Top Singing & Voice Lessons in Glendale, AZ

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.

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!

y expertise and passion for music with private voice and piano students. My approach is that music should be fun and satisfying. I want students to have the enjoyment of accomplishing great things, and build on their natural abilities and love of music. I look forward to meeting you, and seeing where your musical talents can take you!

*** Lesson Details ***
Each voice lesson begins with a warm up: movement:, stretches, breathing, and relaxation while focusing on good posture. Following that we continue warming up the voice with appropriate vocal exercises. If desired, we can spend time sight singing (reading music). Then we will turn to your chosen piece(s) of music. You could bring in a song or aria of your interest, or I could suggest pieces that I feel suit your voice. Some areas that I like to focus on in are relaxation, posture, breathing, support, use of registers, placement, growing your voice in size and range, intonation (pitch), tone color, clarity and consistency. My ultimate goal is to help students sing with musicality and expressiveness.

For piano, we may begin by working on things like hand position, posture, relaxation of the body and then exercises, including scales and chords. We may also incorporate music theory.
After a warm-up, we will focus on chosen music. I like to use music literature that is appropriate to the student's level, which gives enjoyment, and also increases breadth of knowledge and expertise. For beginning students, there are many good series available that I like to use, such as Bastian or Alfred.

Its very important that students feel comfortable in their lessons. I am sensitive, flexible and open to individual likes and dislikes, and any thoughts or concerns you have. These are your lessons and I am committed to helping you get the most out of them!

*** Studio Equipment ***
lessons in large living room with upright piano, mirrors; space for parents to sit/wait; repertoire

*** Specialties ***
Opera, classical, musical theater

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.

ans that are designed to meet the specific needs and desires of each individual student. My teaching style ensures that my students not only learn the musicality of the instrument, but have fun while playing.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Mac computer with Logic and Sibelius.
MBox recording interface.
Scarlet 2i2 recording interface
Audio Technica condenser microphone.
Sennheiser dynamic microphone.
MXL condenser microphones
MAudio midi controller
Various Basses, Guitars, Ukuleles, Banjos, Mandolins, Flutes, and Harmonicas

*** Specialties ***
My personal performance specialties are singing and playing in blues, rock, reggae, folk, and indie/alternative. I have recording and live performance experience in various disciplines and I am also proficient in opera, musical theatre, jazz, and pop. I am an experienced group and private music instructor teaching voice, guitar, piano, ukulele, electric bass, flute, cello, music theory and composition.

take lessons:

https://takelessons.com/profile/jayna-j

*** Studio Equipment ***
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*** Travel Equipment ***
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*** Specialties ***
Piano/Voice

tration compared to other teachers. I can teach you everything you need to go from being a beginner to a touring pro.