Reseda, CA Broadway Singing 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

's important for a singer to not only know how to sing, but to also understand the music he or she is singing. I will incorporate music theory into the lessons, starting with basics such as learning how to read notes.

I believe in making sure the singer is comfortable and confident.  The environment you will be learning in is open and non-threatening because a singer needs a place to explore his or her voice.  I encourage my students to make mistakes and to keep the lines of communication as open as possible.  Singers are perfectionists, and we're constantly telling ourselves what we do wrong- we don't need someone else enforcing that negativity.

I concentrate on a classical vocal technique, with proper posture, efficient breathing, lack of facial and body tension, and healthy vocal production. I believe that it is important to have a strong foundation of healthy technique no matter what style of singing. My teaching style and lesson focus will be different for each individual person, and I'm very flexible in adapting to each singer's needs and personality.

I am a very understanding teacher, and very patient, but I will push you to work to your potential! What you put into these lessons and your practicing is what you will get out of it. I am not strict, but I do expect dedication, passion, and respect. I am a very enthusiastic and energetic teacher, and lessons with me will be fun, productive, and encouraging.

If I sound like the right teacher for you, please arrange a trial lesson to see how well we work together!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Living room, piano, full-length mirror, comfortable seating for parents

*** Specialties ***
*Teachers classified as a Student Favorite have taught a minimum of 25 lessons and have received the highest feedback rating from students. I specialize in classical singing- applicable to any style of singing!

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.

tioning, acting in movies, performing musicals/plays on Broadway, writing your own songs, and developing show-biz career strategy, (headshots, meeting agents/managers, etc) I help TIYA members every day achieve their artistic dreams.

MORE INFO:
I have been singing since I was 3, anything and everything from Michael Jackson to Elvis Presley to Luciano Pavarotti. Originally from Colorado, I studied music/theatre, as well as vocal pedagogy at The University of Colorado at Boulder, where I graduated with highest honors. I made my Broadway debut in "The Phantom of the Opera" at age 24. I also performed in "Chess in concert" as a featured rock tenor soloist at the New Amsterdam Theatre on Broadway with Josh Groban. I have understudied and performed lead roles in the first AEA National Tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s "Whistle Down the Wind." Regionally, I have played many lead roles all over the United States in productions including "Les Miserables," "Miss Saigon," "The Wild Party," and "She Loves Me."

I have recently released a singing online course. Feel free to check out Udemy and look for Sing Like You've Always Imagined to see what is new!

As an ASCAP recording artist, currently I am working in the studio with a full production team on my first pop/rock album. I also often sing on demos for producers and write songs for other artists in many different genres.

As a TV/Film actor, most recently I was on set with Marvel's "Luke Cage" on Netflix, and I played the lead role of (Abraham) Lincoln in the SAG-AFTRA short film, "These Honored Dead." I also have played lead roles in 4 SAG-AFTRA short films, as well as the comedic lead in a SAG-AFTRA Web-series pilot, "Bodega Nights." I was called back for producers as a Series Regular for both Cinemax and HBO.

TIYA clients include (aspiring) Broadway performers, Film and TV actors, singer-songwriters, voice-over artists, news anchors, dancers, comedians, corporate sales presenters, as well as karaoke enthusiasts, and songwriting hobbyists.

My TIYA members have performed on television in Smash, Glee, and venues around NYC ranging from The Underground, Le Poisson Rouge, Drom, Cornelia Street Cafe, Arlene’s Grocery, to the Broadway productions of Ghost, Sister Act, Evita, Wicked, West Side Story, South Pacific, The Phantom of the Opera, and Rent to name a few.

*** Lesson Details ***
We will always work on whatever you want.

For Singing, as a vocal technician/trainer I am like going to the gym for your voice. My exercises are safe, simple, and most importantly, I teach you how to practice correctly.

For ACTing, we can explore both the foundation itself with monologues and scenes, as well as the tricks of the trade mastering the camera frame and how to create memorable auditions for TV/Film.

For Songwriting, we can explore the fundamentals of both lyrics and music, as well as catchy hooks, production, and song structure.

You may use my time however you wish (Voice, Acting, Songwriting, or Artistic/Career guidance).

Most vocal sessions will usually be a combination of strengthening/conditioning exercises, and then exploring/performing a song.

The TIYA vocal training method is uniquely my own as it combines both Bel Canto and Speech Level Singing. Emphasis is on developing a relaxed, released, authentic vocal timbre to sing in any style. Concepts explored include: Coordination, Registration, and Intonation. Chest, Head, Edge, and Pharyngel registration, 2 instruments in 1, posture, breath management, vocal cord adduction, trigger phrases, ring, consistency, and more. 

Most ACTing sessions will be theatre monologues, TV/Film sides and/or On camera auditioning craft.

Career consultations usually include how to get an agent, headshots, branding, and marketing to align your artistic dreams with a strategy for success.

