Newhall, CA Opera Voice Lessons

s needs and wants. I specialize in the classical Bel Canto technique and teach this to all my students. This will create a solid technical foundation so then the student is free to explore any genre that interests them. Even though I am an opera singer, I enjoy working with my students on musical theater, pop, jazz, and much more! What is most important is that my students find joy in singing, and I will guide you to do that in a way that is healthy for your voice.

As a teacher, I think it is valuable to develop the complete musician, not only the voice. In lessons, we will also discuss music theory, diction, interpretation, phrasing, music history, etc.

A lesson might include:
- exercises that develop skills in posture, breathing, vocal support, tone production and resonance
- learning songs and choosing audition repertoire that best suits your voice and showcases your unique talent
- the design of a warm-up routine to use before a performance
- special attention targeting trouble spots in music, issues with vocal range or transitions between vocal registers
- coaching in diction (English, Italian, French, German, Latin), articulation, and projection
- music reading skills and ear training
- audition preparation and help learning music
- other areas of focus inspired by the singer’s strengths and challenges

*** Travel Equipment ***
I have a portable electric keyboard, but it would be best if the student had a piano/keyboard so they can practice at home.

*** Specialties ***
I am a graduate of the Manhattan School of Music with a degree in Vocal Performance.
I am classically trained in voice, violin, flute and piano. I began the Suzuki method on the violin at age 3. I am a professional opera and choral singer, but also have experience in musical theater.

od posture, and breathing techniques. One rule that I have is that I don't move you on to another song until you have successfully learned all you can from the first one you try. There is no point in learning another song when you have only learned the first one at a mediocre level.
If you are serious about becoming a better singer/musician you will enjoy our lessons.
I encourage my students to strive for excellence and will do all I can to draw that out of you.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide the tools to learn theory, songs to choose from and I do have my own portable keyboard. Students would need to have a tape or digital recorder to record their lessons and a positive attitude.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in classical voice, and vocal training, (learning how to use your voice properly).

Southern California, Thornton School of Music and I have a Bachelors degree from Northern Arizona University. I also completed a teaching internship at the California Lutheran University.

My style of teaching is tailor made for each student because everyone has different goals and needs. I focus on making singing fun and painless while setting a strong technical foundation. My goal for the student is to take away technical issues so they can be musically expressive and show the world who they are.

*** Lesson Details ***
I am a laid back teacher. My hope is that students will feel improvement in their lessons and it will motivate them to practice. In my opinion, the lessons should be fun, educational, and safe.

My curriculum is based on the needs of the student. In general, I always begin with breathing techniques. Breathing is the foundation of singing and so I tend to spend some time trying to show the student the most efficient and most effortless technique. Then I move on to what I have learned from my own voice teacher, and I will teach the students what are called "vocal function exercises." These are a series of gentle warm ups that teach the student a combination of breath pressure, resonance, and eliminating physical tensions within the neck, chest, and back. Then I move on to incorporating these ideas into repertoire. I like to decide repertoire with the student based on their preferences and their skill level. Generally I like to give the student one classical piece in a foreign language and one musical theater piece, but this is not set in stone.
I hope that after a few months the student will have an understanding of breathing, beginning vocal technique, and some repertoire we have been working on.

All of this said, ultimately I do not hold students to my own expectations. I want them to learn at their own pace and not feel they need to be at a certain point after a certain amount of time.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Living Room. Keyboard. Seating for parents. Cats.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide sheet music and I expect the student to provide a keyboard or piano.

*** Specialties ***
I teach a method that is very simple and allows the student to express themselves musically and to have fun.

My expertise is Opera but I can teach all styles of singing.

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

d many others. She has been producing music and vocals in the recording studio, coaching voice, piano, songwriting, rap writing, performance, studio, jazz, blues, classical, pop and artist development for the past 20 years. She was operatically trained by Juilliard instructor Sylvia Bagley, trained as a jazz singer at world re-known Berklee College of Music, where she won several songwriting awards, and was R & B/Pop trained by Vocal Coach To The Stars, Seth Riggs. In 2010 she had a #6 Billboard hit dance song, which she wrote and sang and 2 top 10 hits in 2016. She has written, recorded and performed songs in several different languages for a variety of films, television shows, and commercials such as Nickelodeon's Hollywood Heights, The Natalee Holloway Story, Spike Lee Productions, Barbie, Ponds, Target, Ford, Mazda, Pontiac, The Guiding Light, The Young and The Restless. MTV and several others. Fawn has also sung, written and played in many different styles from Jazz/Blues to Classical to Pop to children's to Opera.

