Hi! I'm Annika Hawkes.

I am a voice and music theory teacher, and am the founder of Meadowlark Musician. 

My mission at Meadowlark Musician is to:

• Support singers in becoming confident musicians through accessible, practical music literacy education.

• Equip voice teachers with ready-to-use tools and resources that simplify how music reading is taught to singers.

Continue reading for more about me and my journey from singer to musician, and how that inspired my vision for meadowlark musician.

My Journey From Singer to Musician

I grew up in a musical family and although I  took lessons in viola, guitar, piano, and handbells, I always struggled and always felt like the non-musician among my siblings.

As a young teenager I discovered my musical passion when I began taking voice lessons. Singing felt natural, expressive, and became a deeply meaningful part of my identity.

While studying Vocal Performance in college, my lacking foundation in music literacy became painfully clear. Although I could sing intuitively, learning to read music fluently was an enormous challenge. Initially I was intimidated, I had not done any music theory with my previous voice teacher and my lack of music literacy had always been an insecurity of mine, but as I learned the secrets of music theory I became thirsty for more. 

Developing these skills changed everything for my singing. Music literacy didn’t just improve my technique—it transformed my confidence, artistry, and opportunities. I finally became a musician.

My transformation from singer to musician is what planted the seed for Meadowlark Musician.

Building Meadowlark Musician

My vision for Meadowlark Musician is directly inspired by my own experiences as a young voice student who was not taught music literacy, as an overwhelmed music student in college, and now as a voice and music theory teacher.

Meadowlark Musician was created out of both personal experience and deep conviction. I know firsthand how discouraging it can be to struggle to understand written music—and how transformative it is when those skills finally click.

As someone who once believed musicianship was out of reach, I care deeply about making music literacy more accessible and encouraging for singers. I want every singer to have the opportunity to experience the confidence, artistry, and freedom that music literacy brings.

Music literacy is an essential skill for singers. With the ability to read music comes greater confidence, increased musical opportunities, and a deeper artistry and appreciation for vocal music.

At Meadowlark Musician, both teaching and learning music literacy is a joyful, accessible, and empowering process for every singer.

Whether you’re a teacher in need of resources, a student just beginning, or returning to develop your musicianship after a long break, I’m excited you are here.

About Me Personally

I studied Vocal Performance at the College of Southern Idaho before transferring to Utah State University where I graduated in 2020 with a bachelors degree in Family Life Science, Family Relationships.

I am the wife of a veterinary student and a homeschool mom of three kids from the rural town of Buhl Idaho, USA.

In addition to my passion for music, I enjoy swimming, drawing, painting, crocheting, hiking, and reading.