About Poco a Poco
A Note from your Coach - Vera Crouse
I have always loved singing.
It has been a part of my life in countless ways for as long as I can remember and I am blessed for the incredible experiences I've had because of music.
Over time I've also developed my skills as an educator and coach, leaning into my passion for helping others - and experiencing the joy of being a part of someone's learning journey.
There is so much self-discovery in learning about your voice and developing your craft as a performer. I know this from personal experience and it's my purpose to help others do the same.
Poco a Poco (a musical term that means "little by little) was intentionally created to reinforce that growth takes time and doesn't usually happen all at once. And that's why I'm here.
As your coach, I am committed to supporting you on your musical journey, helping you to uncover opportunities, identify intentions, and live out your wildest artistic dreams. Let's GO!
A Learner and Professional
Along with her passion for music, Vera has worked to build her knowledge and expertise, starting with her high school chorus teacher, Mr. Sanders, and then on to Longwood University where she would graduate with a degree and license for Vocal Music Education K-12.
She enjoyed 5 years working with elementary music students, directing school musicals, and leading celebrations and assemblies. In 2020, Vera transitioned to middle school chorus. Working with this new age group and fewer students gave her opportunities to understand the importance of developing relationships and building culture in order to help each individual as well as the collective in reaching goals.
In 2022, Vera made a significant professional shift and started working in senior care and engagement as an Activities Assistant in a senior living community. Uncovering a new passion for working with her residents, Vera began a new journey to develop her knowledge and skills for working with people living with dementia. She managed two memory care communities and has since become a Certified Coach, Trainer, and Consultant through Teepa Snow's Positive Approach to Care. Vera loves being able to support individuals and families - and experiencing the impact of music on the mind.
A Performer and Quartet Singer
Although Vera was classically trained as a soprano in college, she developed a love for barbershop singing in high school and was inspired by BHS quartet 'Round Midnight and SAI quartet Capri at her first festival hosted by Norfolk's Commodore Chorus. She sang in multiple quartets throughout college, medaling twice in the Sweet Adelines International Rising Star Quartet Contest (2012 5th Place with Cosmo and 2015 2nd Place with Rendezvous).
Although she fell in love with barbershop as a tenor and medaled as a bass, Vera developed an affinity for singing lead with REV'L, a special quartet of friends who helped her embrace her passion for story-telling and connecting with audiences. You can now find Vera singing lead with her dear friends Meredith, Leigh Anne, and Harriette in Rosegold Four.
Outside of barbershop, Vera has performed as a soloist and also sings lead in a cover band. She enjoys playing piano and bringing music to ordinary every-day moments.
A Director and Coach
While in college, Vera joined the Greater Richmond Chorus - a Sweet Adelines Chorus in Region 14. She loved being a member in this incredible ensemble of women and looked forward to leadership opportunities and ways to serve.
Little did she know she would become the director three years later in 2014 - as a 22-year old college student!
Vera feels grateful every day for the music, love, support, and growth she gets to experience with GRC.
To enhance her skills as a leader, Vera has attended multiple educational workshops like SAI International Directors Seminars and BHS Harmony University, and has earned Harmony 500 as a Certified Director in SAI. She loves getting to work with other directors, sharing ideas and learning from each others' specialities. She also enjoys teaching classes in Region 14, leading weekend workshops, and coaching other quartets and choruses - BHS, SAI, and Harmony Inc.