Piano with Heather W.

Heather W. is a soprano from Southern California. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Music: Vocal Performance from the University of California: Irvine. She has been involved with music and performance since childhood, taking part in numerous solo, choral, orchestral, dance, and theatre opportunities. She has performed in many operas including lead roles in Gian Carlo Menotti’s “The Old Maidand the Thief”, Engelbert Humperdinck’s “Hansel and Gretel”, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Die Zauberflöte”, and Gilbert and Sullivan’s “Trial by Jury”. She has also performed in many recitals and music festivals around the globe including the distinguished Amalfi Coast Music Festival in Naples, Italy. Heather has also starred in many musical theatre productions, playing title roles in Cole Porter’s “Anything Goes”, and “Beauty and the Beast”. *** Lesson Details *** Music has always been my passion, and I strives to inspire students to have the same positive experiences in learning and performing music. I believe the best learning and instruction comes when the student is comfortable and having fun with their instrument, which is why I endeavors to create a balanced learning environment based on individual student needs. Lessons with me are structured with the student in mind. Active communication between the students and myself is encouraged to best discern goals and styles the student wants to learn. Curriculum is similarly based on student's interests and goals. No two students will have the exact same curriculum or lesson plan, although there may be similarities in materials used. Voice Lessons: Voice lessons with me are structured around the genre that the student wishes to pursue, although all vocal lessons will focus on learning and maintaining a healthy, manageable technique. Classical: In addition to vocal technique students interested in pursuing a classical style of singing will be instructed in diction (Italian, German, French, Latin), aural skills, classical nuance, sight-singing, basic piano skills (depending on ability and need), and performance. Musical Theatre: In addition to vocal technique, students interested in musical theatre will also study diction (English for singers), theatrical nuance, performance style, and character voices while learning to maintain a healthy instrument. Jazz In addition to vocal technique, students studying jazz will focus heavily on aural and improvisation skills, style, and performance. Piano: I teach piano on the beginning and intermediate level. I makes use of many different books and programs to create a curriculum best suited for the individual student. Student input is welcome for choosing genres of repertoire. *** Travel Equipment *** I expect students who are taking piano lessons to have a working keyboard or piano. For vocal students, it would be great if they had a keyboard or piano for their lessons, but I am able to bring one to the house if necessary. I also like for my vocal students, if possible, to have a recording device so they may record their lessons and listen to them in their practice. *** Specialties *** I specialize in the performance of operatic singing and performance, but have vast experience singing and teaching in different styles including musical theatre, pop, jazz, etc. I sing in German, Italian, French, English, and Latin, and am prepared to teach singers proper diction and techniques for singing in those languages. I am a believer in teaching singers how to sing freely without tension or restraint in order to find their own voice and better their musical instrument while studying challenging repertoire that will help them meet their goals.