Long Beach, CA Opera Voice Lessons

the lesson, we start with simple warm ups and vocalizes and then apply techniques to the songs you want to sing. I realize each student is different and I customize the lesson to the student's particular needs. I specialize in classical and music theater, however the basics of singing apply to all styles of music. In addition to working on breathing and technique for singing, we'll also focus on interpretation of the songs you are working on as well as how to overcome performance nervousness. Most students find that they are able to sing with more freedom, less tension and will have more confidence as they progress.

I also teach beginning piano, using the John W. Schaum series.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Lessons in the main room, upright piano

*** Travel Equipment ***
They need to provide a piano or keyboard if I am going to their home.
I have a piano in my home.

*** Specialties ***
I work on using the breath as a fundamental technique for singing. Singing should never hurt. I use a lot of imagery to achieve freedom in singing.

they know how they sound to others. I also make a CD of them singing to background music if they wish, included in the cost of the lessons for no extra charge.

Learn to sing beautifully, and most important, emotionally. Learn the parts of your vocal instrument, How each works, How they work together. Develop Breath support (80% of singing). Learn "The Singer's Formant", that "ringing" sound of professionals. Learn how to conquer nervousness, learn about Resonance, Overtones, Vibrato, How to sing high notes, Learn the "singing vowels", and more.

I would rather teach singing than eat chocolate, and if you knew how much I like chocolate, you'd know my passion for teaching singing. I've been studying voice since third grade, and teaching singing for eighteen years.

I've had nine singing teachers myself, so I know just how you feel. I get you comfortable, and I listen closely to what you want to do and where you want to go with your singing voice.

My students learn all the important aspects of singing right away, rather than drawing them out over time.

I teach beginner, intermediate, advanced, and professional students of all ages.

I teach all styles of singing, including pop, blues, gospel, classical voice, rock, jazz, scat singing, belting, country and western, and rap.

I teach singing in English, Italian, Spanish, and German.

As my singing student you'll have access to the four books I've written on singing: SING BETTER FAST: a complete but concise treatise on vocal technique (It includes a Practice CD with a free recording studio program to install into your computer); HOW TO CONQUER NERVOUSNESS FOR SINGERS, HOW TO GET STANDING OVATIONS FOR SINGERS, and SING BETTER FAST 2, ADVANCED SINGING. These four books are the most current and relevant works on these subjects available today.

My Bachelor's and Master's Degrees are from California State University Dominguez Hills.

Put your singing voice in my hands. You'll love what happens.

*** Lesson Details ***
My introductory class includes a computer analysis of your singing voice, then describes the main parts of your vocal instrument, how each works, and how they work together. It teaches you what a song is, and how to sing a song well right away.

During the first lesson I record every student and play it back, both for computer analysis, and also so the student can hear how they sound to others. Remember the first time you heard yourself in a recording and said, "That's not me!" I'll explain that to you, and why it's so important to record yourself and listen to your recordings.

Your lessons are designed toward YOUR goals and desires in singing, and include specific guides for your between lessons practice sessions.

I also teach how to sing karaoke and impress an audience. I've been studying audience psychology for more than 15 years, and MY ENTIRE ORIENTATION IN SINGING IS TO, "DRIVE YOUR AUDIENCE TO THEIR FEET FOR A STANDING OVATION!"

I record CD's with custom labels for students, with their picture, included in the price of the lessons. You can have a CD of yourself singing for you to to play, to give to your family and friends, or perhaps to sell.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Lessons are in my home studio, with recording equipment which we use to record you in lessons and on CD's, high quality studio monitor speakers that let you sound exactly the way you sound to others, high quality recording microphones, computer, control panel, keyboard, and music stands.

*** Travel Equipment ***
When I come to your location for lessons I bring portable equipment to do a computer analysis of the student's voice, and to record and play back my student's progress for analysis and discussion.

*** Specialties ***
I teach singing in English, Italian, Spanish, & German, in all styles, including Pop, Blues, Gospel, Classical, Rock, Jazz, Scat Singing, Belting, Country and Western, and Rap.

iversity of Los Angeles.

If your dream is to be the best singer, pianist or song-writer you could possibly be, then you have found the right teacher. Many of Alex's students have gone onto exciting careers in the entertainment industry.

LESSON DETAILS:

The wide diversity of music styles in existence today means that every performer must develop his own niche in the musical world. Maestro Alex's teaching method is very effective and easy to understand. And it can be applied to all musical styles and levels.

