Voice Lessons in Boston, MA

Instruments: Voice Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
The sax and clarinet use a single reed mouth piece and when you are learning or haven't played for a while, your jaw can become very sore from gripping the mouthpiece. As for the flute, you need to learn how to blow air across the mouthpiece, not in it. This uses a lot of air and can make you light headed. It all takes time for your body to adjust.

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
I've been singing since I could talk, maybe before :) I knew that I wanted to play the flute in either the 2nd or 3rd grade when the high school band came to the elementary school and did a demonstration. I don't really know why, it just beckoned to me. I played recorder, fell in love, and jumped at the flute first chance I got in 5th grade.

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
If you are a beginner, I suggest setting up 15-30 minute Daily practicing blocks. If you are a N intermediate to advanced performer, then use time management skills to work out longer daily blocks, or multiple short daily blocks. Find a comfortable and secluded place to practice so to not be distracted and /or not bother others.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
Children may express a desire to make music at a young age. You may be able to determine your child's commitment to their request by observing their desire to sing or tap along with music, if they pick up a toy instrument and actually get decent sound out of it. Young children can begin to be interested in more than Old Mac Donald's Farm, and want to sing or play an instrument. Be aware of their fine motor skill developlet, and not strains third voice when they singing.

If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I wasn't allowed to play the flute in jazz band (ya, I know- just silly) so the only available free instrument to pick up was an old tenor sax used in marching band that everyone called "The Swingy-Neck" because the screw to hold the neck was rusted, so the neck could go in, but not tighten into place. Half the time it swung away when you went to put the mouth piece in your mouth. So, I learned to play tenor and how to let go of being stuck to the notes on the page and improvise. Now I really know what it means to "play it by ear". I picked up the clarinet in order to broaden my music lessons. It's a lot easier to teach clarinet with a clarinet than transposing to flute. That is a nightmare!!!

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
My father plays the accordion and can sing. My mother was a good singer. Most of my love of music comes from them. I am blessed to have had parents who liked such a wide range of music.

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
I've always loved to perform and have had some interesting experiences along the way. I have a friend and former neighbor who would hire me to play the flute at her art gallery openings back when I was in high school. I also performed on stage at gala events along side famous actors and musicians back in the early 90's as a teen. Since then I've played a variety of gigs from playing classical flute music, singing in choirs, playing in concert bands, and accompanying and singing in church, Christian and rock n' roll gigs. The journey is hardly done.

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