Montebello, CA Broadway Singing Lessons

and eager to learn more.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Living room with an upright piano and seating for parents or companions

*** Travel Equipment ***

*** Specialties ***
Pop Music, Broadway, Classical, Rock, Jazz, Gospel, Contemporary to World Music

ty world premiers and re-imagined classics. Most notably she played the lead role of Keely Smith in the big band jazz musical “Louis and Keely: Live At The Sahara” during its eight-month run at Westwood’s Geffen Playhouse. She also formed her own rock band, The Honeysuckle Jones Revival, with whom she performed her own songs all over Los Angeles. And she began working as a studio session vocalist, providing demo vocals for other songwriters, as well as arranging and performing back-up vocals for original artists, including Laura Roppe (currently in the Top Ten on Billboard’s Uncharted list of emerging artists.) Crystal played the lead role of Brooke in the new operatic rock musical “The Burning Opera LA” during its Los Angeles run in 2011 as well as providing ensemble vocals and playing piano and bass. She also performs holiday tunes from the Golden Age of American songwriting with musical quartet The Sleigh Belles.

Crystal believes that music is serious business but that it should be fun. She encourages her students to play music they love, as well as expanding their musical knowledge. She is a firm believer in basics first and emphasizes theory and technique as the tools to support creativity and provide freedom, power and control. She believes effort beats talent every time and the student who practices consistently will see results, whatever their level of ability. Most of all, she believes we were all born to make music.

*** Lesson Details ***
Lesson structure varies depending on the student's instrument, age, level of experience and musical style. However, all lessons focus on:

Technique
Music theory
Performance style

After 3 or 6 months of consistent lesson attendance and practice, students will have a clear understanding of how their instrument works and how to care for it. They will be able to read basic music notation. They will be working toward clearly defined musical goals and they will have at least three performance pieces learned.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Loft Space: full size electric piano with weighted keys, small digital recorder, microphone, Garage Band, parents can sit in on lessons

*** Travel Equipment ***
I bring a small keyboard for vocal students with no piano, karaoke tracks and a digital recorder. I also bring a selection of games. Students are expected to purchase all necessary books and sheet music.

*** Specialties ***
Young beginners (piano)

owerful sound of the chest voice, and the beauty and range of the head voice.
I teach contemporary music, Pop, Rock, Soul, Blues, Jazz, R'n'B, Country and Musical.
For the past 8 years I have been working as a vocal instructor in Vienna, San Francisco and Los Angeles, giving private and group lessons.

*** Lesson Details ***
During a lesson we will work half of the time on technical exercises and half of the time on a song which the student can choose or I will make a recommendation.
All lessons are recorded and given to the student to conveniently practice at home between each lesson.

Music styles thought: Pop, Rock, Musical Theater, Soul, Country, R'n'B, Blues, Jazz

*** Studio Equipment ***
Piano
Keyboard
Speakers
Recording System
Laptop

*** Travel Equipment ***
Laptop, Recording Device

*** Specialties ***
Mix - a vocal technique which teaches students to smoothly transition between their chest voice and their head voice.

hy is that if a student develops good singing technique, they can sing in any style, from pop music to opera, and keep their voice healthy. No two voices are the same and each of us has our own unique instrument, with the right training that instrument can grow and work at it's optimum. I approach my lessons with humor, putting the student at ease, if the student is comfortable and relaxed, they are more open to learning and their voice will sound much more free and beautiful.

*** Lesson Details ***
The lessons are designed around each student's particular need, especially when it comes to how the student likes to learn, not every person learns the same way, so flexibility is key. The student will be given a solid concept of good breath support, work with matching pitches, singing with a line, producing good tone quality and singing with good diction and projection. The student is ultimately going to learn how to become their own voice teacher, they will learn how to listen to their voice and be able to identify warning signs of vocal trouble and how to prevent and solve problems. After about three months the student will be producing much prettier tone and begin to grasp the concept of breath support. As time moves on, they will build their ability to support their voice, open up their sound so they can get more volume without hurting their instrument and the student will develop a better endurance, being able to sing longer and not tire out too quickly. As the students technique develops and strengthens, they will become more confident. If the student is already performing or has worked to the point where they are ready to start performing, then we will spend more time on interpretation and acting as well as developing a confident stage presence.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Living room: piano, mirror

*** Travel Equipment ***
I only teach from my house and do not travel.

*** Specialties ***
I am classically trained, have been singing professionally for over 20 years and I sing both Opera and Musical Theatre.

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.

of Canada. He made his Broadway debut in Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Bombay Dreams, under the direction of 2-time Academy Award winning composer A.R. Rahman. He also starred as Lancelot in the Broadway National Tour of Camelot and Magaldi in the Broadway National tour of Evita (Harold Prince Revival). Gabriel had the distinguished honor of originating the role of the elf archer Legolas in the $30 Million Dollar, world premier production of The Lord of The Rings, directed by Tony award winning director Matthew Warchus.

e, Mercedes in Carmen, Second Lady in The Magic Flute, Nerone in L'incorazione di Poppea.

Since I graduated college I have collaborated with nationally known directors, conductors, and voice teachers such as Peter Kazaras, James Darrah, Bruce Stasyna, Juliana Gondek, and Enrique Toral. I have sang in Master Classes given by Susan Graham and Bradley Moore. I have performed roles with Astoria Music Festival, Miami Music Festival, Opera NEO, and San Diego Opera.

As a teacher my job is to use my knowledge and experience to help my students learn to sing with as much ease as possible, while refining the instrument for the classical repertoire. I not only focus on technique, but also diction and artistry, because as singers we are story tellers.

formance unforgettable.

I have coached dozens of artists like you, dedicated to developing their instrument - be that for a gig, for an audition or to enhance their technique and the everyday reliability of their voice.

Recent credits include vocal coaching for the major motion picture musical "Crazy For The Boys" (Winter 2019), and creation and instruction of a new vocal development program for the transgender community at the Los Angeles LGBT Center's Trans*Lounge.

Feel free to reach out with any questions you may have; I'm already looking forward to working with you! - RS

PS - In addition to the session offerings I have listed on this site, I also offer 30 MINUTE LESSONS FOR CHILDREN AGES 8-15.
To book half-hour children's lessons, please contact TakeLessons directly at 877-231-8505. Adjusted rate is $50/ half-hour and available for children of the above listed age range only.

ten three fully produced musicals for the stage, and continues to write and produce blues and pop music.

e ridding the body of tension so that the voice can be free is key. Through teaching healthy habits and technique I believe any singer can uncover their authentic voice. Aside from technical singing, I'm even more interested in you connecting to the song and telling the story in a meaningful, powerful way.

I have a wide variety of genres that I work with. I have a particular passion for soul/r&b and pop but I grew up singing everything from country to jazz. I believe that I can help any singer establish good technique, no matter the style.

I look forward to working with you and making you an better singer!