Daniel W  
Instruments: Piano, Voice
Styles: Classical, Musical Theater, Opera, Showtunes

I welcome students of all ages from five years and up. My teaching experience began over 20 years ago when I taught voice lessons to several of the choir students at Choctaw High School. I am passionate about music and about helping find the unique approach for each student. Music Theory is the language of music and I focus a portion of each lesson learning that language. I think it is important to incorporate both classical repertoire and music that is of specific interest to the student. The classical repertoire will reinforce the technique and specific lessons covered. The other pieces should also reinforce specific concepts and skills, but should be music the student enjoys. I strive to keep the lessons and the practice time engaging and rewarding. I cannot stress enough that music is a talent, and just as importantly a skill that anyone can develop. Like anything worthwhile that will last a lifetime, it is not developed over night. It takes time, commitment and consistency to become a skilled musician. I look forward to growing with my students and celebrating their accomplishments large and small.

For beginning piano students I typically use the Alfred Method. Once the student demonstrates a grasp of the fundamentals I introduce solo repertoire. For adults I typically use the John Thompson Adult Piano Course and we work together to find the solo repertoire. For voice lessons, I typically teach the bel canto style. I will work with vocalises that help develop breath control, placement and open vowels. I also use the Music Theory for Singers program to teach Music Theory and also use solfeggi to build sight singing skills. I will typically start with the 24 Italian Songs and Arias as well as specific repertoire the student is interested in learning, whether it is musical theatre, opera or other popular music.