audiences. Her patients with me was remarkable. I am 73 years old and I have been singing for about 55 years. In that time, I developed bad habits that had to be corrected. In addition to having to unlearn bad habits, she had to tackle my pride at times, in order to correct the things that I was doing incorrectly. Sommer had a way of doing that in a positive manner. Sommer was always complimentary when I was sing things correctly and critical in a positive way when I was not sing things properly. In addition, Mrs. Garner was flexible and encouraging with my tastes of music, because I was interested mostly in performing Popular and Broadway tunes.
Sommer's studio was business like, and her fee per hour lesson, was reasonable. When inflation dictated, Mrs. Garner did not increase the lesson fees of her established students. New students were paying higher rates. Sommer continues her education by attending workshops and educational seminars to learn new teaching techniques to share with students. Many times she developed opportunities for the students to perform before various audiences to give them experience in performing both in the community and for families. She went out of her way many times to take students to professional performances in the community, in order to expose them to how it works in the real world. She has inspired many students to continue to seek there dreams of becoming performers and advancing there education in the field of music.
Since I have been taking lessons many of my peers have commented on the improvement of my ability to sing.
In short, I would recommend her as a voice teacher and voice coach, to both young and old. I will miss her, and the hours I spent under her direction. Sommer's kindness, patience, encouraging nature and ability to make constructive criticism will be missed. I would be happy to speak with anyone who is considering working with Mrs. Sommer Garner.
Bob Piccolo, adult student
Huge difference than when she tried out for WYSD Annie musical before she started studying with you.
Amy Tomassone, parent
Sommer,
I also want to take the time to say THANK YOU!!! For all the expertise and constructive criticism you have given Hannah as she processes through these college / scholarship auditions.
Since around Christmas, I have never seen her so confident. She has had such a clear focus on each goal as it comes. I see a turning point as she works on the Tarzan show. She’s confident, focused, mentoring, and so intense about the character development. I attribute that to her summer experience. She has taken her director’s notes and “run” with them. Her opposite male lead has never been on stage as an actor before, but she has coached him with the director and with her experience helped him develop his character. I watched a little bit last evening as I was going to help sew costumes. I hope that you are able to come and see ALL of your students @ RL musical. They are very proud….. and whew, I dream of black fringe wrapping around me after sewing all those costumes.
Thanks for all you do,
Monica, parent
After four years of studying with Sommer, I am a more educated, equipped and confident singer. I have had many voice teachers throughout my life, but none have give me the knowledge and skills that I have learned under her tutelage. Although a singer herself, her greatest musical joys come not from her own performances, but from seeing the growth in her students. I would recommend Sommer to anyone interested in becoming the best singer they can be under the guidance of the most dedicated teacher they will find.
Darlene White, adult student
Sommer Garner is more than a vocal instructor. Yes, she is a fantastic teacher of voice. My daughter made such progress studying under her. She developed her skills, confidence and a passion for singing.
But Sommer also served as a wonderful mentor and friend to my daughter. She is an extremely talented, caring professional who brings out the best in those she instructs.
Mary Dolheimer, parent
Sommer was exceptionally skilled at developing the vocal potential of all singers from the young child to an adult. As an adult singer returning back to singing in my late 30's, I enjoyed having my voice return to what it was and then improve beyond.
Sommer was able to teach important concepts in ways that are simple yet easy to remember during a performance.
As a speech therapist, I appreciated Sommer's academic knowledge and focus on vocal health. I highly recommend her as a voice teacher."
Sandra Harberger, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech/Language Pathologist, Adult Voice student
Thank you Sommer for all that you do!!
You're the BEST!!!
Geena, parent
You know how we feel..nothing but gratitude.
Lisa Wolfe, parent
Sommer Garner is a warm and very caring person who looks to move her students forward in their musical abilities. She has a gift of choosing music to suit the student and the occasion. She is active in finding venues for her students to perform and encourages their participation. In the York area this included gala fundraisers for non-profit organizations, Christmas performances at a local community park, downtown York community activities that involve musical presentations and small church group luncheons.
In the past year she has begun to work with a small church choir to enhance the worship experience. Sommer also works hard at keeping current with her own education and attends workshops to improve her teaching skills bringing that knowledge back to her students to again improve their ability to perform and sing.
Susan Shoff, adult student
I cannot thank Sommer Garner enough because my daughter started lessons late last Fall and I already hear the tremendous improvement with her singing each passing month ... and she truly is enjoying her lessons and learning so much. So thank you Sommer ... from the depths of both our hearts.
