Voice Lessons in Riviera Beach, MD

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

My methods of teaching are primarily based on the individual. Within the first lesson, I make an assessment of the individuals musical abilities, and document the genres of music that interests the student. I then create a curriculum based on that assessment, which includes music theory, building repertoire (including music that interests the student), and music history/literature. I also encourage the student to engage in music competitions/auditions and student recitals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Melissa began singing in a church choir at the age of four and has been "hooked" ever since. After years of performing in various choirs and taking lessons herself, she went on to earn her Bachelor's degree in vocal performance at Illinois Wesleyan University and her Master's at Illinois State University. Meanwhile, Melissa was also studying piano from childhood through college. Now in her 21st year of playing, Melissa loves to teach beginner and intermediate pianists in addition to youngsingers. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I am a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), the Pan American Vocology Association (PAVA), and the Voice Foundation. As a performer, I have sung in many opera houses and theatres across the country as well as in Germany and Italy. My voice has been described as “ebullient” in roles such as Figaro in Le Nozze di Figaro, Leporello in Don Giovanni, Dr. Dulcamara in L’elisir d’amore, Méphistophélès in Faust, Caspar in Der Freischütz, and Sam in Trouble in Tahiti. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I individualize my instruction based on each student's musical background and goals. Each student is unique, and has his or her own unique learning style. However, for beginning piano students I tend to start with either the Bastien Piano Library, Alfred Piano Library, or Faber Piano Adventures to provide a basic groundwork and methodology. For vocal students, I craft their study depending on the style of music that the student expresses an interest in and organize their technical studies to accommodate that vocal style. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Flute Recorder Piccolo Music Keyboard

I have made sure to transfer all of these skills to my private teaching. I am very direct with my students and act as facilitator in lesson discussions, and to try not making decisions for them. I heavily employ the "trial by fire" and "sink or swim" methods, as I've found those the most effective in my lifetime of learning new things. However, I am flexible in going back and reteaching and remodeling, as long as we still keep our "eyes on the prize", whether that be personal rewards, scholastic musical awards, musical career advancement, music therapy approach/feelings, etc. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Cello Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Every lesson plan I make is customized to a student's interests, learning needs, and age. I combine a combination of technique focus and repertoire learning in each lesson. As students progress, their plans are updated to reflect their growth as a musician. I like to involve students directly in the goal planning process and keep them regularly updated about where they are on meeting their goals. Furthermore, teaching sustainable, healthy, and effective practice techniques is a core part of how I teach. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I have also performed with the prestigiousCincinnati May Festival Chorus and had concert appearancesat Disney Hall in Los Angeles, New World Stages in NewYork City, The Sheldonian Theatre in Oxford, England,among many others. In addition, Rebecca I am a clinician for many master classes- this year teaching and performingat Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington. Most recently I have enjoyed working for Disney and singing back-up for Kevin Spacey! Read More