Fawn is a very fun, yet honest and straight-forward coach. She loves working with adults and children, and considers lessons a 'team effort to reach her students' goals. Being that music and the entertainment business are her career and life, she is current and relevant, yet has plenty of old school training to be well rounded and help students build a strong foundation. Music and the entertainment business are her life, and she loves helping people reach their goals and meet their dreams. She has released 5 albums, several singles, won numerous awards and worked with such talents as Grammy winners Lalah Hathaway and Paula Cole, Meredith Brooks, Vampire Diaries Kat Grahm, BT, Jeff Goldblum, Right Said Fred, Ed Townsend, QD3, Club Nuveau's Val Watson, Robbie Benson and shared the stage with Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Carol Channing, Kevin Sorbo, Pink, Joss Stone, David Guetta, Katy Perry, Moby, Dionne Warwick, James Torme', David Foster, Thelma Houston, David Pomeranz, War and countless others. She has also worked with Kevin Costner, Alexandra Paul, David Marshall Grant, Florence Henderson, Jay Leno, Hulk Hogan, Darryl Hannah, Tommy Lee, Martin Lawrence, Magic Johnson, Pamela Anderson, Jermaine Dupri, Rae Dawn Chong, Eva Longoria, Joan Rivers, Erik Estrada, John Amos, and others appearing with them in film, TV and benefits for worthy causes.

Over the years, Fawn has been known to bring students into her inner circle, so they can gain more experience and exposure, taking them to red carpets, events and even putting them up onstage to perform. She remembers having piano, voice and songwriting coaches, and being frustrated in voice because instructors were not addressing issues that needed to be addressed. This is why she creates a positive and comfortable, safe environment so students can open up and progress quickly. Fawn moves straight to the heart of the matter and gets whatever needs work figured out, so students can move on to what their goals and dreams are. She has helped actors be able to sing parts for their TV shows, helped popular bands be able to have good stage performances and presence with precision dancing and singing and has helped vocalists find their true voice. She is able to get piano students as young as 5 to a high-level Concerto level of playing with in 3 years, completely reading the pieces on their own. The youngest person she has ever taught was 3 years old and blind. The oldest person she has ever taught so far taught was 89 years old, after suffering a stroke. She was able to help her get her voice back within 20 minutes of her first lesson. Fawn also does vocal rehabilitation, vocal therapy, and music therapy. She has worked with special needs children with Downs Syndrome, ADHD, ADD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Pit Hopkins Disease and more. As far as being a songwriter, Fawn generally writes words and music at the same time but she has also written lyrics and music separately, as well as composed instrumental pieces. Fawn trained with Pat Pattison and Grammy winning Lyricist Marty Panzer in lyric writing and she is a master at producing, recording and editing vocals, and is happy to help you with your recording projects, as she owns Terrace Recording Studios in Los Angeles, CA.

Brief Synopsis of Professional Experience:

- Platinum and Gold Award Winning Vocal Coach
- Began in the Entertainment Industry at age 6 months, starring in several National TV Commercials
- Recording Artist and songwriter of Billboard Top 10 Hit song "Wish U Love"
- Recording Artist and songwriter of Top 10 Hit song "Solitude"
- Recording Artist and songwriter of Top 10 Hit song "Where Has Your Love Gone"
- Award Winning Songwriter/Lyricist
- Grammy Winning Vocal and Songwriting Clientele
- Berklee College Of Music
-Seasoned Jazz, Pop, Blues and Commercial vocalist
I can get them to Concerto level in 3 years, completely reading music on their own and self sufficient. I teach all of the important fundamentals for a strong foundation, but to the PERSONALITY of the person, because each of us has different styles, different points of view, different things that block us, different things that inspire us. I teach the same, important fundamentals necessary for a strong foundation, but tailor make it to each individual. I teach all styles of music.

I love working with individuals and groups who want to meet their musical dreams, achieve success in their entertainment careers and/or take their abilities and talents to a higher quality level. I have been known to take some of my students on red carpets with me as well as get them performing opportunities and put them in high level networking situations as well.

