Singing with Shanna R.

Hello! I am fun, friendly, and outgoing, and I love to teach. I have been making music since I first picked up a recorder in the 4th grade. Over the years, I've played flute, trumpet, and piano, and sung in choirs, cabarets, musicals, and operas. I recently received my Masters in Music (Vocal Performance) from New Jersey City University where I studied classical voice. Although I am trained classically, I love performing all genres of music, including Broadway, folk songs, spirituals, and jazz. In fact, my Masters thesis explores the convergence of opera and musical theater – these two genres have more in common than you might think! Sharing music with others is a passion of mine, whether it be through performing or teaching. I firmly believe that anyone can sing! I work with all types of students, both beginners and more advanced singers, from young to old. Voice lessons should be both challenging and fun – in our lessons, we’ll work on developing a healthy singing technique … while exploring some great song literature. I’m currently singing with a variety of professional choirs in the tri-state area, mostly performing sacred music; I sing with the First United Methodist Church in Stamford where I lead the alto section and perform occasional solos; I chant the evening compline service at the Christ Church in Greenwich, and I also sub for a number of local churches. I am also performing in the community theater production of Oklahoma! at Curtain Call in Stamford, which opens at the end of March. I’m also putting together a cabaret performance with two other singers, where we will perform a number of solos, duets and trios from classical and musical theater genres. Thanks for stopping by, and keep singing! *** Lesson Details *** Whether your goal is to get into a college music program, sing a solo at church, be cast in a musical, or just try something new, I can help you succeed. I've studied with some of the best teachers and coaches in the business, and I apply the same methods to my own students. All you need to improve is motivation and commitment! Each lesson will consist of four parts: 1) The lesson begins with some simple warm-ups to prepare the voice for singing. The vocal cords are very delicate – you need to warm up your voice the same way you stretch before exercising. 2) We then work on some vocalizes, i.e. exercises to improve singing technique. I customize these exercises according to each individual student’s needs. 3) Next, we’ll work on an Italian song. Italian is often called the language of singing, and for good reason! The language lends itself to a smooth, legato style, which requires pure vowels, consistent air flow, and proper support to execute. I insist that all my students work on an Italian aria for technical development purposes … and also to expose them to some of the most beautiful songs of the classical repertoire. 4) If desired, we will next work on a second piece of the student’s choice. This can be a folk song, Broadway, a hymn … whatever is nearest and dearest to the student. I firmly believe that to find joy in music, you must sing something you love. I conclude each lesson with an assignment of exercises and songs to work on before the next lesson. Based on the student’s current abilities, these exercises may include some music theory, music history, diction, or sight singing assignments. Now here comes the hard truth – no one ever improved at anything without practicing. If students don’t practice, they won’t see progress. If they don’t improve, they will become frustrated and bored … and ultimately quit. Daily practice is therefore strongly encouraged (although “how long” is determine by age and level of skill). Students will have the opportunity to showcase what they've learned at an annual recital, held in my home. Your friends and family won’t believe how much you've improved! *** Studio Equipment *** Electric piano, music stand, CD player, mirror, various lesson / song books and scores *** Travel Equipment *** I can provide lesson books and a portable CD player. I expect my student to have a piano or keyboard with all octaves and a music stand. *** Specialties *** Singing styles: Classical singing, Broadway singing, bel canto Diction: Italian, French, German Common technical approaches employed: Vaccai, Marchesi, Concone Other: Music theory, sight singing, music history