Voice Lessons in Crestwood, VA

Instruments: Piano Voice

I use Bastien Piano Basics for young and older beginners, as well as supplemental books from Alfred Piano and Hal Leonard. For intermediate students, we begin building a repertoire together of pieces the student enjoys and plays well. I try to find a nice balance between classical, traditional, and popular music. For voice I use the Little Singers series for kids and supplemental books of songs from Hal Leonard. These songs include Disney favorites and other classic songs such as "Puff, the Magic Dragon". Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For my vocal students, I start with vocal exercises every lesson and allow them learn to vocal techniques through different vocal exercises. Then I work with my students on the repertoire that they are interested in or repertoire that can help them practice their weak spots. For my piano students, I use many different series (Alfred's, Faber, or some classic repertoire) depending on their level and age. For all students, I will also include music theory when I teach because the students will have a stronger foundation with all of these components, which will enable them to learn better, faster and even by their own. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

I have been playing guitar and singing for 20 years. I have formal guitar training from John Jennings (of Mary Chapin Carpenter) and Tom Giata (One Life to Live, All My Children, etc.). I also have had formal vocal training from Matt Kramer (Saigon Kick). I am certified to teack Piano, Guitar and Voice beginner and intermediate levels. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I begin with determining the objectives of my student. For example, a student may want to work on increasing his/her range, improving tone, learning techniques for a certain style, or may want to establish a repertoire of songs or “90-second cuts” for an audition. With that information, I design a program to meet these objectives. We proceed at a comfortable pace and monitor the goals and objectives often. My teaching style is relaxed and fun but devoted to working on proper vocal technique and confidence building. Read More

Instruments: Voice

The goal of good vocal technique is to provide the singer with the tools to express themselves artistically with complete freedom. This freedom of vocal expression is built upon a few basic principles: an efficient breathing process, proper posture, coordinated bodily support, efficient phonation, and an open or relaxed throat. There are countless physical and psychological barriers that singers encounter which interrupt these qualities, and it is the responsibility of the voice teacher to identify those obstacles and provide the student with affirmative solutions to overcoming them. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I believe that each student has their own unique way of learning, so I tailor my lessons to fit. To help reduce tension that can affect singing, I begin lessons with stretching and breathing practice. This gives the student a chance to unwind from the day and to focus on the lesson. I like to give my students specific practice instructions, so that their home practice is productive and I also believe that immediate feedback is important to help guide a student’s learning. Read More

Instruments: Voice Music

Singing is fun! I love to watch my students be passionate about the material they do, and select repertoire with specific intent. I excel in repertoire finding and coaching, and I like to give song options to students— though it is up to the singer to perform what they like. Learning to sing is a different process for each person individually, and I believe that there is no fixed formula for all singers. Read More