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Levels: Beginner to Advanced
Ages: 5 & up
In-Home Lessons: Yes
In-Studio Lessons: Yes
Online Lessons: No
Subjects Taught In Person
Piano, Singing, Broadway Singing, Opera Voice
Education
Loyola University New Orleans - Music Education - August 2005-May 2009 (Bachelor's degree received) Chicago College of Performing Arts - Vocal Performance - August 2010-present
Specialties
I personally sing mostly classical and opera, but have a strong background (and love) of musical theater.
Lesson Details
I think that it is important that students know what they want to achieve in their lessons. I am not going to get you ready to audition for American Idol after a month of voice lessons, so realistic goals are important.
It is my goal to allow you to reach your own "personal best." In most situations, I am able to hear things in your voice that you may not hear yourself. I will work with you to develop your best qualities as a singer. Within a month of taking lessons, you will be able to sing
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noticeably easier and more comfortably. Within three months of taking lessons, you will be more aware of your capabilities as a singer.
With singers over age 7, voice lessons will be divided evenly between technique and warm-ups and working on specific songs. For younger singers, lessons will be very different, focusing on short lessons and games to learn basic musical concepts and have fun learning easy songs.
For piano students the lesson will consist of theory (learning how to read music), technique (learning how to play piano) and applying that information to pieces that they could eventually perform.
No matter your age, level, or instrument, the student who practices what they learn in lessons throughout the week will always progress faster than the student who doesn't practice.
My Background: I have five years of private teaching experience, and one year of teaching general music class at a Middle School. I have taught students ages 4-65, all of whom came from various musical backgrounds with a large range of interests and abilities. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and a Master in Music in Voice Performance.
I have had many teachers in the past few years as a result of the programs I have been part of and from each teacher I have learned a variety
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of techniques to improve both my performances and the abilities of myself as a teacher. I am currently studying with Judith Haddon, a former Metropolitan Opera Soprano. I am always reading new information about vocal technique and musicianship so that I can be an educated and informed musician and teacher.
As a performer, my main focus is on Opera/Classical singing, but I have a lot of experience in Musical Theater. I am classically trained, which is the foundation for healthy singing in any genre. I have a lot of performance experience so I can help you to not only become a better singer, but a better performer, which is invaluable in auditions. I have performed roles in operas and musicals. Most recently I have performed as Susanna and Barbarina in Mozart's "Le Nozze di Figaro" and Olympia in Offenbach's "Les Contes d'Hoffman." In my musical theater experience I have played Sally Brown in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” and Sonya in “Godspell.”
I am qualified to teach voice at all levels and piano for beginning to early intermediate level students. All students have the option to study both voice and piano with me if they wish to do so. Students who study piano while learning to sing are able to practice more efficiently, and will be more successful in an academic setting if they wish to pursue music at a higher level. Combined Piano and Vocal lessons are also helpful for younger students who may not have the attention span to sit through 30 minutes of one discipline.
In-Studio: Living room, electric piano, mirror for singers, space for waiting parents in same room
In-Home: For the first lesson I am equipped with any materials they may need, but eventually they will need to purchase their own music so that they are able to practice at home. I also prefer that my students to have a piano or keyboard in their home, especially for those who are studying piano with me.
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Getting Started
Excited about jumping into music lessons? Before you can get to the
guitar tabs, violin concertos, and vocal riffs, take a moment to think
about the logistics of your lessons.
Lesson Length
There are a few things to consider when choosing between 30-, 45- or
60-minute lessons. First and foremost, take your age and experience
level into account. You'll also want to think about your long- and
short-term goals, and the time you'll need to reach them. Most
importantly, consider how long you or your child is able to stay
focused.
Lesson Location
Teachers have the option to display availability for in-home,
in-studio, and online music lessons. In-home lessons take place at
your house, in-studio lessons are conducted at the teacher's home or
professional studio, and online lessons are taught over the internet
via live video chat.
Book Your Lessons Online
Scheduling your lessons is simple and quick! The prompts will guide you
through each step, from securing your lesson time to selecting the
payment plan that works best for you.
Scheduling Lessons
After you've selected your teacher, click on the Availability tab to
see which time slots and days are open.
Booking Options
Click the "Book Online" button to get started. Enter in your contact
information, and the prompts will guide you through payments, program
options, and confirming your schedule. Learn more about our booking policies.
Payment and Billing
We make paying for your lessons convenient and hassle-free! Prices
vary based on several factors, including the city you live in, the
length of your lessons, and whether you're taking them at home, in
your teacher's studio, or online. Lessons are paid for in advance,
which locks in your time slot.
Signing Your Customer Agreement
Signing your Customer Agreement and completing your Student
Questionnaire is the last step! The questionnaire will give your
instructor valuable information about your goals and experience level,
and give him or her time to create a customized lesson plan right
from the start.
Start Your Lessons
Now the excitement can really begin! Consider the following to ensure an
exceptional first lesson...
Prepare for Your First Lesson
Once you've completed the last step, your teacher will call you within
the next couple of days to confirm your first lesson time and provide
you with directions to their studio, if needed. We also encourage you
to discuss your goals and any other questions you may have.
What To Expect
Every teacher is different, but most first lessons begin with an
assessment of where you are in your studies. At a beginner level, you
might review the basics of your instrument, such as the different
parts, how to hold it correctly, and proper care and maintenance. For
voice, this may be the time you learn about breathing and posture.
Reach the Goals You Set
Every TakeLessons student is unique, and so is your lesson plan!
You'll work with your instructor to develop a plan suited to meet your
specific goals. Most TakeLessons instructors will also keep track of
your progress with a lesson journal.
Programs & Pricing
The billing management tools in your online account help you keep track
of your upcoming payments. And with several lesson programs available,
you can select the one that fits your individual needs.
100% Money Back Guarantee
If you're not completely satisfied with your first lesson, we'll
gladly find you another instructor or refund your entire lesson
purchase.
Can I pay when I get to the lesson?
In order to reserve your time slot, we require payment at the time of
booking, which must be at least seven days before your first lesson
takes place.
How does billing work?
Lessons are paid for in advance, which reserves your time slot and the
teacher that you want. Your specific billing date will depend on the
lesson program you select.
What forms of payment do you accept?
At this time, we accept payments via Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and
American Express. You also have the option to pay with a debit card.
We do not accept payment via cash, check, or money order.
Do you offer a free trial lesson?
We don't offer a free trial lesson; however, we're so confident that
you'll love your lessons that we offer new customers a 100% Money Back
Guarantee. If you take your first lesson and decide that you don't
want to continue, we'll refund the amount you paid INCLUDING the
lesson you've already taken. To request the Money Back Guarantee,
simply notify us within 72 hours of your first lesson.
Do you offer any discounts?
At this time, we don't offer any discounts. However, if you are
booking two students for consecutive in-home lessons, you'll only be
charged one travel fee, instead of one fee per lesson.