Your lessons will begin with warm-up exercises: musical aerobics that help to develop great technical skills, and are fun to do. The balance of your lesson is dedicated to learning the music you naturally love and want to learn.

All programs include music book, learning material, instr. tracks, recordings, arrangements, YouTube videos, and everything you possibly need to become a great singer, pianist and song-writer.

Step by step you will learn musical basics that create a beautiful sound as you sing or play piano. You will gain technique, knowledge, artistic confidence, and eventually become the singer, pianist or song-writer you always wanted to be.

The key to success will be: practice, patience and persistence. With that plus your musical skills and talent you will amaze your friends and loved ones, and create many beautiful memories and successes in your life.

STUDIO EQUIPMENT:

Alex's V. Music School is located in West Hollywood. Big green umbrella on the porch with white table and chairs overlooks white rose garden.

Piano Studio with baby grand piano, big sofa, fire place, big-screen TV, paintings and plants create professional yet cozy atmosphere.

Vocal Studio: Kurzweil Grand Piano, big iMac, hi-tech recording studio, Tyros work-station, great sound system, big music library, copy machine, water fountain and healthy snacks.

SPECIALTIES:

All styles and levels: Pop, Jazz, Classical, R&B, to Rock, Country, Broadway, Opera, New Age, and more.

Alex can make great song arrangements, instrumental tracks, vocal recordings, YouTube videos, cool CDs, transcribe sheet music, etc.

MAESTRO ALEX V. (M.A.)

Alex was born in Riga, Latvia (former USSR). His musical career started at early age of 4 with performances on State TV. His musical training of 16 years culminated in Master of Arts.

In Latvia Alex worked at the State University of Latvia, State Musical Theater and Riga Film Studios.

Alex emigrated to United States in 1982, and for many years worked as a pianist, vocal coach and musical director at the LACHSA and Cal State University of Los Angeles.

Now he works at his home in W Hollywood. He composes and arranges music, and maintains a select list of privately tutored students, including Miss Universe, Star Search winners, professional singers, actors and song-writers.

Working directly w prof. Alex V. your natural talent will be groomed for success.

s and princes, Francesca has high expectations and is skilled in helping her students reach their goals.

Now performing in the Donald Brinager Singers, a studio choir for-hire, Francesca can often be seen performing with orchestras throughout Southern California. While mentoring through her award-winning teaching studio, Francesca also manages to perform several showcases featuring her original music with her amazing back-up ensemble.

With a constant effort to maintain a professional studio learning environment and with a focus on reading skills and solid technique, Francesca's students enjoy lessons packed with information and light-heartedness. The one on one experience you will have the moment you walk thru the door promises to be unmatched. Francesca's students can be seen on major television networks, radio stations and performing around town in various projects. With a passion to give back, Francesca reserves a small number of spots in her schedule for the youngsters and seniors of her community. She teaches beginning through advanced guitar, piano, and voice.

*** Lesson Details ***
Voice and Instrument Coaching

~Develop skills and techniques for top notch practice and performance
~Study theory, composition, ear training, arranging, improvisation
~Discover music technology and performance techniques
~Study melody, harmony, song form and lyric writing

Artist Development

~Voice and Instrument Coaching
~Song Writing and Selection
~Demo Recording
~Image / Art / Photography Consulting
~Finding your signature sound and style
~Live Performance 101
~Branding / Career Planning and Strategy
~Song Analysis and Consulting
~Booking gigs

A Note From Francesca:

My official bio is listed below, but perhaps more important than the things I have done are the things that I am doing. I am now approaching my 15th year of teaching. I love to teach! I carry a minimum of 30 students, but have carried more then 80 at one time, and have never once complained. My waiting list cycles based on my performance schedule and recording schedule. If you don't see a time that works for you, feel free to reach out and see if we can find something that works, as an artist, my schedule can be quite full but also quite flexible. I love my students, I get to do what I love all day and I am sure it shows. I have a blast discovering new ways to experience music with "my kids." I call all of my students kids even though most of my studio consists of young adults. I try to have a young air in my classes at all times as it just makes the process so much more fun for everyone.

I've seen it all in through years: kids, adults, beginners and advanced students. I am personally very interested in being the most versatile musician possible and I love being able to share my knowledge with my students. We can study anything and everything from Classical Guitar to Electric Guitar Shredding; from Opera to Kelly Clarkson; from Tchaikovsky to Little Richard! I love getting students to dabble in little bits of all genres, often getting even the most skeptical student singing and playing comfortably in a matter of just a few weeks. My students will be able to read music for their favorite tunes and understand how to improvise from the start. Once you come in, you'll be hooked. You will have fun because I am having fun!

