Camarillo, CA Music Performance Lessons

om and Footloose, and was also the Vocal and Musical Director for their production of Once Upon A Mattress. She was the Vocal Director for productions of Into The Woods and Urinetown at Hart High School in Newhall, California. She has also lent her talents to Benefit The Leukemia Foundation, Project AIDS L.A., and The Compton Battered Women’s Shelter, as featured performer, Vocal and Musical Director.

Kris has been a professional performer since the age of 10, beginning her career in the world of sacred music. She had the privilege of being a televised singer of sacred music, in the cathedrals of St. Patrick's and St. John the Divine in New York City. Kris' live performances have included all styles of music, including Jazz, Pop, Country, Bluegrass, Broadway, Classical, and Rock. She has had an extensive career as a jingle singer, arranger, songwriter, flautist and backup vocalist, as well as having had her own weekly broadcast jazz show. Kris has appeared in several musicals, on stage and in the orchestra pit. Musical Theatre credits include: Frau Blucher (Young Frankenstein); Mother Abbess (The Sound of Music); Mrs. Beauregarde/Grandma Josephine (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory); Philia (A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum). She has also sung in the Ensembles of several other productions. She led and performed with the popular local jazz ensemble The Treblemakers, with whom she recorded a CD, It’s Not About The Coffee. Other CD credits include The Wedding Collection (Arista Records), Land of The Diamond Sun, A Wolf At My Door, The Same Road Twice (all on Melonball Records), Last Night At Europa, A Class Act, and Like Fine Wine (Canadian American/Caprice International/The Orchard). Commercial jingle credits include Barbie, Clorox, American Airlines, Keebler Cookies, Thomas' English Muffins, and many others. Original compositions used by international television and radio.

Training: BM Jazz Studies, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN. IU studies include Vocal Training with Eileen Farrell and Tim Noble; Applied Flute with Harry Houdeshel; Jazz Studies with David Baker and Dominic Spera. Ongoing vocal studies with Douglas Susu-Mago, Chicago and Los Angeles.

*** Lesson Details ***
I am pretty easygoing, because I realize that students probably have a lot of homework, jobs, children to raise, etc. I believe that music should be enjoyable as well as educational! I also know that when a student practices, it heightens their enjoyment of music because it is far more fulfilling. I can guarantee that if you work with me as hard as I work with a student, you will feel excellent about your progress and ability! I have experience teaching people on the autism spectrum and those with Down Syndrome.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Casio Privia, 88 keys. CD player, music stands. Bluetooth speaker.

*** Travel Equipment ***
N/A.

*** Specialties ***
Whole voice, patient teaching of all ages and personalities, jazz, musical theatre, classical, pop. I teach all levels of flute and voice, and beginning to intermediate piano

r creativity.

Backed by an extensive musical background debuting with the Philadelphia Orchestra and continuing her career singing with Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic, Jan L. went on to receive a Bachelor’s of Education in Opera at Temple University and two Master’s Degrees from Combs College of Music in Theatre Arts and Composition.

Jan is the author of the performance book called "Once More With Feeling."

There is exciting news with Jan. Jan has been teaching online on Zoom.us. It's like Skype but better because you can record the whole lesson. For those of you who want a world class teacher, you can learn from Jan who has 20 Grammy winners. No driving, Just sit yourself in front of your computer screen. You will love the intimacy without leaving your home. Give it a try.

Jan teaches vocal technique that connects the chest middle head voice with a gospel belt. Jan covers proper breathing, vocal technique, performance coaching and recording in her protools studio.

"Jan L. is an award winning songwriter, producer, actress, and artist developer. Her studio, Angel Diva Music, is designed to improve artist abilities on and off the stage as well as giving the clientele first-hand knowledge of the industry while increasing their creativity."

Writer of performance book called "Once More With Feeling:

he amount of students I have, however please don't hesitate to message me requesting specific times that are currently unavailable -- I can often shuffle things around to accommodate different scheduling needs.

*** Lesson Details ***
My philosophy when it comes to doing anything with music is that it should be fun! Whether you're practicing a piece, playing with a band, writing something new, or even learning music theory, music is primarily about enjoying yourself and the others around you.

The best way to ensure that you enjoy yourself is to learn what you want to learn and play what you want to play. In addition to a standard curriculum, I want you to tell me what kind of music you're interested in and what kind of pieces you want to play! Do you love classic rock? Do you love pop? Blues? Jazz? Folk tunes? Opera? Or maybe you're a fan of the classical masters? Whatever the case may be, my number one goal is to make sure you're having fun while you develop your new talents.

I'm comfortable teaching students as young as 7 years of age, although I can teach even younger if they are especially well-behaved.

*** Specialties ***
Classical, Blues, Jazz, Improv, Composition, Theory

ue-Afro-Haitian-Afro-Cuban and Modern
African drumming and percussion: Jembe and shekere with song and folklore.

