Piano with Barbara N.

I have been singing for as long as I can remember. It is my very favorite activity. I have transformed my love of singing into a career. I have been teaching music lessons for over 25 years. When you study with me you will have the advantage of that experience. I have extensive experience teaching students of all ages. Throughout my teaching career I have taught students with varied backgrounds and diverse needs. If you are a person who was told not to sing by your music teacher, don't give up! I have taught many children and adults to match pitches and improve their singing voices. I earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Moravian College and a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from Temple University. While at Temple, I studied standard vocal repertoire and Early Music. I have also completed graduate courses in Early Childhood and Elementary Education at West Chester University. I served on the faculty of Suburban Music School for 17 years where I taught voice, piano and recorder lessons. I also directed the Children’s Choir and the Women’s Choir. I was formerly on the faculty of Delaware County Community College where I taught courses in the Music Department; and of Temple Music Prep where I instituted, developed and maintained a vocal program at Temple University’s Ambler Campus. In addition to teaching I was employed for eleven years as a chorister at Christ Church Christiana Hundred in Greenville, DE where I have had the opportunity to sing for such notable conductors as John Rutter, Sir David Wilcox, Sir Philip Ledger, Stephen Cleobury, and James O’Donnell. Previous choral work has included singing for Dr. Ifor Jones and for Michael Korn. I perform in solo and chamber music recitals throughout the Philadelphia area and in Cape May, NJ and with a Celtic group called Celtic Women and Friends. *** Lesson Details *** Voice Lessons When you study voice with me, you will start with the basics - posture, breathing and tone production. If you have studied before, we will review these areas and brush up on anything that needs work. The next step is to learn some vocal exercises to warm up and develop your voice. When the exercises are going well, we will begin to work on songs. You will need to learn some classical songs because they help to develop your voice, but we will also work on the kind of music you like best. In addition to songs, we will work on solfege (do, re, mi, etc.) which helps to train your ear and to improve your sightreading ability. If you don't know how to read music I will teach you that. If you read music but have some gaps in your knowledge, we will fill those in. I teach what is called bel canto (beautiful singing). It is a healthy vocal technique that will help you avoid vocal problems. When you learn to sing with this technique, you can sing any style of music you want. After a few months of study, you should be able to tell that your voice is growing stronger, that you have better breath control, and that your range is increasing. Although I have high expectations of my students, I am relaxed and friendly. If you love to laugh, we will enjoy that together! Piano Lessons When you study piano with me you will enjoy playing a variety of songs from your lesson book. As you advance, we may add a repertoire book which increases the number and variety of songs you play. There are many excellent piano methods. I use different methods for different students, depending on their needs. Lessons will include posture and proper hand position, warm-ups, songs and music theory. Music theory is the study of notation and how music is put together. You will have a workbook with exercises for this study. If there is a particular style of music you would like to play, we will look for music at your level to add to your lesson. After a few months of study, you should know how to read basic notation and be able to play a number of songs. You will also have increased your knowledge of musical notation and harmony. I expect my students to practice in preparation for their lesson every week. I am relaxed and friendly, so that should help to put you at your ease. *** Studio Equipment *** Piano, music stand, stereo equip, seating for parents *** Specialties *** I specialize in teaching the bel canto style singing. With this technique, a person can sing any style of music she or he chooses.