PRIVATE AND GROUP LESSONS

VOICE LESSONS

I teach weekly private voice lessons to students of all ages.  Depending on the student, I teach in 30, 45 or 60 minute increments for private instruction. Group lessons will be for 45 min. or one hour and are age-oriented with 3 or more students at a group rate.  Semi-private lessons are also available.

In the private voice lesson, we cover all of the proper techniques of singing, including proper breathing, pitch stability, diction and enunciation, proper stability for the jaw and mouth, vocal exercises, and proper warm-ups for the voice.  Then we proceed to work on building a thorough repertoire of songs personal to each student, keeping their interest, musical ability and progress in mind.  As an educator, my aim is not just to teach voice, but to teach music and the accompanying life skills that support their training.  Other additional skills can include basic music theory, acting and song interpretation, and the basic elements of how to read music (time signature, key signature, dynamics, rhythms), etc.

About the younger GROUP voice lessons:  For my 4-5-year-old and 6-7-year-old students, I can teach semi-private or group lessons (up to 8). I combine singing songs,  voice techniques, musical instruments, movement, very basic music theory skills (note recognition, rhythm, etc.), art integration and acting. A fun and active class for the younger students, this session meets 45 minutes to one hour once a week. 

 PIANO LESSONS

In private weekly piano lessons, I start with the proficiency level of the student. Beginner students learn how to touch the piano keys, note recognition, proper easy fingering on the piano, and begin simple pieces using the right and then left hands. More advanced students will work with scales using both hands in exercises, finger drills, and begin advanced pieces, as well as learning about chord structure, inversions of chords on the piano, and music theory. Every student is individual in how they excel, and I cater carefully to their musical development and understanding.

ACTING LESSONS

In private acting lessons, we cover the proper techniques of acting- including stage, tv and commercials. Study includes basic acting skills, proper breathing, enunciation and articulation, voice projection, characterization, effective dynamics, improvisation, scene study, commercial work, understanding text, auditioning skills, and how to deal with issues such as anxiety and stage fright. 

I sometimes will combine acting skills with musical pieces and coach many musical theater songs with acting technique if students desire to take both acting and voice.

I teach six days a week from 12- 8pm.  Once you establish the best time for you or your student, we will meet weekly to develop your training. There is a 24 hour notice if you have to miss your lesson, or you will be charged for the lesson.  You can also use that credit for another lesson within the same week.

If one family has two or more students taking voice, piano or acting private lessons at the studio, they will receive a $5 off  each lesson for each student each week.

1. Do I need to have prior experience in voice, acting or piano training for your studio.

• ABSOLUTELY NOT!  I teach beginners all the way to seasoned professionals, and each student starts at their own individual level.

2. Do I need to bring my own music to my lessons?

• For the first lesson, you will NOT need to bring music to your lesson, but if you have music already that you are working on, and want to sing/play that for me, that is great!  Otherwise, I will be providing music for your study.

3. Can I record my lessons?

• YES!  I encourage my students to record their lessons if they would like.  With today's technology with iPhones, they can video or audiotape their lesson or use VOICE MEMOS on their phones.  I will often send recorded music for students on emails through VOICE MEMOS as well if they need accompaniment or specific work with notes and rhythm. 

4. Can I bring my parents or guests to my lessons?

• Depending on whether the students feels comfortable, all parents are always invited to watch their child's lesson. I encourage it, infact, for the first lesson. I will be up to the parent and child on whether they wait and stay with their child.  I have provided a sitting area for parents to watch or work while their child is having his or her lesson.   Generally, other guests are not encouraged to attend as not to distract the student during the lesson, unless the guests are coming to observe to consider taking lessons for themselves,