- Patient
- All ages (have taught 3-89 so far!)
- Great with kids (of all ages!)
- Studio Session Vocal Coaching
- I teach children and adults with special needs
- Injured Chords/Vocal Therapy/Voice Rehabilitation
- Live Performance and Stage Presence
- Music Therapy for special needs

SONGWRITING
Learn song form, tighten lyrics and melodies, get inspired when you don't "feel" like writing, good prosody, copyright, legalities, how to place songs in film and TV, record your finished song in the studio.

PIANO LESSONS
Emphasis on reading music, classical training, music theory, fingering, improv, chords and ear training. All styles of music are taught-Classical/Jazz/Ragtime/Pop/Broadway/R&B-Chord Charts, How to Accompany a Singer, Compose Music, Write songs and Play Piano while Singing. Learn about the origin of music, composers, how styles of music evolved.

VOICE LESSONS
"Make A Stop at the Vocal Shop"
Learn correct breathing, how to put emotion in your voice, how to connect with your fan base and audience, how to expand your vocal range, style a song, address pitch problems, microphone technique, ear training, how to change your voice for different styles of singing, Opera/R & B/Pop/Jazz/Gospel/Broadway/Jingle singing - Studio singing vs. Live singing, performance, songwriting, lyric writing, stage presence, recording artist packaging, preparation and auditions, recording studio vocal coaching for studio sessions. I have also studied with Seth Riggs and teach his methods. For people who are tone def, or completely off pitch, I can get you on pitch with in 3 lessons.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Recording Studio:
Complete professional home studio with vocal both. Equipment confidential, but includes piano, guitars, microphones, vocal booth, music stands, step master and much more.
Billboard Hit Song, Best Dance Album of the Year and Best Dance Single of The Year Recorded there, as well as many other songs for film and TV.

Kitchen and Bathroom. 400 square feet. Seating for additional guests, parents. Lighting and Disco ball! :)

*** Travel Equipment ***
Amp, Microphone, Teaching Materials, Video Camera, iPad, recorder, other

*** Specialties ***
*Voice-I specialize in Body Programming, Vocal Rehabilitation, Music Therapy, as well as Seth Riggs's technique. I combine those two techniques, plus my own experience of being in the entertainment industry since the age of 6 months old. Some of the things I cover are range, singing correctly, finding your mix, finding your middle, strengthening your head voice, strengthening your chest voice, vocal placement, correct breathing, singing with feeling, singing in different languages, opera, jazz, pop, Broadway, jingle singing, scat singing, blues, rock, hip hop, r and b, children's, and more.
*Piano-all genres are covered with an emphasis on classical, but I also cover-jazz, pop, songwriting, ragtime etc. Theory, technique, ear training and more
*Songwriting- good prosody, melody, lyrical meter, chords and more.
*I teach what is needed, and tailor the lesson to the personality and individual goals. All students have are given a strong foundation to build on.

I understand the frustration that comes from wanting to sing without tension or feeling restricted in range or ability. I spent years feeling unsure about my vocal abilities until I learned how to develop a truly solid vocal foundation. I can teach you the tools that I continue to use for my own singing today.

I lived and breathed music and singing throughout my childhood, and I continue to today. I have over fifteen years of classical music training and performance experience. I attended California State University Northridge where I studied classical voice, art song, and opera performance. Since attaining my Bachelor of Music in Vocal Arts I have performed opera and musical theatre professionally across Los Angeles. I have since left opera performance to focus on my true musical passions: pop, R&B, jazz, musical theatre, and teaching.