Brussels and recorded an album for Sony Records/Belgium which produced three radio hits in the 90's. I also recorded and/or wrote jingles for Coca Cola, Fanta, Schwepes, Fisher Price and more! Fluent in French, when I moved back to the states I taught at Lycee International de Los Angeles for 12 years where I developed a music program for their 4 campuses, teaching K through 12, including commendations from everyone from French President Sarkozy to Los Angeles Councilman Tom LeBonge. I've recorded 6 children's CD's and recently directed and arranged background vocals for renown French singer and actress Charlotte Gainsbourg. In my private practice I have prepared and developed singers for live performance, personal development and for the rigors of the auditioning process. And we always have fun!!

*** Lesson Details ***
Learn to play the voice! I have developed my own special brand of singing lessons using breathing and placement techniques to provide the tools you need to develop as a vocalist and help you make the choices of an artist. How do you want to tell your story? My lessons will help you build confidence and every lesson will bring you a new piece of understanding and practical know-how. You will work hard, play hard, build a repertoire, and make tangible improvements in every single lesson! Success breeds success. If you want to audition for The Voice or simply enjoy the applause at karaoke night, I can bring you closer to your goal. I can also include beginning piano which can only add to your skills including an understanding of music vocabulary and the basic mechanics of music theory.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Music Room, and recording studio, piano, guitars, computer and cd, ipod docs. Parents are welcome to stay for lessons or run to close-by Starbucks, Costco or Home Depot!

*** Travel Equipment ***
I use a piano to teach both voice and beginning piano.

*** Specialties ***
I use solfege, breathing and placement techniques filtered through an emphasis on real world performance skills. Helping the student build confidence is probably one of the teachers' most important roles. Creating a safe environment is key to keeping the lesson fun, productive and challenging. Every single student should leave every single lesson with a tangible feeling of progress.

ren's lives in all areas and seeks to cultivate that within the child.

Adults also find it easy to learn from Carmen's teaching approach. Her ability to approach a students challenges with a multitude of learning techniques has been useful in helping students succeed. She teaches skills and techniques for practicing that are useful for musicians through out their lifetime. Carmen also knows exactly what it takes to make a student a professional who is ready for studio session work, live band performances, live improvisations, auditions or creating their own music. She understands the desire and drive behind wanting to create with music and emphasizes certain key aspects that can make musicians proficient in any genre when practiced

Education

Carmen comes from a long family lineage of musicians and artists. Always being exposed to classical music and opera since birth, Carmen was in awe of the power of the human voice through opera. At 8 she began to study the art form and teach herself music. She started studying with teachers at age 11. After learning voice, piano and cello followed. While studying classical techniques, she also taught herself other genres of music which enabled her to play, record and perform with musicians of almost every genre by 19.

Carmen has been taught and trained by many professional working musicians of impressive musical carrer heights Her former opera/ vocal coach Shonie Lebie attended The Julliard School on a full scholarship before going on to The Metropolitan Opera House. Piano teacher Shoshana Ben Horin, a graduate of Prague Conservatory of Music and concert pianist, toured all of Europe before instructing Carmen in piano. Carmen has learned cello and other string instruments from professional working musicians here in Los Angeles.

Experience

Carmen is a current working session musician, songwriter and performer in Los Angeles. She has performed and recorded with musicians from The Gap Band, Guns n' Roses, Whitney Houston, Vanessa Hudgens, Hayden Panettiere, etc. She was born and raised in Los Angeles.

*** Lesson Details ***
I customize EVERY lesson for EVERY student (Beginner or Advanced) whether playing in for fun, preparing for a show or wanting to become a professional musician, I can help you reach it.

For piano I can teach you the classical method, Suzuki or methods toward the genre you enjoy playing. You'll learn Ear Training, Rhythm, Theory/ Chords, Sight Reading, Improvisation, Repertoire and a little songwriting.

For strings I focus mostly using the Suzuki Method/ Classical Repertoire or Hal Leonard curriculum. If you seek to learn rock, jazz or blues I have customized learning technique depending on your level. You'll learn bowing techniques, Ear training, Sigh Reading for multiple Clefs, Orchestration, and of course theory and repertoire

For singing I customize the lesson toward Genre Performance preference of the student to maximize your time and productivity. Covering Breath/Phrasing, Projection, Tone Improvement, Diction, Microphone technique, Sight Reading, Proper vocal warm-ups/ Maintenance and Repertoire

*** Specialties ***
Opera, pop, rock, r&b, blue, jazz, alternative rock, string instrument improvisation, free form, variations of short hand lead sheets (how to play along with a band at gig nights), piano chord structures & progressions, singing with band accompaniment, children's music

.

As Pianist, my previous work includes accompaniment for singers of German Lieder, Italian Opera, Art Songs as well as choral concerts. I have authored dozens of original compositions, including 2 Sonatas for Piano, many Fugues, and a Sacred work for Chorus.