Krista Ritchey, parent
Sommer ,
I love college so much. Today was a blessing and one of the best days that I've had. I'm learning and improving so much and this is such a God-Thing that I ended up here. I just wanted to re-thank you for all you've done with me and all you've put up with, because of that, I'm able to keep growing and becoming a better musician, and I was able to attend such a good school. You're the best!
Michal Foursevitch, teen student
Sommer,
Congrats to you for helping ALL of these students achieve their accomplishments. I think I'm beginning to see accolades on (at least) a weekly basis. Can I "hear" another THANK YOU SOMMER!!!
Monica Sattazahn, parent
We are blessed because you were in our lives for this season and for investing in the lives of all of your students! You will be greatly missed!
Your time here has been a gift! What keeps coming to me as I think about you and your studio is " well done, good and faithful servant!" You love and serve all well!
Lori Broberg, parent
I wrote a testimonial for you, which I have attached to this email. I tried to keep it sort of professional and not go all gushy. But the fact of the matter is that I am an all-gushy kind of person (I work pretty hard to keep it to myself), and I am even more so when I see goodbyes in the not too distant future. So, while my testimonial is pretty lean and tries as best as I, a non-musician, can make it stick to the facts of your abilities as a teacher, there is so much more than your teaching skills that I am grateful for and will miss. I think you know that, but I will say at least some of the things I am grateful for and will miss: Your enthusiasm for singing, for the process of each student's learning to sing, your encouragement.
Okay, so those are kind of still professional. I am grateful for the chat times after lessons and for making me laugh at my own overwhelming emotions at watching and listening to Allie perform. I am grateful for the times you took Allie to performances. I know there weren't many, but that was her own resistance as a squirmy audience member!
I am grateful for the friendship and mentoring you offered Allie (and by extension, me) and for the love and concern you showed her when she was in the dumps. You gave her a chance to cry and not be the strong and dutiful daughter she sometimes think she has to be around me. I am grateful for the times you called me and gave me an opportunity to share my concern as well.
Okay, so that's a little closer to what I wanted to say to you, but not necessarily in my testimonial. You are one of the most loving and generous people I have ever had the good luck to have met, and you came into our lives at a time when we needed just that kind of person.
I am sure you will be receiving lots of similar letters, but this was one bandwagon I did not want to miss.
With love,
Kathy, parent
Sommer Garner is a great voice teacher with a remarkable ability to teach not only vocal skills but also appreciation for all types of music and voices, attention to meaning and lyrics (in foreign languages as well as English), and a set of work habits that are necessary to becoming a vocal artist.
With all of that, Sommer helps her students achieve a level of confidence in performance and a genuine enthusiasm for song, their own songs and the songs of others.
My daughter has taken lessons from Sommer Garner for the past four years and has grown so much as a singer and musician. We are both so glad for the opportunity to have worked with Sommer.
Kathy Elliot, parent
Thanks Sommer -
now you made me cry again! LOL I was so proud of her and thought she did a great job despite having a cold. She amazes me in that she does not get nervous. She must get that from her dad because I am always a nervous wreck when performing (and for her when she's performing). Thank you so much for everything you have done to help her with her singing over the past year. She really has grown so much and gotten more confident. She loves her lessons with you and the studio friendships & fun. I have had a lot of experience with teachers personally & professionally and have never seen anyone else provide so many opportunities for their students as you do. No matter where we end up for lessons after you move, I know that is something that is unique to your studio & probably won't happen again. I love how the students work together, and care and support each other. Thank you again for your kind words!
Amy Diehl Tomassone, parent
All I know to say is "THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!" Speaking for my entire family, having you in our lives has been a joy!! We have met so many amazing people through the Studio, and I really hope everyone continues to be friends from here on out. I cannot wait to see what life holds for you, Sommer!
But I'm pretty certain you are indeed "living like that"!!
Susan Dix Gabler, parent
Sommer Garner has been been my son's voice teacher for almost two years. She not only teaches voice, but also shares valuable life lessons. She is a very engaging teacher who loves her students as her own. So much so, she lectures them when needed. Sommer enjoys taking her students on road trips, and getting them involved with various musical shows, operas, and the like. My son has grown in many ways from her teaching. Sommer is passionate, loving, and sincere in sharing her gifts, which are many.
Despina Snyder, parent
Sommer,
Thank you so much for working with Mary Kate. She sang at mass today and did a lovely job. In the short time she has been your student, her skill and confidence have improved exponentially. You are such a talented teacher and strong role model for our daughter. Words can not express our appreciation.
Thank you for all you do!
