Top Singing & Voice Lessons in Gilbert, AZ

, and believe that piano is the foundation for any sort of musical training.
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I have been teaching for about 8-9 years and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!!!! I can't imagine doing anything else.

*** Lesson Details ***
I always bring necessary materials to our first lesson. From there, I will assess where the student is at, and prescribe the proper methodology. I have an excellent selection of vocal books, and am willing to suggest other books that might be suitable.

I use 2 different methods for teaching piano. The Alfred Series or the Faber and Faber series. I will asses which will be necessary to for the student after our first lesson.

I am not a strict teacher, but I am not laid back either. I expect all of my students to practice at least 4-5 times a week. However, I do understand when unexpected life circumstances come up, and time does not permit one to practice.

For my piano students, after 3 months, you can expect to be reading music on the staff, and after 6 months, with practice you can expect to be playing music off the staff with hands together hopefully in the second level. :)

For vocal students, after 3-6 months, my students will have developed a healthier, better technique to singing. Hopefully we will have 3-5 songs in the students repertoire list, and he/she will gain a sense of confidence when singing out loud or in front of an audience.

Guitar students can expect to learn how to play their favorite pop song within 3 months.

ASL students will be able to participate in deaf conversation within 6-9 months. However, by the end of the first 3 months, students will be able to finger spell their names, as well as various greetings to introduce themselves, and start conversations with deaf people.
*** Studio Equipment ***
I have a piano at my home, as well as a plethora of vocal and piano repertoire.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Necessary supplementary curriculum for students to learn. I expect the students to have a piano or keyboard, ready to use for weekly lessons.

***Strength***
Keeping the lesson grounded, focused, with a clear objective, all while being fun, and engaging.

eparatory private charter school and the Arizona Music Academy. I teach all levels of guitar, bass, and drums and tailor every lesson to the individual student’s needs and personality. My annual recitals are live-performance concerts featuring bands and other performing groups formed from among my students along with solo performances. My students also perform regularly throughout the community and are successful in their musical endeavors at all ages. I teach a wide range of genres and styles from classical music, blues, jazz and rock to heavy metal with an emphasis on becoming A-Level lead guitar soloists and song writers. I teach songwriting skills, music theory, and have even helped many of my guitar students be able to sing better while learning their main instrument.

*** Lesson Details ***
I make my lessons fun and informative and have had many students stay with me for up to 7 years. I show you everything you will ever need to know about music theory but in a very useful applicable way. I teach popular songs from any artist and classics that have stood the test of time and show you how to become a great song writer of your own giving you an insider’s knowledge about how to perform and have the audience standing asking for more. No matter if you want to become a pro lead guitar player or just play to have fun I can show you how to sing and play the guitar or piano at the same time or singing songs from church as well as your favorite rock or pop songs with confidence.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Just my own guitar and amp they need their own equipment.

*** Specialties ***
Classical, flamenco, rock, heavy metal guitar. I have also developed new classical guitar techniques that I call the "trem" stroke and the "harpeggio"

Karen has had training in many instruments, she has had the most training in voice.

As an adult, Karen has sung extensively in church choirs, women's ensembles, and has been a featured vocal soloist at church services, Christian retreats, and women's ministry events. She was extensively involved in vocal music at Grace Community Christian Church, where she was the singer and guitarist leading and teaching songs to women Bible study groups, preschoolers at vacation Bible school, and Kids Praise Club for elementary aged children. For Kids Praise Club, she also taught the children the choreography for the performances. Presently, Karen is a Choir Director for the K-6 Choristers group at First Presbyterian Church (FPC) in Mesa, AZ., and also taught singing and choreography to the children at VBS at FPC. Karen also had a main roles as Mrs. Paroo in The Music Man in April of 2013, and Mrs. Bucket in Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory in April, 2014, The Jailer's Daughter in Wind in the Willows, and Mrs. Brill in Mary Poppins, Mrs. Darling and a Pirate in Peter Pan, performed by the First Players at FPC. Additionally. Karen is presently a substitute elementary school and music teacher at Grace Christian Academy, Bethany Christian School, and teaches General Music K-12 at Young Disciples Christian Academy part-time.