Ages
5 and up

Please contact me for availability and any further questions.

Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Newbury Park, Moorpark

*** In Studio or Online ***
Of course it is more enjoyable if you can have lessons in person. But with modern technology, live online lessons come in a close second. I've been teaching for 40 years and I've been doing online lessons for about 7 years. I'm located in West Hills, which is a suburb of Los Angeles. If you are not local, using skype with a webcam works out surprisingly well. I have students in Sydney, London, Hong Kong and many cities throughout the US.

*** Use a Piano or a Keyboard for Practicing ***
I am not fussy if you use a keyboard but it needs to be a "weighted action" keyboard, so that it feels similar to a real piano. Ideally, you should also have a pedal and a stand if you are using an electronic keyboard.

*** Unconventional Approach ***
Each student is taught with a customized approach. You get to tell me what areas you want to focus on. Sometimes there may be a block or something that is a weakness that you need to bolster. Sometimes it is a narrow niche within music that you want to give your attention to. One way that I'm unconventional is that I actually have found that it is NOT better if you practice every day. I recommend that you build in about three days of rest per week. Just like people who work out at the gym learn that the off days are when the muscles regenerate, the same is true for your brain. This allows your subconscious mind to do its job and your progress will actually be faster, not slower. Another example of my unique approach is how I treat beginners. Even though you may not yet read music very well or at all, it doesn't mean that you can't start working concurrently on a more advanced piece. This is because READING notation is a comparatively slow process, but why should we restrict your ability to play something that you love to your rate of reading music? Usually, our FINGER TECHNIQUE develops much faster than our READING so I'm happy to guide you on one or two more difficult pieces and help spoon-feed it to you, bit by bit, "by rote."

*** Areas of Focus ***
-Finger Technique. How to play fast with ultimate control.
-Sight-Reading How to Read Music at Sight
-Rhythm Training
-Music Theory
-Interpretation
-Injury-Retraining
-Relaxation, Removing Unnecessary Tension
-Pain-Reduction
-Practice-Optimization - How to learn more in less time. -How to memorize music.
-Biomechanical Efficiency - Maximum power with minimum effort.
-Time-Management
-Improvisation and creativity development techniques
-Composition & Songwriting.
-How to create melodies for your poems and lyrics.
-How to put chords on your melodies.
-How to create “song sheets,” lead sheets and how to write music down on paper.
-How to notate your song so others can play it, without knowing how to read music!
-Chord-Reading and How to Play Lead Sheets & Fake Book
-Musical Styles and Piano Arrangements (Pop, Country, Gospel, Blues, R&B, Rock, Reggae, Hip Hop, Worship, Church, Hymns, Techno, 50s, Jazz, New Age, Folk, Broadway, Pop Ballade, etc.)
-Ear-Training (How to Play by Ear, Playing by Ear)
-Singers’ Tools
-Pitch Control Training
-Self-Accompanying
-How to Sing Harmony
-Sight-Singing (How to Hear the Notes in Your Mind)
-Self-Accompanying techniques in every style - Learn how to accompany yourself or learn how to accompany singers. (see “Musical Styles” above.)
-Audition Preparation - I will record the melody of the song for you so you can learn it.
-How to put melody to lyrics
-College Preparation
-Performance Anxiety, Stage Fright, Fear
-Releasing Emotional Obstacles to Playing Emotional Blocks, Healing Piano Trauma and Previous Performance Disasters, Piano Therapy
-Learning Disabilities including ADD, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, Dyscalculea, Sensory Integration Disorder
-Motiviation Issues - Solving your procrastination and avoidance of your musical growth issues.
-How to Look Like You’ve Played Piano for Years (for Actors, Singers and Celebrities Who Have A Role Deadline and Need a Crash Course.)

*** Celebrity Piano Teacher ***
Over the years, I've taught many pro musicians and celebrities. These include: Vonda Shepard, David E. Kelley, Dick Gautier, Michelle Pfeiffer, Pray Harper, Peter Horton, Michael Goodrich, Brianna Haynes, Starr Parodi, Briana Evigan, Stuart Ross, Roger Burnley, Chris Hardin, Stu Simone and Ben Bram.

*** Howard's Teachers Go Back To Beethoven ***
I feel grateful that my own training included top teachers of both the “German School” and “Russian School” of piano technique. Generally, the German School teaches how to play with close-to-the-key hand placement preparation and fingering efficiency, and is known for great speed and accuracy. The Russian School teaches how to play with gravity and relaxation and is known for beautiful tone production. Each approach has its strengths and weaknesses. In my own playing and teaching, I have incorporated the good aspects of each and have discarded the bad. The result is a blueprint for biomechanical efficiency and beautiful sound, making it the best of both worlds. Please see the photo of the "piano lineage chart."