Piano with Charles T.

Music has supported and guided my life for almost as long as I can remember. Let me tell you my story. I can’t remember not being able to sing. Music has always been not only how I entertained myself but how I comforted myself as well. At the age of 10 I became a member of the Chicago All-City Elementary Chorus, comprised of the best youth singers living in the Chicago-land area. In high school I continued my training with the All-City Performing Groups participating as a section leader and a member of their select 16-voice small ensemble. Not only was I a featured soloist showcased in performances at Chicago’s Symphony Center but I was also invited to participate as an alumni guest artist in the year following my high school graduation. It was also in high school that I began to take private Jazz Piano lessons with Jack Hubble concentrating on Jazz Theory and Harmony. I received a music scholarship upon graduation from Whitney Young Magnet High School. My college experiences included not only the Opera Ensemble and Chorus but also the Jazz Band and Combo’s as well. I even studied Sound Engineering while in school before eventually taking a break from school to pursue a recording contract with an R&B vocal group. This is where my story gets interesting, the singing group “ Flow” went from singing full time in the subways of Chicago, to being featured on a Nationally released recording featuring Chicago musicians. I studied private voice with world renowned vocal teacher Dr. Lena McLin whose students include R. Kelly, Chaka Khan and and Opera singers Mark Rucker and Juanita Lattimore. I spent 5 years arranging, producing, recording and performing with the group including several national television appearances and even the National Democratic Convention. During this time I also opened my own recording studio while also working as the contracted pianist for the Spirit Cruises Entertainment Division. When I returned to school to finish my Bachelor’s Degree I enrolled in Northwestern University as a Vocal Performance Major. I studied voice with Richard Drews while attending Northwestern I recieved the Wade Fetzer Fellowship and had the opportunity to Coach with William Warfield, Sherrill Milnes and Richard Boldrey. After receiving my Bachelor’s Degree from Northwestern I was given a scholarship and selected to be 1 of 12 students accepted into the Graduate program. I taught in the Northwestern University non-major program and was the Graduate Teacher Assistant for Undergraduate Vocal Pedagogy. I still perform music in many styles and genre’s. I also produce concerts and have had the opportunity to work with the top artist in the business today while working for Concert Promoter Live Nation. Simply put I can support you in any vocal direction that you desire to pursue. I have performed in every genre from Jazz to Pop to R&B and Opera. I am currently the Early Childhood Music Instructor for the Evanston Symphony Orchestra's "Music In Our World" and the Music Instructor for the Mcgaw YMCA PreSchool. To sum it all up I want to help you find your voice! *** Lesson Details *** I believe in creating a comfortable environment. I like to give students the tools to continue the musical journey of their life with confidence and enthusiasm. I am patient,supportive and most of all fun. I create an atmosphere where students can experiment with their sound and express their feelings! Students will receive a solid theory background, versatile vocal technique, and the tools to continue to improve their own musicianship for a lifetime. *** Studio Equipment *** Lessons will be recorded and I have the capabilities for live professional recordings. *** Travel Equipment *** I provide the keyboard and a amplifier. I expect the student to provide power. *** Specialties *** I teach Bel Canto singing which is an Italian school of singing. I teach beginning through intermediate Piano students, Jazz Theory and Harmony and Aural Skills.