During Karen's college career, she was a voice major at Mesa Community College (MCC) and Grand Canyon University (GCU). At MCC, she performed in the Sun Valley Chorale (SVC) and Cadence women vocal jazz ensemble. SVC performed classical songs at the Mesa Arts Center, and Cadence performed jazz songs for MCC events. Karen was also involved in musical theater at MCC. Karen was an opera singer at Night at the Opera, and a Broadway singer at Broadway Bound, both at MCC. At GCU, Karen has been in the President Singers, Canyon Singers, Canyon Chorale, and Union Choirs. Canyon Singers were the honor students and ambassadors for GCU who traveled locally and out of state to recruit students for GCU. As a voice major, Karen has had 9 semesters (4 ½ years) of private voice instruction under the tuteladge of Dr. Cathy Hauan at MCC, and Dr. Sheila Corley at GCU. Karen has three degrees from GCU: A Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a Minor in Music, a Master's of Education in Reading and Curriculum, and a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education. Music is Karens passion and she desires to teach it to all ages and stages of people. Music is the universal language and creates joy and healing in the soul.

Presently, Karen owns her own home music studio called Starshine School of Music in which she teaches piano, voice, and guitar. Karen also teaches Take Lessons music students (an online music student placement company) piano, voice, and guitar in her home. Karen is also an active Mary Kay Consultant.

*** Lesson Details ***
Karen's teaching style is very patient, nurturing, encouraging, and fun-loving. Karen is a teacher who sets loving but firm boundaries and guidelines. She implements structure and organization, but is not overly strict and harsh. She believes in encouraging, loving, and imparting knowledge with her students so that they will maximize their potentiality and their inner musical stars will shine.
Karen teaches piano, voice, guitar, and music theory for beginning through intermediate (for voice she teaches beginning through advanced). The curriculum that Karen uses is varied according to the student's personality and learning level. She uses her vast knowledge and information from her education and past experiences, and also Alfred Essentials of Music Theory, Alfred's Instructional books, Hal Leonard Pro-vocal Series, Faber Piano Adventures for all levels, and other resources. She also uses an assignment lesson plan book so that each student will know her clear objectives, what is expected of them and so that communication is established with the student's parents if the student is under 18. Additionally, Karen uses incentives, a point system, and rewards for self-discipline, consistent practicing, musical accomplishment and growth, and a good attitude.
Karen's students learn and perform remarkably well because of her very loving, organized, and comprehensive teaching style. They progress in amazing ways on a weekly and monthly basis. They look forward to coming to their lessons because they are treated with such respect and care. They know that Karen has such a passion and love for music, which is so contagious and is passed on to them. Therefore, these music lessons are enjoyable and enriching for the teacher and student alike.

*** I have a current Fingerprint Clearance Card

*** Studio Equipment ***
Guitar, Kimball piano, CD and cassette players, extensive music literature, Demo and Karaoke CD's.

*** Specialties ***
I have been classically trained as a voice major at college level. However, I have had so much musical experience (singing, and playing guitar and piano) in varied genres including rock and roll, Broadway and theatrical music, country western, Christian contemporary, folk songs, and children's music. I am very familiar with all kinds of music.

mputers with recording software.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Keyboard, practice amp, and/or instrument cords. I expect the student to provide his/her own instrument, and prefer they have an amplifier for electric instruments.

*** Specialties ***
I teach in all genres, but have experience in rock, alternative, pop, jazz, and even music theater.

pare choir & solo songs for upcoming concerts, gain entrance into college voice programs, learn how to "belt" properly without strain, or simply perfect their favorite karaoke songs!

I only work with students ages 12+ in my home studio because I believe that children under age 12 receive the most benefit by singing in a choir with their peers, rather than taking private lessons for their young, under-developed voices. Better instrument options for younger kids are piano, violin, or guitar, which require finger coordination and theory comprehension in order to sound good (singing just doesn't). I assign music theory homework to all my students, as being able to read music well is essential to becoming a well-rounded, independent musician (yes, singers are musicians, too!).

I also very much enjoy working with adults of all ages, and specialize in rehabilitating voices struggling from harmful vocal habits by finding & using their "resonant voice." I believe that a strong foundation in technique not only makes singing in any genre possible, but also ensures healthy singing habits for life!

cally. I've been told by students that they have learned more from me in 2 lessons then they have working with prior teachers for years.

