Piano with Kimberly M.

Music is something I have always been passionate about, growing up in various Christian music ministries and with a talented family. I learned my strengths and talents in music were gifts from God, with the intention of being shared and taught to others. I want others to feel the same sense of passion and fulfillment that music has given to me. My ideal, ultimate contribution to the world of music education is to inspire young musicians to passionately work together and within themselves to create beautiful, meaningful sounds. I have an open mind about music, and listen to a broad spectrum of music, from Classical to 90's Punk Rock, Indie to Hip Hop, Contemporary Christian to Ska, Mainstream to Rock. I plan to use the music the students enjoy as a way to relate and learn important concepts. I am 21 years old, a senior at Texas State University-San Marcos, pursuing a Bachelor of Music Studies with a Vocal Emphasis, and have sustained a 4.0 GPA. I have studied voice for seven semesters with Professor Ronald Ulen, a respected baritone who has performed in operas across the United States and throughout Europe. I am classified as a mezzo soprano, and have performed in various voice recitals. I have had the honor of being in the Texas State Chorale, under the direction of Dr. Joey Martin, and University Singers, under the direction of Dr. Jonathan Babcock. These are the two most prestigious choirs at Texas State University, and are audition-based only. I have also been a member of Women's Choir, under the direction of Dr. Lynn Brinckmeyer. In my junior year of high school, I was a member of the Texas All State Mixed Choir. I took four semesters of piano techniques under Dr. Ezra Bartz. I have played and sang for various churches across San Antonio since I was 14 years old, and am currently a member of the Tongues of Fire Music Ministry at St. Paul's Catholic Church. I have experience teaching individual voice lessons, piano lessons, choir sectionals, middle school and high school choirs, elementary music classes, and individual music theory tutoring. *** Lesson Details *** My main mission is to teach the universality of music. Music connects us mentally as a language we learn to read, write, play and sing. Anyone can learn to communicate in the language of music. I use the Kodaly method, along with individual discovery, to create meaningful experiences. Vocal students can expect to learn to sing in English, Spanish, Latin, Italian, German, and French. The emotional universality is evident in the overwhelming feelings attached to different musical markers and characteristics. My goal is to show people how music can be a healthy and effective way of managing emotions. I hope to be a worthy mentor throughout each student's educational and musical journey. Not every technique will work for every student, so I incorporate different styles of learning in my lesson plans, to include visual, auditory and kinesthetic approaches. I am a positive and caring person with a good sense of humor. However, I expect complete cooperation and commitment during lessons. I will work hard and dedicate myself to your education, if you promise and show me that you are willing to do the same. Both piano lessons and vocal lessons will begin with a series of warm ups to engage the body, exercise the muscles, and encourage good breathing and posture. I can provide repertoire for you if you would like, or you can bring in your own music to work on. All lessons will work on establishing a solid foundation, as well as providing direction for individual needs and issues. Some homework will be asked of the student, in order to make our short sessions more productive. Time is of the essence. Practicing on your own time is a MUST. Music is very much an athletic feat, and the muscles must be worked and trained every day for maximum results. Music theory lessons will contain some components of Aural instruction, as the two go hand in hand. I base my vocal instruction on helping everyone find and use their own unique, natural voice. There are no quick fixes, but commitment and hard work can bring you success and achievement. No matter the obstacles of life, any person can be a musician. I am here to provide personal testimony to that! I look forward to making beautiful music with you! *** Studio Equipment *** No Teacher Studio Available *** Travel Equipment *** Must have a piano from which to conduct piano and voice lessons. *** Specialties *** Opera, Classical, and Contemporary Christian genres.