Gabe S  
Instruments: Piano, Voice
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Folk, Country, Gospel, Musical Theater, Opera, Showtunes, Spirituals

I started teaching voice in college and have taught piano in high school. For each I have about a little over year of experience. I want my students to use their musical skills as much as possible to give them motivation to practice and satisfaction in their newfound abilities. I feel that each piece and performance is an opportunity to branch out and try new things. Teaching is, for me, an opportunity to create positive change in others. My aim is to instruct singers of all ages and abilities to find joy in singing and the technical ability to bring to life the music within.

Voice students can expect training rooted in the classical style, focusing on healthy and powerful voice production. For all genres of singing, the classical style forms a healthy and sustainable base to explore from. My pedagogy is focused on an open and sustained torso, a free jaw, tongue, and neck, and light and focused breath pressure. Additionally, students will be taught optimal position for vowel formation and resonance and proper alignment of the body. They will also be taught methods designed to help embrace the character being performed and to enjoy the act of performing.

Piano students can expect training focused on building finger strength and flexibility along with sight reading and improvisation training. Piano students can also expect more theory training to complement improvisation and to more fully understand the music at hand. Beginning piano pedagogy focuses on agile, slightly curved fingers, an aligned and free back and arms, proper use of the pedals, and creating a clear and even strike. More advanced students would then be taught proper illumination of voices, musicality, and techniques for quick and rhythmically challenging passages.