Michelle W.

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

Subjects Taught

Singing, Music Performance, Music Theory, Opera Voice, Speaking Voice, Acting

Education

State University of New York at Fredonia - BM Music Education - 2002-2007 (Bachelor's degree received)
New England Conservatory of Music - MM Vocal Performance - 2007-2009 (Master's degree received)

Specialties

I perform classical music (opera and art song), but I also dabble in pop, jazz, --and everybody needs a little rock & roll!

Lesson Details

I expect my students to work hard in lessons, and to dedicate some time to practice every week. Your "natural ability" means little if you don't take the time to hone, polish, and practice--a strong work ethic is your key to success.

In your lessons, you will never hear me say "you can't," because you most certainly can. We start off from square one (breath and posture), whether your a novice or have taken lessons before, because we need to build the same language. From there, we create ... realistic goals for you. I don't guarantee you'll be a finalist on a TV talent show competition, but we can certainly prepare you for any audition you wish, and I've even put together ensembles for my singers to sing with, to create a real performance experience.

In 3 to 6 months, you'll understand what it's like to breathe, and will begin to relax and open up your voice. You will understand the vocal anatomy and will be gaining more flexibility in your voice. At 6 months, you'll have at least one new song under your belt utilizing your new, relaxed, healthy technique!

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About

Anybody can sing. That is my philosophy of teaching -- I have proven it to myself and to my students how true it is. If you can speak, you can sing!

I focus my lessons on building a strong understanding of the anatomy of the voice, self-awareness in your instrument, and confidence in your skill. I have experience in classical, opera, and musical theater styles, but that doesn't mean my students don't sing jazz, pop, or rock & roll! We start with the basics -- the classical teachings (breath ... and posture), and figure out how your voice works best. I emphasize technique in breathing and posture through a variety of stretching, relaxation, and yoga practices. In addition to learning a healthy vocal technique, your lessons will also incorporate other musical skills such as solfege (do re mi...like Julie Andrews in the Sound of Music), music theory, and foreign language skills using the International Phonetic Alphabet (it's really cool, trust me).

I am conservatory-educated, with a Bachelor of Music from SUNY Fredonia in Music Education, and a Master of Music from the New England Conservatory in Vocal Performance. I graduated with honors from both programs, and I have performed in Boston and New York.

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