Barbara W. TakeLessons Instructor Voice, Piano, Composition, Music Theory Brooklyn, NY

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

¨         Proficient in music theory, vocal techniques, sight reading and singing, harmony, ear training, songwriting

¨         Ability to sing, play and teach up to advanced voice training, basic and intermediate piano, and basic drums

EXPERIENCE

September 2007 – PRESENT       ENCORE MUSIC LESSONS,
Music Teacher                                       NEW YORK, NY

¨         Teach various students the basics of vocal and instrumental music, teach music theory

July 2007 – PRESENT                     KINGDOM SOUNDS MUSIC SCHOOL,

Music Teacher                                       BROOKLYN, NY

¨         Teaching various repertoire, preparing classes for upcoming recitals

¨         Teaching the basics of music theory and vocal music

October 2005 – June 2007             STACI NICOLE’S WORLD OF TALENT,
Vocal Teacher                                        JAMAICA, NY                

¨         Taught students from ages 4 – adult vocal music and music theory

¨         Taught various repertoire, preparing classes for upcoming recitals

February 2006 – June 2006           SPORTS AND ARTS FOUNDATION,
Music Teacher                                       WOODSIDE, NY

¨         Taught junior high school students the basics of music theory and choral music

September 2003 – June 2006       CHRISTIAN ACADEMY OF MUSIC,
Music Teacher                                       NEW YORK, NY

¨         Taught various students, from individuals to a class of 30 people the basics of vocal music and music theory

February 2003 – May 2003            MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL,

Teacher’s Assistant                               WYANDANCH, NY

¨         Assisted head teachers with daily classroom activities which included reading aloud to

                   students, preparing snack foods, and helped with class and home assignments

August 2002 – PRESENT              THE MASTER’S TOUCH MUSIC GROUP,

Founder, Music Teacher                       JAMAICA, NY

¨         Teaching students from ages 4 – adult different techniques for vocal music, instrumental music,  and music theory

Personal Career

Barbara was born on February 7th, 1979 in the Bronx, NY. Every since she was small, her family made sure to help her develop her musical skills. Her mother said when she was two, " You scream so loud!! You are going to be a singer!" Though it was funny, her mother's "prophetic" words came to pass as she has been singing since she was 4 years old.

Coming from a family with musical background, Barbara's uncle Ricky Johnson and aunt Sheila taught her how to harmonize and write her own music, in which her first song was written at age 10. Singing and rhyming at an elementary school play showed her that she wanted to pursue music more deeply than just a mere desire; it is a gift worthy to be cultivated. Barbara attended The Professional Performing Arts School and majored in Vocal Music. She also attended Five Towns College, where she not only studied Music Performance, but  Composition / Songwriting as well. She has grace the stages and events such as the Video Music Box Talent Showcase, All Stars Talent Show Network, The Soul Cafe, Black Spectrum Theater, Institutional Church and The New Life Christian Underground.

Barbara is the CEO of The Master's Touch Music Group in Jamaica, NY, where she teaches voice, piano, drums, theory, songwriting, and artist development to all ages and all genres. Two of her students were signed to Universal Records. Also, Barbara is making a name for herself by working with various producers to work on her debut album entitled " Experience Necessary".

Voice Students: We will start a lesson with stretching the body, because you don't just use your voice to sing.  Singing is most effective when your body is relaxed and positioned properly.  Next, we do breathing exercising, breathing through your nose deeply until it hits the diaphragm, and exhaling.  Next, we perform diction exercises, which consists of tongue twisters that position proper pronunciation of vowels and constanents. Next, there is singing exercises, which focus on exact pitch, expanding range, and incorporating proper use of head and chest voice with power, projection and correct breath control.  After all this, we incorporate all of this in each song we sing. We work on stage presence as well, eliminating stage fright.  If you are serious about being a singer who sings correctly and would like to perfect your gift and desire, you will see a difference in as little as 2-3 lessons.

Instrument Students: We work on theory and scales first; with piano, it's the fingering.  With drums, it's basic rhythm.

Composition/Songwriting and Theory: Composition/Songwriting teaches you how to write a hit song and the components to a great song, from choosing the right lyrics to the most catchy melody.  In order to be a great songwriter, taking theory would be the best prerequisite.  In theory, we learn how to read music by sight reading, ear training, and harmony. 

All styles, methods

Professional Performing Arts School - Vocal - 1994-1996

Five Towns College - B.A. Music Performance - 1998-2003

Voice, Piano, Composition, Music Theory

References Upon Request