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
Singing, Music Performance, Music Theory, Opera Voice, Songwriting, Speaking Voice, Theatrical Broadway Singing, Acting
Education
SUNY Binghamton - Masters Music Opera - 1992-95 (Master's degree received)
Specialties
Classical and musical theater singing styles; extended vocal techniques; Indian ragas using Saregam scales; exploring the voice in songs, chants and toning as an approach to increased well-being; European, American and Indigenous repertoire from many cultures
Lesson Details
AFTER 3 TO 6 MONTHS OF WEEKLY LESSONS you will be able to use the basic knowledge, tools and techniques you have learned to perform a song, a monologue or begin to create your own lyrics or song.
AFTER ONE YEAR you are invited to share the art you have created in an intimate gathering with family and friends.
About
I grew up performing and singing. My family loved music and the arts and we went to the theater, ballet and symphony all the time in Houston Texas. My mother used to play music to get me to sleep when I was very young. She played opera by the famous Italian tenor Caruso and symphonic music by the French Impressionist composer Debussy. As a teenager I played the guitar and sang folk and pop songs with my friends. When I became an adult my interest turned back to classical music and opera as I
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had heard as a toddler. Eventually I found myself on stage singing opera in New York City and classical chamber music at Tanglewood in the Berkshires.
I began teaching voice while I was getting a Bachelor's Degree in Music at the University of Texas. When I came to New York City I opened the Vocal & Dramatic Arts Studio in 1996. Since that time I have kept up a studio teaching voice and acting to people of all ages: 6 to 86! I love the variety and feel everyone can sing and act. In honor of my high school choir director, I created an a cappella vocal improvisation method called "lavocezensing" using the Do scale as a frame to become comfortable harmonizing and improvising vocally.
Now I am singing the ragas of India and Brazilian Bossa Novas. I also teach classes to adults and children in singing the musical scales of India.
Over the years, I have performed many styles of music: standard opera, contemporary opera and chamber opera, classical chamber music, musical theater and cabaret.
Arts education is another one of my passions. Working for Lincoln Center and other arts presenters in New York City I have created curriculum on music and art in public and private schools and have trained educators nationally and internationally on using music and art in their classroom lessons. I have found that song writing is one of the best ways to integrate music with other curriculum within the Humanities.
Now I also work as a Sound Yoga instructor using yoga, music and sound healing practices in groups and one on one. I continue to study sound & music to offer healing through music and sound--which might be learning to sing a favorite song, a raga scale or listening to and feeling the vibrations of tuning forks!
As a music, voice and acting teacher, I work with traditional and non-traditional methods using multi-sensory approaches to help students realize their goals. I offer many tools and techniques to aid students in relaxation, breath awareness, and de-stressing as a part of our lessons together. It is a creative, fun and student-centered learning environment for students of all ages!