**Lesson Details**
I tailor my teaching to each student's needs and desires. I teach all levels of singing, child to adult, beginner to advanced. If you are a beginner, I will quickly help you understand and access your instrument. If you are a more experienced singer, I will help you identify your opportunities for growth and we start from there. I focus on releasing tension and building a strong core foundation. You will learn how to develop consistent breath control, expand your range, and grow your voice into a powerful and beautiful sound! **Please note: I am not a trained pianist or accompanist. I focus on vocal technique, vocal production, and vocal expression. I do not accompany my students on the piano when we work on songs/repertoire.**

**Studio Equipment**
Piano
Acoustic guitar
Music stand
ZoomH2 microphone and recording device
Access to a wide selection of popular, classical, and musical theatre sheet music

**Specialties**
I teach the same technique for all styles of singing - pop, R&B, jazz, gospel, musical theatre, and classical. I help my students make minor changes for each style, but the core foundational technique remains the same. I specialize in breath support, vocal chord closure, range expansion, vocal register negotiation, body alignment, relieving tension, healthy belting, emotional support, and acting for singers.

r chosen repertoire. Utilizing both vocalise and song literature of your choosing, we will go through very pragmatic and utilitarian methods that will generate an easy, free and uniquely individual sound.

🎥 🎶🎙 STUDIO EQUIPMENT 🎥 🎶🎙
Main teaching studio is 14'x14'
800 sq ft recital & class space
Microphones
Sound System with:
iPhone/iPod dock
Standard 3.5mm input jack for other phones/players
"Old School" cassette tape recording
Full Library of Classical, Musical Theatre, Pop Music

🎥 🎶🎙 SPECIALTIES 🎥 🎶🎙
✓ I have served as a vocal consultant on many professional recording sessions
✓ I have nearly 20 years experience working in all genres - POP/Rock, Opera, and Musical Theatre. I have a long client list that includes many celebrities all the way to beginners who are dedicated and ready to embark on a systematic process.
✓ In order to gauge your progress, I also provide performance opportunities through quarterly recitals and studio classes.

🎥 🎶🎙 BIOGRAPHY 🎥 🎶🎙
In addition to a rigorous performing career, Mr. H. has also been the principal associate vocal technician to world renowned master clinician Joann C. Zajac for the past fifteen years. Known for unearthing talent; building voices from inception; and guiding and managing the well trained singers through the inherent difficulties of a performing career: ZajacStudio has earned a coveted reputation for providing a meticulous regimen that builds a robust and consistent singer with a "complete package" ready to take on the difficulties and rewards of a major career. Students have traveled from as far as Hong Kong to work with these down to earth and practical technicians, and they encompass every genre including pop, musical theatre, and opera. Using Ms. Zajac's exceptional approach, clients have garnered both critical and popular success working on Broadway, London's West End, and in opera houses all over the world. The ZajacStudio client list also includes recording artists and an extensive list of top celebrities.

Working with the concept that all performance art is pure storytelling, Zeffin is also an accomplished director and acting coach. He is the co-founder of Singing Actors' Lab, the production and group class arm of ZajacStudio. The mission of SAL is to bring the best of both worlds from acting and classical singing to a "no compromises" well-rounded performance where acting choices support the vocal technique and vice versa. SAL has produced many full productions of operas, legit musical theater, also a series of concerts at Le Petit Greek Los Angeles, and a countless array of master classes throughout the country. As a stage director Mr. H.'s productions have been on the stages of Opera Las Vegas; Los Angeles' Dell Chamber Opera; Larchmont Concert Opera; California State University, Northridge; Wichita State University; and also recently at the Off Broadway Theater, The Lambs.

Zeffin has sung over 90 leading roles at many of the country's most significant opera houses including Dallas Opera, New York City Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Opera Pacific, Opera Theatre of Pittsburg, Palm Beach Opera, Opera Delaware, Toledo Opera, New Orleans Opera, Dicapo Opera Theater, and also at Hungary's Szeged & Pecs National Theaters. Mr. H. has had the pleasure of many orchestral appearances as a soloist with the Brooklyn Philharmonic; Lincoln Center's Little Orchestra Society of New York; Westfield Symphony; Palm Beach Opera Orchestra; Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra; Owensboro Symphony; Bear Valley Music Festival Orchestra and Rome's International Chamber Orchestra. His signature operatic roles include Scarpia (Tosca), Escamillo (Carmen), and Jack Rance (La Fanciulla del West). Mr. H. also represented the USA as John Proctor in the award-winning production of The Crucible broadcast to 46 countries on Mezzo Television.

ly started teaching and would love to help and guide those interested in music, specifically classical voice, opera, musical theater, and piano. I would love to share the great joy it brings me with others and pass down what I have learned over the years. I have completed courses in music pedagogy and education alongside my degree, and believe in shaping my lessons around each individual's learning style so that each student may continue to grow while having fun.