Kiah C  
Instruments: Piano, Voice, Cello
Styles: Classical, Pop, Musical Theater, Opera, New Age

In my senior year of high school I began mentoring some of the younger cello students. That’s really where teaching started. When I got to college I started teaching a few lessons for a local music school. Later I developed a choir at a correctional facility for troubled youth. These were kids coming out of drugs and criminal activity. I found that they actually loved learning to sing. Once I graduated from college I began teaching some private lessons and helping the local high school music program. I was a worship leader for 14 years. I started writing songs (what I called making up songs) when I was 8 years old. Music was a way to express myself creatively and accurately. I helped many of my students improve not only in technique (which is important) but in connecting with their own authenticity and confidence. I have mostly taught voice lessons, though I have had a few piano and cello students.

For beginning vocal students (sometimes experienced singers) I like to start with making sure they have free breath flow and know how to practice strengthening their voice without holding or creating any unnecessary tensions. Breath and posture are foundational. I like the wholistic and classical approach. I find that students who wish to sing pop will still benefit from classical training and will know how to take care of their voices. This kind of training will not detract from other methods, but it will definitely add to a more healthy voice and greater mastery of singing. I'm able to help students get to and through the intermediate level.

For cello students I like to make sure the fundamentals of good bowing and fingering are in place. From there I like to work on expression and help people make the music come alive. After scales and basic technique are in place I like to work with students on learning to improvise (or jam) with other styles of music. While I did play in string ensembles and orchestras, my main focus and experience with cello has been in band and worship music settings. I can help individuals with musicality, phrasing, intonation and tone quality.