Melanie G  
Instruments: Voice
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Musical Theater, Opera, Latin, Showtunes, Latin Jazz, Swing

I began teaching private voice lessons as a graduate student in college, and have now been teaching for about 5 years. I always try to bring my own performing experiences into the studio, as I believe this is beneficial to my students. I am still an active professional performer, so I'm always learning on the job and bringing new ideas into the studio. I am very passionate and energetic about singing and performing, and I encourage my students to bring passion and energy to their own singing. Because I learn a lot by performing, I also encourage my students to perform as often as possible, in whatever capacity they feel comfortable - auditions, recitals, musicals, gigs, concerts, karaoke, you name it! I believe it is really important to hone your craft on stage, in addition to constant practice in the studio and at home. I love teaching students of all ages, but am especially experienced with students ages 10-30s. 

I always talk to my students about the physical function of the vocal instrument in the first few lessons, especially if the student has not had voice lessons in the past. My goal is to uncover each student's natural voice, as free from strain and technical difficulties as possible. I do this through a number of different methods, depending on the age and learning style of the student, but my goal is always the same - a free and easy voice! I am very proud to say that my students are not "cookie cutter" versions of my own singing, but rather each student is unique and individual in their sound.  It is also very important to me that students immediately bring acting and performing into their singing, so I start this even with the very first song we work on. Performing/acting helps the vocal technique fall into place more easily, and always provides a more interesting result. If a student does not read music, I also begin to teach sight singing and ear training from the beginning - I have needed to do this more often with children, but I am happy to help adults learn to read music as well! In terms of the music we sing, I try to let each student's tastes and interests guide the repertoire we work on in the studio.