Voice Lessons in Weston, MO

Instruments: Voice

My teaching experience began when I was in grad school, where I taught a few students at a local high school. Since moving to the KC area eight years ago, I have been consistently teaching and gradually building my private studio, which now has over 20 students! I love working with young singers (specifically grades 8-12) and helping them find the potential in their voices.  I have encountered the full range of ability levels, from very experienced (had lessons before, sung multiple solos in school choir, had lead roles in musicals, etc.) to complete novice (no lessons, no choir experience).  My overall approach to lessons is the same, regardless of ability level: consistent improvement from week to week using vocal exercises, songs, and an exploration of breath and the physicality of singing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Synthesizer Keyboard

For beginner Piano students who are young, I teach either from Hal Leonard's Essential Elements or Faber & Faber. Both are great interactive resources that help guide toward mastery of the basics. I also like to include games using flash cards and note names for my youngest students who learn best through a variety of activities. For those that are past beginner lever, the Faber & Faber series works well to incorporate solo repertoire with technique and theory practice. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Organ Ukulele Recorder Keyboard Djembe

Most of my music career has focused on accompaniment and performance - but teaching is my favorite, because it gives me the opportunity to help another succeed. Music is at the core of each of us, and it's so crucial to find success in developing that part of us. I focus on student success, no matter what that looks like. My students will be encouraged to enter competitions, recitals, and composition. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Ukulele Music

My teaching style is a little eclectic. I like explaining everything I do because students should know why they're doing certain things. I work with each student to figure out why they're taking voice lessons and figure out accomplishments that they want to achieve. I'm tired of voice teachers only teaching classical music, especially when a student says they want something different. Classical music is important, especially in the music sphere, but singing and playing are not all about that. Read More

Instruments: Voice Drums Orchestral Percussion

For the young students who are just starting out in vocal lessons I like to recommend starting with the proper breathing techniques and moving in to singing from the diaphragm and more experienced techniques will follow after that. After we have touched on those techniques we will move in to the performance portion of the lessons and how to connect with the song and then being able to portray the message of the song clearly and efficiently to the audience so that they can connect to the emotions that are coming from the song. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Acoustic Guitar

for beginning students who are children and just starting out, i typically start with the basic elements of either voice or guitar, depending on which lesson you have chosen. once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire which is age - appropriate of course, in hopes of preparing them for a first recital, perhaps. for adults, i try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More