Voice Lessons in Fairmont, CA

Instruments: Piano Voice

I started studying at the age of 7 and never looked back. I'm about to graduate with my degree in vocal performance and have already completed my pedagogy requirements. I have 4 years of teaching experience, and 13+ years of performing experience. I primarily perform opera, however I have extensive experience in musical theater, solo jazz and in vocal jazz ensembles, as well as concert and chamber choirs. I am comfortable teaching any of these styles, though of course when it comes to opera younger students will start with art song and other classical styles that are more suited to the less mature voice. Read More

Instruments: Voice

While I was living in Chicago, I started my own voice studio. Unfortunately, after a couple of years I had to close shop when I moved to the United Kingdom to pursue my postgraduate degree in musical theatre. I directed, stage managed, and assistant directed many musical theatre productions and musical performances in Chicago, Nashville, Washington D.C. and London. I have had ten years of varied professional experience in the industry both on and off stage. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard

My philosophy is that the lessons should be personalised around the students needs and interests.  For voice, I work on vocal technique with my students, and on how to apply it to whatever style they like.  For piano, I like to work with the Alfred's piano books, gradually adding repertoire that matches their ability level, and can yet be fun. I have a few Faber and Alfred books for ideas of repertoire, but I also like to just let the student chose what songs they'd like to play, so that it's more interesting for the both of us! Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

My Methods: Fundamentals of breath work - incorporating several physical exercises and methods of showing the coordination until it is ingrained Focus on the use of the resonators - projecting the sound to the different cavities where sound resonates before leaving your body and into the room (i.e. 'the mask', mouth resonance, chest resonance, etc) Reducing tongue tension - a common issue is root of the tongue tension and I have several exercises to address this Improving range - most of my students gain notes in their belt range and their head range, and often in their low range as well Increasing the legato vocal line - here we focus on linking the vowels properly supported by the breath Jaw tension - similar to tongue we have evercises for this Style - different approaches such as riffing, back phrasing, using a glottal attack, using a breathy attack - creating colorful expressive phrases that link to the emotion of the song and the style desired Musicality - learning to read music, counting tempo, sustaining pitch, syncopation, dynamics, etc Diction - correct vowel shapes and enunciation + awareness of when tension closes down the vocal line if diction is carried over from speaking habits Performance - using tools from acting training to perform a song effectively and believably Career consultation - when appropriate, also offered Read More

Instruments: Voice

My lessons are pretty straight forward. We begin with understanding body posture and alignment for singing. Once in good posture, I encourage breath flow while maintaining good alignment. A good exercise for breath control and release is taking a deep breath in 10 seconds, holding the expansion or suspension for 10 seconds and then releasing (NOT PUSHING) the breath in an s sound, all while maintaining a tall and expanded posture. Next, we move on to scales from the middle of the voice to the lowest notes to get the voice warmed up. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums French Horn Oboe

I began teaching at the Xavier University Junior School of Music (Louisiana) at the age of 18. My teaching experience now spans 30 years. While most of my teaching, over the years, has been primarily private, I also have several years of classroom teaching experience. I enjoy teaching music because I believe that it is one of the most endearing methods of sharing information. One of my motto's is that I am an educator first, music is simply the vehicle by which I choose to educate. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin

Expect lessons to be fun and enjoyable! I want all my students to love music. I use a variety of materials to craft customized lessons based on your interest, skill level, and musical style. Let me know what you want to learn and I can help you achieve that goal! Read More