Simi Valley, 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.

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

first two albums with composer Yves Vincent of San Diego, California in genre-stretching new-age/classical style.

After relocating to Tucson, Arizona, as music director for his church, he encouraged a variety of styles and genres to be used by the musicians and choirs of each of five weekend Masses.
Later, in Illinois, he directed another 60 voice parish choir that frequently performed with orchestras from Illinois State & Wesleyan Universities. His voice students in all these locations have been encouraged to explore and develop their own unique expression of their favorite music, while building on a solid foundation of technique, vocal strength and musicianship.

Now that Patrick has relocated one more time to Los Angeles, CA, he is working on a 3rd and 4th CD and once again accepting students. He enjoys the opportunity to expose young & older talent to the power and passion of classical music while also helping them create ways to make it new and exciting by reinterpreting it with their own favorite genres.

Lessons

Patrick's passion for teaching comes from his philosophy of music:
"Music is humanity's most evolved form of expression and communication. Music includes language, our physical senses, and our sense of meaning. With music, ordinary language is ultimately transcended. Words communicate from mind to mind; music communicates to the depth of the soul."

Patrick teaches and encourages young beginners as well as coaching and challenging seasoned professionals. He has even taught a hearing-impaired student to use physical sensation rather than sound to sing on pitch! He focuses on fundamentals of breath, technique and strength to help singers take care of their irreplaceable instrument. (Patrick's own vocal coach, Edward Kingins, continues to perform and move audiences in Detroit well in to his 70s!) Along with helping students build a strong foundation, he nurtures a love and commitment to music by working with students in the style and genre they enjoy most, from rock to pop, jazz or country.

Patrick also has unique insight into the entertainment industry, both in Los Angeles and across the country. Over the years, he has been associated with and close friends with musicians and actors such as John Denver and Richard Hatch as well as sought-after speakers Tom Crum and W Mitchell. Since locating to L.A., he has worked in independent movies with Damian Chapa and David Carradine as an actor and production assistant and coordinator. This experience, coupled with his own success on stage and as a recording artist helps him guide and advise serious young talent to maneuver the crazy environment of Hollywood and avoid the scams and pitfalls of the entertainment industry.

Subjects Taught

Singing, Acting (stage Presentation)

*** Lesson Details ***
Beginning Lesson Outline

My Basic lesson outline is to determine where we are starting with each student and custom make lessons designed to fit the needs for that student. We will also work on meditation and visualization techniques for performance. The idea is for you to feel the words and sing with passion or so your audience believes your song.

Unlike other instruments, your voice cannot be replaced if it is damaged. I take the time needed through each step of the process so your voice is strengthened and developed properly. It is up to the student to practice and apply what is learned and build a trained, strong instrument that will be useable for your whole life.

You will learn:

Proper breathing techniques and practice.
Properly warming up the voice.
Working on music theory (reading music, etc.)
Ear training and pitch.
Expression, phrasing and performing.
Applying techniques learned to music suitable for student's capabilities.
Learning to have fun and enjoy the music experience.
Confidence and self-esteem

Depending on student's progress, specific lesson components above will be emphasized so that the student's goals will be achieved.
My goal is to prepare you to the best of my ability for you to achieve your dreams.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Keyboard & Recording Studio

*** Travel Equipment ***
CDs, recorded lessons, vocalization practice material. Student should have a CD/tape player. Keyboard is helpful, but not required.

*** Specialties ***
Vocal: Classical, jazz

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.

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

doing vocal warm ups and conditioning exercises. Students that play other instruments and accompany themselves when performing (such as a guitar) are encouraged to bring that instrument to their lessons.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Studio has piano, area for parents to wait

*** Specialties ***
We will work on proper breath technique, vocal conditioning, resonance, identifying and expanding your range, note sustain, power and vocal support. I will customize every lesson to suit your needs. With proper breathing and vocal technique under your belt you can sing any style of music you love, sing to a roomful of people and feel your confidence grow!

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.