***Studio Equipment***
-Yamaha PSR 950 Keyboard
-SONY Handycam DCR SR100
-600W Continuous Lighting Kit
-Omni Directional Lavier
-Adjustable InnoGear Microphone Boom
-Blue Snowball Microphone
-Mac Thunderbolt Display
-MacPro
-YAMAHA Guitar
-Meinl Cajon
-BOSE Wave music system
-iPhone 8 Plus

icks that allowed me to impress the Hollywood composer that first invited me to Los Angeles to work on my first blockbuster. That opportunity led to many years of success in the industry and some notoriety.
I have always had a passion for teaching, sharing my knowledge with others and watching other people take immense pleasure in their own achievements. I have been told time and time again that I have a very special gift for teaching and I would very much like to share it with you, whether you want to learn an instrument, musicianship, ear training, composition, hone your vocal or mic skills or learn how to arrange an orchestral piece in just a few hours!
I look forward to talking to you about your specific needs and goals and having the opportunity to help you realize them in a fun friendly and authentic atmosphere.
Andrew

e. There I kept studying vocal technique, solfege, classical guitar and music harmony.
I moved to LA 11 years ago and attended Musician's Institute earning a diploma in Vocal Studies and Vocal Performance and then I attended a Composition & Songwriting Program at UCLA for 2 years. I refined my vocal technique studying at Berkley College of Music for a summertime in a special program for Jazz Vocalists and I have been an Alexander Technique's student for now 10+ years.
I am a performing artist, I sing and teach privately for a living and, on the side, I help an Opera Touring company promote their tours. I have performed all over the country in some beautiful venues such as the Getty Center and Pantages Theater to name a few. Guitar is my second instrument but I accompany students with my piano during vocal exercises. My personal style of singing is modern, not operatic, I love many kinds of music but especially pop, jazz, and musical theater.

***Lessons Details***

**Singing: Teaching Adults**
There are two sides of singing that I like to work on with my students.
The first is vocal technique, which is first and foremost the study of how to use our instrument, our whole body, in the best and most useful way to avoid strain ad create beautiful sounds. I believe that when we relax and use the right posture, meaning the most natural one, then our bodies and our breathing mechanisms act as they are supposed to, and singing magically happens at its best. When we learn to use our bodies without strain, the right "singing" muscles are automatically engaged and exercised and we feel at ease. So I try to encourage a non-forceful way to use diaphragmatic breathing, which I have learned by studying Alexander Technique, which is a technique that teaches people how to stop using unnecessary levels of muscular and mental tension during any activity, especially during an artistic performance of any kind.
I try to notice bad singing habits the student may have formed throughout his/her life, (hopefully none!), and gently help them correct them. The vocal exercises I use are drawn from the Bel Canto tradition, a classical tradition, but I mix them with more modern vocal exercises to develop popular techniques like "belting" for example.
The second side of singing is simply to pay attention to song interpretation, to convey the message we would like to convey. I encourage the student to choose songs to work on they truly love, and I welcome any style of music. I give the students vocal exercises CDs to help them practice at home.

**Singing: Teaching Children**
What I described above is also true for teaching children, however I like to teach them "by ear" with simple vocal exercises and vocal games at the beginning of the lesson and try to ease them into the sound they naturally make. I like to create a positive environment in which the student can feel successful about even small achievements, whether it is standing in a relaxed way or having practiced the beginning of an exercise or part of a song. To help the student practice at home and keep the motivation alive without feeling overwhelmed I record each lesson (or let them record it) and give them the accompaniment for the song of their choice so they can have fun at home.

*** GUITAR ***
I teach young children using fun songs, games and classical guitar technique. I also teach adults and specialize in contemporary guitar. I welcome many styles of music, pop, rock as well as folk genres of Latin America. I emphasize good posture, tone and musicality, and always a high level of enjoyment with the process!

*** RECITALS ***
I plan and host 2 wonderful Recitals a year, one in January and one in June. I encourage all my students to participate, no matter how they may feel about their instrument level and preparation. Working towards a performance is one of the most effective ways to solidify your ever growing skill!

*** Studio Equipment ***
For students who come to my home studio, there is private guest parking right outside my building, in a gated complex of buildings and in a safe neighborhood just north of the 101. My studio is conveniently located just a few blocks from the freeway entrance. I have a comfortable sofa for parents and siblings to attend the lessons and a keyboard to use for accompaniment. Also, I periodically offer my students the chance to record one song in my studio, equipped with nice microphones and a professional recording system.

*** Travel Equipment ***
For singing lessons I bring my small and light master-keyboard and laptop or I can use the student piano/keyboard. For children's lesson I ask my students to bring a notebook to keep track of practice assignments.

*** Specialties ***
Music theory and Songwriting. Stage performance and how to feel comfortable on stage. Additionally I teach vocal jazz improvisation, Broadway singing and Italian song repertoire.

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.

wide variety of contexts ranging from opera, choral, musical theater, jazz, and R&B/pop. I have over 15 years of experience performing, and over 5 years of experience teaching voice. My diverse array of artistic experiences allows me to be flexible and sensitive to the specific needs of my students.

Singing is ultimately a form of artistic expression and release. The end goal of all the technical training is to create an artistic moment for both you and the audience. When you begin the journey of discovering your own unique voice, you will also begin a deeper journey with yourself. Singing has brought me so much joy in my own life and I look forward to sharing that joy with you!

and can tutor you in this or Music Appreciation.