Lauren F  
Instruments: Piano, Voice
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, R&B, Musical Theater, Opera, Showtunes, Spirituals

I began maintaining a private voice and piano studio in New Jersey in 2008 while still studying at music conservatory. I worked with a wide range of ages. After I got married, we relocated to Westchester, NY, where I have continued a full teaching and performing career. My active performing career informs my teaching and continues to build my knowledge of vocal technique, repertoire, style, language, and musicianship. As a singer, it is imperative to have piano skills. When I began voice lessons as a child, my voice teacher immediately insisted that I also study piano, which I did through my Bachelor degree. I enjoy watching students find a sense of confidence through their music lessons, and strongly believe that skills are built through daily consistent practice. I have practice requirements for all my students. I encourage students to enter into competitions, recitals, or school shows, as I can help them prepare the necessary requirements.

For a beginner vocalist, I will always begin with standard bel canto vocalises. These promote, first and foremost, the health of the voice. They also build flexibility, agility, and suppleness within the vocal cords. As students advance, these vocalises become more and more advanced. The technique built in the vocalises eventually infiltrates a singers' repertoire, and appropriate repertoire choices are extremely important and made thoughtfully. Pianists begin with an introduction through scales and music theory. I use the Dozen A Day books as a technique-building resource, and select a repertoire/performance book so students can also work on repertoire. I like to take students' repertoire requests into consideration, so lessons are collaborative.