Ramona Performing Arts Classes

at I will talk about in the first lesson will be discussed during every lesson. Lessons will usually be divided into 1/2 vocal mechanics and 1/2 dramatic interpretation.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Music and acting texts, portable keyboard. Student need not provide anything.

*** Specialties ***
Broadway, voice/speech, classical theater, acting, stage combat

p people get better at sounding like themselves.

During lessons from me, you can expect to play, sing, clap your hands, and become completely immersed in the music you love. Whether your goal is to perform in front of an audience, record albums, or just play for fun in your living room, I'll help you make that happen.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Music room, seating available, street parking.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I only teach students who provide their own instrument. I am willing to provide a loaner guitar for the week if a student's instrument needs to be repaired or is not accessible for any reason. I also provide homework when necessary :)

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in teaching confidence in performance practices, technique, singing and playing, and good microphone habits for singing, speaking, recording, and songwriting. I teach based on student needs, and I find each student benefits from a different curriculum.

en the songwriter, arranger, and bandleader for several original music groups. Stress Factor Zero combines rock with funk and jazz. Cloud Ex is an acoustic group combining Afro Cuban and Peruvian percussion with folk rock songs. His most recent band Stratosphere is a modern rock and funk band for artistic rockers and visionaries. They blend diverse styles of rock music with a fiery blaze of Latin percussion, sensuous saxophones, and poetic melodies with a message. Their first CD received radio airplay on over forty stations across the U.S. and Canada, and they are currently working on their third CD. Stratosphere performs throughout Southern California and is currently setting up several short tours in various cities across the U.S., Europe, and South America.

*** Lesson Details ***
Well structured lesson plan covering all aspects of music, specifically designed to help you reach your individual goals.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Acoustic piano, full keyboard, 4 guitars, bass, amps, microphones, Pro Tools recording equipment, and seating for parents

*** Styles ***
Rock, funk, jazz, country, blues, fusion, folk, R&B, and classical

building, some relaxation techniques and even some personal motivation of their own before addressing huge audiences of eager acolytes.

I continue to work as an actor on stage and in television, as a playwright and as personal coach.

Some testimonials:
"[Mark] has been one of the most positive influences on my playwriting career and in my life in general. He has been wonderfully generous both to me and to a horde of other young (and established) theater artists in sharing his knowledge and talent." Jim Knable, playwright

"Of all the directors who have staged plays for me since 1986, none has contributed so consistently as [Mark] to the quality and growth of the Playwrights Project . . . . He is a caring and reliable colleague, a principled man who believes deeply in the importance of theatre in a civilized world." Deborah Salzer, Founding Director

*** Lesson Details ***
If you've got an AUDITION coming up for a stage play - I can help you with PREPARATION by giving detailed feedback on what you've already accomplished, suggest plays to choose a monologue from, and polish your audition to get you the role in as few as two one-hour sessions.

For students looking for PERSONAL ONGOING COACHING:
Beginning stage actors will explore how to work in your voice and your body. You will learn to use relaxation and breathing techniques, along with exercises in both memory and sensory exploration.

Experienced stage actors will work in greater detail and depth to find new ways to move you on to the next level.

You will select and prepare audition material and explore those parts of you that can best bring the character to life.

With consent from your director, stage actors preparing roles can get that extra time and feedback you want.

*** Specialties ***
acting for the stage, auditioning, public speaking, script analysis, directing, playwriting

l piano teachers in order to find the perfect fit for each student. I still currently teach one of my 6 year-old students via Facetime.

I graduated in 2013 from ASU with a degree in Elementary Education, a minor in Music, and a certificate in Art. Since then, I have been a piano and voice teacher to 32 students, been a nanny to a pair of twins, started a children's entertainment company, and taught as a long term sub (3 month intervals) for 3rd grade, reading specialization, and middle school humanities.

The majority of my availability is during weekdays, but weekend lessons may be possible as well. Thanks for taking a lot at my bio and I look forward to speaking with you!

ons on whatever the interests and strengths are for the student. For example, if you enjoy jazz more than classical we'll focus more on what you are particularly passionate about. I have also been a part of School of Rock Programs in which we provided performances for the students a la Jack Black. Please contact Takelessons to let the musical journey begin...

kills that may be used in professional situations, sales, dating, teleconferencing, and more.
Have fun, relax and express your creativity!
Try a new hobby.

LESSON CONTENT:
A typical lesson consists of:
--Physical and vocal warm ups
--Exercises targeted to building vocal technique
--Ear training
--Theory
--Developing a portfolio of performance-ready songs that vary in genre, style and difficulty.

BIOGRAPHY
I hold a B.A. in Vocal Performance from University of Minnesota and have been teaching since 2007. I'm an active performer, educator and entrepreneur with a side span of participation in the vocal arts and theatre community. Solo and ensemble performances include "Le Nozze di Figaro," "Rent," "The Mikado," "Night & Day," "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," choral performances with the San Diego Symphony and Sacra Profana, private events and jazz/cabaret shows. I've taught in private, community, and K-12 settings, including Gymboree, Young Audiences of San Diego, Junior Theatre of Balboa Park, San Diego Unified School District, and Cajon Valley School District. In 2007 I founded Prodigy School of Arts, a school for the visual and performing arts in La Jolla, CA, which was sold to new ownership in 2013. In my spare time I enjoy travel, languages, beach volleyball, and dance.

s and I have also instructed both recreational and competitive dance classes.

If you are not wanting to commit to a class, pay studio prices or are not sure if a classroom setting is the best for you or your child, please contact me for private dance lessons offered at your home or Online with the TakeLessons platform. If you are looking for one-on-one instruction outside of your regular dance class, I can provide additional tips and pointers to help you improve your technique.

I have also choreographed for community musicals and weddings. Please contact me if you are tying the knot and want choreography for a first dance or if your school, church or community organization needs musical choreography.

YES I offer WEDDING DANCE CHOREOGRAPHY for couples tying the knot. No dance experience required! All lessons currently offered in San Diego area only (except those taught online).

I provide music for our lessons (if applicable). I am also able to cut/edit music if a student is wanting to use it for an audition or performance. All choreography is original and age-appropriate. Dance shoes (ballet, tap, jazz) are encouraged, but not required. Let me know if you have questions about where or how to buy them!

In case you are wondering, the TakeLessons online classroom is super easy to use! It is similar to Skype or FaceTime, but allows for me to share documents with you and chat, which means I can write out the steps as I'm teaching them to you so you can learn terminology. TakeLessons even saves our chat history, so you can recall it later when you practice on your own. Let me know if you have questions about the online classroom experience!

"It is a beautiful thing when a career and a passion come together". I believe this whole-heartedly about myself as a dance instructor. I enjoy sharing my love for dance with others!