Voice Lessons in San Diego, CA

Instruments: Piano Voice

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
I was asked in churches to play because I could read music and hymns quite well. I was also asked to play for choirs and that was enjoyable. I was asked to teach at a preschool a music class and that is where it all really started. I really enjoyed that and the students grew. The desire to be a professional musician sort of grew gradually, because I always enjoyed creative art also.

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
my two older sisters performed in San Diego area even before i was born. They played organ, accordion and piano. My parent's immigrated after the world war 2 and their heart was for their children to have music and play in church. They didn't continue but their children also play some instrument. My sister Susan in Texas has been teaching for many years.

If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I enjoyed singing and people told me I had a good voice. I started taking lessons and singing in choirs. I really started to grow for the love of singing. It was easier for me to play piano and I was shy about singing in pubic. I started finding out I could play piano and sing at the same time which really helped me

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
Music is such a big part of my life, but I really enjoy writing stories. I love art also and love my students showing me their art pieces. I would probably be an activity director in a veterans hospital or retirement facility. I really love helping people and would and sometimes think I will study to be an expressive art therapist. The arts heal wounds that can be very deep. Music, art, and dance. I have learned in studying that in dementia music is the last thing to leave them. The can be very ill but you play a song they know their eyes light up even if they can't talk. It is so beautiful to see. I worked with a women who had frontal dementia a music teacher. She was diagnosed with this disease at 68. She couldn't remember music and motor skills were deteriorating but she could still play somewhat. I would also review theory and she could remember songs. IN performing in memory units the people didn't know their names but the songs they could sing.

What is your dream piece to perform and why?
I enjoy doing my own compositions,because I really can feel the music and they each have their story. As for for other composers I enjoy their work like moonlight sonata, and many more. beautiful pieces.

If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
composition. love writing music and such a blessing to be able to understand and be creative. i enjoy teaching but I also enjoy performing. My love for teaching grew when I had my own children. I so much enjoyed children even more and working with all different types of different personalities.

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
hymns, they are beautiful and heartfelt. I love playing in church and seeing people enjoying singing. I also love contemporary christian music because like to be creative and play chords and sing. I also enjoy contemporary classical music, becauseit is creative. I like the classical music because it is challenging and beautiful.

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
i tell my parent's if they can practice 4 days a week each piece and song 3 times. This teaches them responsibility. It will be only 5 or 10 minutes but as the student grows and music gets harder they learn the discipline. When they have more songs it goes to 20 to 30 minutes a day and if children like to practice more that is awesome!

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