Voice Lessons in Sacramento, CA

Instruments: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

My teaching experience dates back to my college days, as I began teaching private lessons almost 20 years ago, and have been consistently teaching students in my home studio, several Piano Academies, and students' homes. Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. I've also found that a combination of classical and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy the piano and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I approach teaching with specific methods in mind, but I always tailor my lessons to the student. I keep an open mind to switching things up if and idea isn't clicking, because the student and their love for music is what I care about most. I'm a fan of trying different things and working towards the student's goals. I want the student to have fun, most importantly, and I want them to grow and feel confident in their voice. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I've also found that a combination of classical and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy the singing and acting and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. If a student isn't having fun in their lessons, then I'm not doing my job! My students are encouraged to enter competitions and recitals, as well as work on composing their own original material, so they can feel good about their accomplishments and stay motivated to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I sang in both the classical and jazz choirs, and was percussion section leader in the Concert and Symphonic Bands, where I worked with Susan Hamre in organizing an annual High School Honor Band event, with guest conductor/composer Gary P. Gilroy. I also sang as a soloist with the ARC Orchestra as a winner of the 2016 Concerto/Aria Competition. At CSUN, I currently study composition with Liviu Marinescu, A.J. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Organ Synthesizer Keyboard

If you’ve tried and failed, or even if you’ve never touched a piano, Smiley can teach you. And, you’ll have fun doing it because with my easy approach to learning, you will start playing the songs you like from day one, not practicing endless scales all the time, and boring music language that would be difficult to understand the first day. With my easy learning how to play approach, you would lean your first song and be able to play it, over and over until you learn a new song to share. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Conga Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

No matter the skill level, I like to keep my curriculum concise, applicable, and easy for all students to understand. I begin with a crash course in music fundamentals to give students a classical understanding of their playing, reading, and writing techniques. Next, I teach them scales, chords, and playing techniques that correlate with their level of playing and music comprehension. Once they have mastered said curriculum I teach them songs that they are genuinely interested in. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

My teaching experience begins when I apprenticed under my Choral teacher in high school and she would ask me to work one on one with certain singers that needed extra help. I started teaching private lessons part time at 17 and continued all through college. I have been consistently teaching students in my home for the past 5 years. I am a firm believer that in order to truly excel in anything you must have a classical foundation. Read More