Heather and Stephen Dick, parents
I have taken voice lessons from Sommer Garner for 6 years. She was able to teach me to project my voice toward my audiences. Under her tutelage, I developed my ability to establish greater breath control, allowing me to sustain long phrases and project my ending phrases toward my audiences. Her patients with me was remarkable. I am 73 years old and I have been singing for about 55 years. In that time, I developed bad habits that had to be corrected. In addition to having to unlearn bad habits, she had to tackle my pride at times, in order to correct the things that I was doing incorrectly. Sommer had a way of doing that in a positive manner. Sommer was always complimentary when I was sing things correctly and critical in a positive way when I was not sing things properly. In addition, Mrs. Garner was flexible and encouraging with my tastes of music, because I was interested mostly in performing Popular and Broadway tunes.
Sommer's studio was business like, and her fee per hour lesson, was reasonable. When inflation dictated, Mrs. Garner did not increase the lesson fees of her established students. New students were paying higher rates. Sommer continues her education by attending workshops and educational seminars to learn new teaching techniques to share with students. Many times she developed opportunities for the students to perform before various audiences to give them experience in performing both in the community and for families. She went out of her way many times to take students to professional performances in the community, in order to expose them to how it works in the real world. She has inspired many students to continue to seek there dreams of becoming performers and advancing there education in the field of music.
Since I have been taking lessons many of my peers have commented on the improvement of my ability to sing.
In short, I would recommend her as a voice teacher and voice coach, to both young and old. I will miss her, and the hours I spent under her direction. Sommer's kindness, patience, encouraging nature and ability to make constructive criticism will be missed. I would be happy to speak with anyone who is considering working with Mrs. Sommer Garner.
Bob Piccolo, adult student
Huge difference than when she tried out for WYSD Annie musical before she started studying with you.
Amy Tomassone, parent
Sommer,
I also want to take the time to say THANK YOU!!! For all the expertise and constructive criticism you have given Hannah as she processes through these college / scholarship auditions.
Since around Christmas, I have never seen her so confident. She has had such a clear focus on each goal as it comes. I see a turning point as she works on the Tarzan show. She’s confident, focused, mentoring, and so intense about the character development. I attribute that to her summer experience. She has taken her director’s notes and “run” with them. Her opposite male lead has never been on stage as an actor before, but she has coached him with the director and with her experience helped him develop his character. I watched a little bit last evening as I was going to help sew costumes. I hope that you are able to come and see ALL of your students @ RL musical. They are very proud….. and whew, I dream of black fringe wrapping around me after sewing all those costumes.
Thanks for all you do,
Monica, parent
After four years of studying with Sommer, I am a more educated, equipped and confident singer. I have had many voice teachers throughout my life, but none have give me the knowledge and skills that I have learned under her tutelage. Although a singer herself, her greatest musical joys come not from her own performances, but from seeing the growth in her students. I would recommend Sommer to anyone interested in becoming the best singer they can be under the guidance of the most dedicated teacher they will find.
Darlene White, adult student
Sommer Garner is more than a vocal instructor. Yes, she is a fantastic teacher of voice. My daughter made such progress studying under her. She developed her skills, confidence and a passion for singing.
But Sommer also served as a wonderful mentor and friend to my daughter. She is an extremely talented, caring professional who brings out the best in those she instructs.
Mary Dolheimer, parent
Sommer was exceptionally skilled at developing the vocal potential of all singers from the young child to an adult. As an adult singer returning back to singing in my late 30's, I enjoyed having my voice return to what it was and then improve beyond.
Sommer was able to teach important concepts in ways that are simple yet easy to remember during a performance.
As a speech therapist, I appreciated Sommer's academic knowledge and focus on vocal health. I highly recommend her as a voice teacher."
Sandra Harberger, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech/Language Pathologist, Adult Voice student
Thank you Sommer for all that you do!!
You're the BEST!!!
Geena, parent
You know how we feel..nothing but gratitude.
Lisa Wolfe, parent
Sommer Garner is a warm and very caring person who looks to move her students forward in their musical abilities. She has a gift of choosing music to suit the student and the occasion. She is active in finding venues for her students to perform and encourages their participation. In the York area this included gala fundraisers for non-profit organizations, Christmas performances at a local community park, downtown York community activities that involve musical presentations and small church group luncheons.
In the past year she has begun to work with a small church choir to enhance the worship experience. Sommer also works hard at keeping current with her own education and attends workshops to improve her teaching skills bringing that knowledge back to her students to again improve their ability to perform and sing.
Susan Shoff, adult student
I cannot thank Sommer Garner enough because my daughter started lessons late last Fall and I already hear the tremendous improvement with her singing each passing month ... and she truly is enjoying her lessons and learning so much. So thank you Sommer ... from the depths of both our hearts.
