Singing with Tamara W.

Music has been in my heart since I was a small child. I loved it so much that after 4 years in the U.S. Air Force and 6 successful years in the computer field, I returned to school to study my passion...singing! While in the Air Force, I was a soloist with the Aviano Gospel Choir in Aviano, Italy, from 2000-2001, where we toured different cities in Italy to perform for music festivals and public concerts. During my time there, I also performed with different bands and began making a name for myself as a vocalist. In 2009, I received my BA in Music from Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville, IL where I studied classical and jazz voice. After graduating in 2009, I received a full scholarship to pursue my Masters Degree in Jazz Studies at Michigan State University, one of the premiere jazz programs in the United States under the direction of world-renowned jazz bassist and composer, Rodney Whitaker. While studying at Michigan State University, I toured with the MSU Jazz Orchestra and performed at prestigious events such as the Detroit International Jazz Festival; the Midwest Clinic in Chicago, IL; the East Lansing Summer Solstice Jazz Festival; the Lansing Jazz Festival; and the 2011 Elmhurst Collegiate Jazz Festival in Elmhurst, IL, where I was honored with an "Outstanding Soloist" award for Jazz Vocal Performance. In 2011, I was also featured in I AM ENTERTAINMENT magazine where my music was described as "...sheer and unexpected delight! Her music takes you to another place. That is what great music is supposed to do." In May of 2011, I was also featured on the cover of REVUE Mid-Michigan magazine. After receiving my Masters Degree from MSU, I moved to New Jersey to pursue my teaching and performing career. I currently teach private lessons and am the Founder and Director of Music Beyond Measure, which creates music recovery programs for trauma survivors. Formerly, I was the Vocal Jazz Ensemble Director for Jazz House Kids in Montclair, NJ. In addition to teaching, I also perform with different bands in the NY metro area. I have been fortunate to perform with an elite list of jazz musicians, such as Sean Jones, Tia Fuller, Rodney Whitaker, Sean Dobbins, Perry Hughes, Wes Anderson, Ron Blake, Jim Alfredson, Etienne Charles, Diego Rivera, Steve Ritchko, Paul Keller, and many more throughout my jazz career. I also had the honor of being chosen to perform for a master class with Grammy Award-winning artist, Esperanza Spalding. Although I am mostly trained in jazz voice, I work with singers in various styles, such as pop, R&B, gospel, and musical theater. Whatever style you are interested in singing, I know that I can help you to approach singing in a way that will maximize your vocal potential. *** Lesson Details *** I believe that music is for everyone! Whether you are a beginner or a professional, I want to help develop your voice in the healthiest and the best way possible. Whatever your goals are for taking private singing lessons, I will be happy to customize a program according to what it is that you would like to accomplish. It is extremely important for my students to be well-rounded musicians. Whether you are a country or Broadway singer, you will learn how to sing using classical technique. Aside from technique, you will learn everything from how songs are constructed to how to lead a band and everything in between. No matter what it is that you want to learn, I guarantee that you will have fun while doing it and you will learn how to fall in love with your voice! *** Studio Equipment *** I have an in-home studio with a keyboard, keyboard stand, digital recorder, microphone, professional amplifier, sheet music, binders, and pencils. Students don't have to bring anything. *** Travel Equipment *** When providing in-home lessons, I would prefer if the family provided a piano or a keyboard. However, if none of these are available, I will be happy to bring any equipment needed. *** Specialties *** Even though I am a jazz vocalist, I am happy to teach various styles, such as pop, R&B, gospel, musical theater, etc.