I encourage all of my students to share their favorite music with me. It affords me the opportunity to learn more about what they desire to learn and what types of music they enjoy. We will learn with your music often. After all, isn't that why you are coming to see me? I will introduce you to new sounds and styles, but will foster your love for music, and do my best to never force my music on students. I feel I learn as much from my students when I truly listen to them and their music as they do from me.

On site lessons are available for artists recording demos, rehearsing bands and setting up their own studios.

On a side note, I love seeing students at my shows! I am a full time musician and can be seen playing with my band, in my own solo project and in various choral settings. Check out my website and see what I do outside of the classroom. My students get a kick out of the idea that they can buy a CD with their teachers face on it, and to be honest, so do I. Many of my students have their own music out on iTunes and YouTube. Many more can be seen performing around town in solo projects and professional ensembles.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Pianos, Guitars, Basses, Amps, Computer, Monitors, Music, Recording Software, Drum Kit, Studio and Performance Mics, everything we need! Its like Disneyland for musicians!

*** Travel Equipment ***
Varies

*** Specialties ***
Francesca on Artist Development:

I feel obligated to share my joys and experiences-

Not many people have been blessed to sing alongside as many renowned musicians as I have - I've been lucky to be welcomed in both the commercial and classical worlds and they have both afforded me venues to use my voice and express the most vital corners of my soul. To find your purpose through art is one of the greatest gifts you can receive. And to be able to do that in front of thousands of music lovers live or over the airwaves is a surreal experience.

It'€™s funny, my classical cronies are impressed to hear my stories of packed rock gigs at the House Blues and national touring festivals like Warped Tour and my rock buddies ask to hear my stories of Disney Hall performances with the LA Phil. To be honest, Iâ'm impressed to be there too. Sometimes, I look around and think, how did I get here? How did I get lucky enough to live the dream, to find a home in music?

I've been luckier than most. I've had GREAT mentors who have always pushed me forward and shared their wisdom freely with me. Part of the classical musician's central goal is to educate. That'€™s a value I carry into my rock projects and production studio. Work smarter, not harder. Take the needed skills, create art, teach others how to do the same thing, move forward together to live happier, more productive lives filled with purpose.

I have come to be known as one of the top Musical Mentors & Artist Development Experts on the west coast. A behind the scenes- diva of dream building with the skills to push artists to the next level- the ace up the sleeve of many of today working talents. In my award winning studio, I spend time coaching the young voices and faces of today hottest TV shows seen on ABC, Nickelodeon, and the Disney Channel, but I still have a soft spot for up and comers in the indie music world. Having written and performed my own music for decades, I not only lived the collegiate experience of the elite classical performer singing for presidents and world leaders, but also the dingy road of the rock musician who'€™s showed one night to a packed stadium full of fans and showed up another, thousands of miles from home to play to a coffee shop of 5 people. Music has brought me to nearly every continent and introduced me to some of the most talented and diverse people you can imagine. I feel compelled to share these experiences with those around me so that they my develop the vision, the salt and the skills to persevere.

I am, above all, an artist & creator- living the dream, helping people- like you find their voice and write their songs. Turning raw emotion into art.

Each one of us has a story, our truth. Being an artist is about finding ourselves, our song and expressing it publicly so that we may heal, so that we may grow.

It doesn't take a ton of experience to write a hit song. It doesn't take a fancy education or a family line of talent (though it can help). We can all find our voice, our place in the spotlight, what it takes is the courage to take the next step forward.

You've already had the genius to be in the right place at the right time. Here. If you've made it this far, chances are you are smart enough, hungry enough and ready to take the plunge.

Inside my studio you will find the help you seek. I can impart you with proven techniques to strengthen your sound, develop your tone through strong technique, develop strategies to share your art and develop a plan to turn pipe dreams into reality. Some desire to sing on the worlds brightest stages, others strive to lead others through teaching themselves, and some wish for nothing more than to experience music in a confident manner among friends. All can be lead on this personal journey of the artistic soul and all can make their offering to the musical gods. There is a place at the table for anyone seeking an answer.

d and values, and passion for music and teaching.. Students will learn discipline, confidence, expression, stamina, self control, and so much more.

ng a singers genetic abilities, I teach my students how to get a beautiful balance between air and muscle to create a resonance that a singer can grow a wide range and build strength on without having any breaks in their voice.