Krista Ritchey, parent
Sommer ,
I love college so much. Today was a blessing and one of the best days that I've had. I'm learning and improving so much and this is such a God-Thing that I ended up here. I just wanted to re-thank you for all you've done with me and all you've put up with, because of that, I'm able to keep growing and becoming a better musician, and I was able to attend such a good school. You're the best!
Michal Foursevitch, teen student
Sommer,
Congrats to you for helping ALL of these students achieve their accomplishments. I think I'm beginning to see accolades on (at least) a weekly basis. Can I "hear" another THANK YOU SOMMER!!!
Monica Sattazahn, parent
We are blessed because you were in our lives for this season and for investing in the lives of all of your students! You will be greatly missed!
Your time here has been a gift! What keeps coming to me as I think about you and your studio is " well done, good and faithful servant!" You love and serve all well!
Lori Broberg, parent
I wrote a testimonial for you, which I have attached to this email. I tried to keep it sort of professional and not go all gushy. But the fact of the matter is that I am an all-gushy kind of person (I work pretty hard to keep it to myself), and I am even more so when I see goodbyes in the not too distant future. So, while my testimonial is pretty lean and tries as best as I, a non-musician, can make it stick to the facts of your abilities as a teacher, there is so much more than your teaching skills that I am grateful for and will miss. I think you know that, but I will say at least some of the things I am grateful for and will miss: Your enthusiasm for singing, for the process of each student's learning to sing, your encouragement.
Okay, so those are kind of still professional. I am grateful for the chat times after lessons and for making me laugh at my own overwhelming emotions at watching and listening to Allie perform. I am grateful for the times you took Allie to performances. I know there weren't many, but that was her own resistance as a squirmy audience member!
I am grateful for the friendship and mentoring you offered Allie (and by extension, me) and for the love and concern you showed her when she was in the dumps. You gave her a chance to cry and not be the strong and dutiful daughter she sometimes think she has to be around me. I am grateful for the times you called me and gave me an opportunity to share my concern as well.
Okay, so that's a little closer to what I wanted to say to you, but not necessarily in my testimonial. You are one of the most loving and generous people I have ever had the good luck to have met, and you came into our lives at a time when we needed just that kind of person.
I am sure you will be receiving lots of similar letters, but this was one bandwagon I did not want to miss.
With love,
Kathy, parent
Sommer Garner is a great voice teacher with a remarkable ability to teach not only vocal skills but also appreciation for all types of music and voices, attention to meaning and lyrics (in foreign languages as well as English), and a set of work habits that are necessary to becoming a vocal artist.
With all of that, Sommer helps her students achieve a level of confidence in performance and a genuine enthusiasm for song, their own songs and the songs of others.
My daughter has taken lessons from Sommer Garner for the past four years and has grown so much as a singer and musician. We are both so glad for the opportunity to have worked with Sommer.
Kathy Elliot, parent
Thanks Sommer -
now you made me cry again! LOL I was so proud of her and thought she did a great job despite having a cold. She amazes me in that she does not get nervous. She must get that from her dad because I am always a nervous wreck when performing (and for her when she's performing). Thank you so much for everything you have done to help her with her singing over the past year. She really has grown so much and gotten more confident. She loves her lessons with you and the studio friendships & fun. I have had a lot of experience with teachers personally & professionally and have never seen anyone else provide so many opportunities for their students as you do. No matter where we end up for lessons after you move, I know that is something that is unique to your studio & probably won't happen again. I love how the students work together, and care and support each other. Thank you again for your kind words!
Amy Diehl Tomassone, parent
All I know to say is "THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!" Speaking for my entire family, having you in our lives has been a joy!! We have met so many amazing people through the Studio, and I really hope everyone continues to be friends from here on out. I cannot wait to see what life holds for you, Sommer!
But I'm pretty certain you are indeed "living like that"!!
Susan Dix Gabler, parent
Sommer Garner has been been my son's voice teacher for almost two years. She not only teaches voice, but also shares valuable life lessons. She is a very engaging teacher who loves her students as her own. So much so, she lectures them when needed. Sommer enjoys taking her students on road trips, and getting them involved with various musical shows, operas, and the like. My son has grown in many ways from her teaching. Sommer is passionate, loving, and sincere in sharing her gifts, which are many.
Despina Snyder, parent
Sommer,
Thank you so much for working with Mary Kate. She sang at mass today and did a lovely job. In the short time she has been your student, her skill and confidence have improved exponentially. You are such a talented teacher and strong role model for our daughter. Words can not express our appreciation.
Thank you for all you do!
Heather and Stephen Dick, parents