Laura S.

General Info

• Certified Music Teacher

  Certified Music Teacher

  Our rigorous hiring process requires a completed application; an interview with our professional recruiting specialists; personal and professional reference checks; and annual criminal background checks for the duration of each teacher's employment with us.

  
• Background Check Complete

  Criminal Background Check

  In order to ensure the safety of our students, all teachers undergo a thorough criminal background check, which includes: Social Security number trace, multi-state criminal search and a nationwide sex offender registry search.

  
• Levels: Beginner to Advanced

• In-Home Lessons: No
• In-Studio Lessons: Yes
• Ages: 5 & up

Subjects Taught

Piano, Singing, Music Performance, Music Theory, Opera Voice

Education

Ball State University - Music Education - 1983-1987 (Bachelor's degree received)
University of South Florida - Vocal Performance - 1993-1994 (Master's degree received)

Specialties

My specialty is finding out what goals a student has and giving them the tools to reach those goals. My teaching style is highly personalized for the individual. I teach styles ranging from Classical to Popular music always using the best techniques.

Lesson Details

When a student and I first meet I ask the student what her/his hopes, goals, tastes and prior experience are. Then I explain my plan for helping the student achieve those hopes and goals.

Most of my students are studying music just because they love music and want to improve for their own benefit. Because of that, while I do expect students to progress, I am not pushy. I understand that some weeks it's harder to find time for practice. I provide instruction and tools for growth, then the ... students go home, use them and find out what works best for them.

Healthy, natural singing is my highest priority! I do not try to make anyone's voice what it is not meant to be. And it doesn't matter if a student can match pitch or sing in tune when he/she begins lessons. I start where the student is and he/she has always been able to learn to sing in tune with the best tone possible. The confidence students gain through their success transfers to the rest of their lives!

I have a comprehensive structure for vocal instruction that includes 1)physical stretches, alignment and muscle training 2)breathing exercises 3) vocal technique exercises in seven categories 4)International Phonetic Alphabet 5)Sight reading. I tailor this structure for the individual and his/her needs and goals.

I ask singers to learn a folk or art song. Learning something outside of one's usual experience usually means that the older, less helpful habits aren't brought into the song. Then I ask them to bring in music they are interested in. Some of my students are working on Jazz, Oldies, Beatles, Adele ("Rolling in the Deep"), "Hey there Delilah", church music, etc.

Piano instruction is also tailored to the needs of each individual student. With young beginners I often use the "Faber" method. It has books for music theory, technique, lessons and performance. And students enjoy playing along with the Cd that goes with their pieces.

For older beginners, including adults, I often use the "Bastien, Older Beginner" or "Alfred, Adult Beginner". Both quickly teach melody and chord reading so that students can play more interesting pieces within a month. The lesson materials are supplemented by simple classical pieces and music the student is interested in.

When a student comes in with prior training I continue with what she/he has been working on and adjust it as necessary. Literature for more advanced students is chosen with their abilities, technical and expressive needs.

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About

Soar off to a world of beauty. Soothe your soul. Realize a dream.

My music studio has been serving music students in the Sarasota area since 1991. I offer private voice, piano and music theory lessons for students of all ages. Currently my studio includes students from 5 to 74 years of age! And in my 30 years of teaching all of my students have shown improvement in skills and enjoyment.

I myself began singing in church when I was three years old and began piano lessons at age five. ... I began teaching piano lessons when I was sixteen.

Music and teaching are my passions. Both of my parents were teachers. Beginning in my middle school years, my parents invited me to their classrooms to teach music lessons. When I was in high school sometimes the choir director would ask me to lead rehearsals and I did the same in college.

My experience has brought me literally hundreds of students. I sometimes think I have seen and heard it all! Some who come for singing lessons can't match pitch at first. Some who come for piano lessons can't keep their finger numbers straight or remember what key is what note or what printed note is what letter. Sometimes it's months before the "light bulbs" go on. I'm patient and have worked with those situations with many students, so I have many ways to approach the problems and fix them. I probably have at least ten ways to say the same thing until something clicks with the student. And, very importantly, I learn from my students. They come up with unique fixes or ideas that hadn't occurred to me before.

Lessons are for students of all abilities. Some students come with nothing but the desire to sing or play better just for their own pleasure, some come with prior training, some are preparing for an audition and some even wish to make a career in music. Some students have come seeking help with their speaking voice for business presentations. I welcome all! My goal is to help my students meet and exceed their goals and have more life through the joy of music! To help them gain greater appreciation of music and increase their confidence both in music and in life.

I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education (1987, Ball State University) and a Master of Music degree in Voice (1994, University of South Florida). I've taught in public schools in Sarasota. Currently I am adjunct staff for State College of Florida (formerly Manatee Community College) teaching private voice and piano lessons and music appreciation classes. And I am a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing.

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