Robert S
Instruments: Voice, Drums
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, R&B, Musical Theater, Funk, Swing, New Age, Bossa Nova
Robert S
Instruments: Voice, Drums
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, R&B, Musical Theater, Funk, Swing, New Age, Bossa Nova
Where I Teach:
In Your Home
My Studio
Ages Taught: 10-80
ABOUT
Degrees / Training / Special Info:
BM, Berklee College of Music, Voice/Percussion/Flute
Awards:
1981-Best Music Award for original soundtrack to animated film, Hard Passage
Overview:
I am an accomplished musician and internationally renowned music educator. I have worked extensively as a performer, conductor, clinician and ensemble adjudicator at jazz festivals, and seminars in the United States, Europe and South America. The breadth of my teaching and performing background is rooted in the rigorous and varied training I received at the LaGuardia School of Performing Arts in New York City. My stylistic diversity enabled me to perform in a score of ensembles including concert band, symphony and chamber orchestra, brass ensemble, jazz choir and stage band. I have performed with The Ritz, Jazz Harp Trio and Vocal Summit featuring Bobby McFerrin. I earned a Bachelor Music Education degree from Berklee College of Music and subsequently served as professor and Assistant Chair of the Voice Department during the final 10 years of my tenure there. I'm currently offering private instruction in contemporary singing, scat improvisation and my "instru-vocal" approach to trap set drumming. I'm interested in teaching all levels from novice to professional.
EXPERIENCE
I have been teaching vocalists and instrumentalists around the world for over 40 years. During my 27-year tenure as Assistant Chair of the Voice Department at Berklee College of Music in Boston, I instituted courses for teaching singers all styles of jazz and contemporary music. I teach technique and style interpretation to all ages and levels of proficiency. I have a positive attitude and encourage my students to practice hard to reach their goals. I started my musical journey at age 12 when I took up the trumpet.
METHODS USED
My lessons for vocalists are divided into two sections: technique and repertoire. For singers, breath management skills are of primary importance as this directly affects intonation. I like to begin with Anne Peckham's The Contemporary Singer. My students can choose any songs they would like to sing while we work on musicianship skills including expression and lyrical phrasing. Singers who want to study jazz and improvisation use one or more of my pedagogical texts on scat singing.
Drum lessons are divided into technical studies, contemporary drum beats and style applications. My beginning level players start with George Stone's Stick Control, while more advanced students work out of Ted Reed's Syncopation For the Modern Drummer. Advanced drummers use Jim Chapin's Advanced Techniques. I teach beginners by ear so if you are starting from scratch I would love to work with you!
LESSON STYLE
Teaching music has always been my number one passion and lifetime goal. Playing a musical instrument (including voice) is empowering and enriches the soul. I enjoy teaching all levels and welcome beginners with no previous musical training. Practicing is the most important regimen a student must learn and while it requires dedication and hard work, practicing your instrument should always be a pleasant and satisfying experience. A good practice schedule includes a warm up, technical exercises and exploring stylistic repertoire the student is interested in performing.
PHOTOS & VIDEOS
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