I earned my BM in Vocal Performance from the distinguished Eastman School of Music. I have earned the Bravo!Scholar and Howard Hanson award as well as first place in the Schubert Club vocal competition. I continue my studies with acclaimed Mezzo-soprano Gail Dubinbaum in Phoenix and I am a member of National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS).

I've sung all over the united states as well as in Germany and Italy. I performed the role of Frasquita in Phoenix Opera's production of Carmen as well as La Fata Azzurra in "La Bella Dormente nel Bosco" and as Sister Constance in "Dialogues des Carmelites" of which I was acclaimed by reviewers to have "revealed a luminous voice, and sang with ease and spontaneity." I have been a soloist with the St Paul Chamber Orchestra as well as with the Eastman Collegium. This past December I was a featured soloist with the Phoenix Symphony and returned to the Phoenix Opera to perform The Queen of the Night in The Magic Flute as well as worked with the Ohio Light Opera performing the lead roles of Hannah Glawari in "The Merry Widow" and Madame Pompadour in "Madame Pompadour."

I'm equally comfortable with musical theater and have played leading roles in many productions including Marian in "The Music Man," Laurie in Oklahoma, Margy in "State Fair," Rapunzel in "Into the Woods," and Mrs. Gardiner in the premier production of "Pride and Prejudice."

My students have advanced in the Classical Singer National Competition, Arizona Fiesta Chorus Competition, Hot Pipes Competition, and have been accepted to and attended summer programs at distinguished music schools including Westminster College and Eastman School of Music. They also perform with local theaters including Copperstar Theater, Moezart Productions, EVCT and more.

*** Lesson Details ***
Every vocal student will have different talents and struggles and will be at different levels so, I structure my lessons for the individual. However, with every student I focus on teaching correct breathing and healthy vocal use to enhance the natural beauty of the voice.

Overall I have a laid back, humorous personality. I work to help the student achieve their goals whether its to be able to sing better in the shower or to become a professional musician. I offer 2 recitals per year to perform at and often form duets/trio's out of my students. I also offer studio classes for my singers who desire to have more performing experience with immediate encouraging feedback and for my more advanced singers I offer Master classes with guest artists to perform at and attend.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Music room w/ piano, books, mirror, and seating for parents. Parents can observe if the student is comfortable with that but, I do not allow parents to comment on the student's singing of performance during the lesson.

*** Travel Equipment ***
If they are a voice student they will need a piano, and they will need to purchase their own music and if possible purchase a recording device to record lessons and technique exercises. If they are a flute student, they will need to provide the music, and the instrument. If they are a piano student, obviously they would need a piano and would provide their own music based on my suggestion.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in Opera, Operetta, Broadway, and jazz. I also teach pop, rock and country. On the piano and flute I teach classical and contemporary. I do not teach jazz piano or flute.

d perform with ease.

Performance anxiety can be overcome. Using the tools that Ginni has developed, students relax, focus and enjoy their performing experience.

Reading music is important for pianists and singers. Ginni helps beginning through advanced students to more fully understand written music and quickly sight read it.

It’s important to perform songs that you enjoy. Students help choose supplemental songs that they love whether that be contemporary pop, traditional classical, Broadway, jazz, country or any other genre that they would like to learn.

Ginni’s piano and singing students increase their range, power, agility, control, confidence and expressiveness through technical exercises, scales, arpeggios, applying technique and lots of encouragement! Students grow the more that they share their talents. Students of Ginni’s are invited to participate in recitals, the Arizona Study Program and are guided through auditions, solo and ensemble performances.

Ginni uses the latest technology to help her students, whether by finding a song online for a student to listen to and learn from, transposing a piece on keyboard, improving the sound of an iphone song by plugging it into a speaker system or by using a mic to learn microphone technique.

A century old stand up piano may not be cutting edge technology but, Ginni’s sounds beautiful and her students enjoy playing it. Music is such a gift. So is participating in and watching the growth and progression of others.

Ginni asks her students to remember three things:
Try, Relax and Have Fun!

sons my most favorite part is when the student finally understands and their gift is what it was meant to be. I love people and will always do my best to encourage positively. I look forward to meeting with you and discussing your goals.