Jeffrey D. TakeLessons Instructor classical voice, guitar in all styles. Long Beach, CA

A current graduate student at California State University at Los Angeles, I have studied voice with Dr. Andrew Parks, Dr. Steven Kronauer, Dr. Mark Goodrich, and Renee Souza. I have been an active musician for over twenty-five years. In 2009, I will receive my Master of Arts Degree with a vocal emphasis. In addition to classical vocal studies, I have been a serious student of the guitar for over twenty-five years, with private as well as university coursework in jazz and classical guitar studies.

 My primary reason for pursuing graduate studies and ultimately a Doctor of Musical Arts Degree is to secure employment at a college or university in the near future, and to increase my understanding of upper division pedagogical teaching methods.

 In addition to my desire for a teaching career, I will actively pursue professional theater work and other musical opportunities. I am willing to relocate anywhere for an appropriate teaching position. Currently I live in Long Beach, and look forward to completing my Masters degree. I can benefit students due to the fact that I have been known for my outstanding patience with all students.   

Experience            

Has performed in the Spanish Operetta “La Verbena De La Paloma”, performing the role of “Mozo” and Guardia.” Has performed in concert choir, chamber singers, opera repertory, musical theater, classical guitar ensemble and jazz ensembles at CSULA. Performed as “Hucklebee” in the musical theater production of “The Fantastics,” under the direction of Dr. Thomas Miyake.

During the 2003, 2004, 2005 academic years,  attended master class series with Carol Neblett, who has performed at over ninety of the world’s most prestigious opera houses. Recently performed at the PSICA Choral Festival at USC in winter 2004, and was selected for master class attendance with Professor Jing Tam of the University of Texas at Austin. Performed with the Kenny Rogers choir at Christmas presentation at Universal Amphitheater in Los Angeles, California in December of 2003. In the spring of 2004, toured Colorado as a member of concert choir under the direction  of Dr. Thomas Miyake.

 Over the years has performed with several well-known rhythm and blues bands in and around Los Angeles. In the spring of 2005, performed in the Baroque Opera, “The Coronation of Poppea” and performed the role of “Secondo Soldato.” In the spring of 2006, performed the role of Tio Isidro in the Spanish operetta “Gigantes Y Cabezudo.” In the fall of 2007, performed in CSULA’s opera ensemble in a performance that we created from several well-known operas entitled “Destino del Amor.”

In the spring of 2008, joined the Long Beach Chorale and was a baritone soloist at outdoor spring concert at Rancho Los Alamitos in Long Beach, Ca. Currently, auditioned for the Lyric Opera of Los Angeles, auditions for the Opera Pacific, Los Angeles Opera, and San Diego Opera have been tentatively scheduled for January

Recital Dates 2007-2008

Opera/Broadway recital; December 16, 2007 in the home of Stephen and Cynthia Denton.

Opera/Broadway recital; June 22, 2008 at St Lukes Church in Long Beach, Ca

Opera/Broadway recital; Tentative date set for September 21, 2008, tentative location will be St Lukes Church in Long Beach, Ca.

 Seminar/Workshops –

Professor Jing Tam master class-University of Southern California, winter 2004.

Carol Neblett master class series fall 2003 CSULA, spring 2003, spring 2004, and spring 2005.

 Private Instruction

Doug Macaskill: ABC Music Center. Burbank, Ca.

Jody Fisher: National Guitar Workshop. Redlands, Ca.

John Pisano: Sony recording artist

Steven Kronauer-Classical Voice

Twyla Meyer-Classical Piano/Accompanist

Renee Souza-Classical Voice

Josephine Lott-Classical Voice    

Clubs/Affiliations-

International Association of Jazz Educators

National Association of Teachers of Singing

I am a serious teacher, yet the most crtical factor in lessons on any instrument should be therapeutic. Relaxation, meditative fun environment should be paramount. Only then can the student unlock their hidden potential. Too often I work with singers and guitar players and they would say that the prior teacher was "strict", and that learning was NOT an enjoyable process. BINGO! I learned very early in my teaching carreer that if learning was boring or intimidating, the student would NOT learn!  I do not ever sacrifice music learning for my own sense of strict methodology. I do follow a method for singers and guitar players, and it is always a little bit of work, but it is always fun.

Good Luck!

Jeffrey

Belmont Voice Studio

Master of Arts: Music; Vocal Emphasis

(December 2008). California State University at Los Angeles. Transfer to California State University at Long Beach

In progress, audition is scheduled for mid 2008.

classical voice, guitar in all styles.

Twyla Meyer- Accompanist

Pamela Henkels   Friend

Renee Souza   Voice Teacher  

Mark Hearn    Employer 

California Music Studios   Employer/Independent