Dunedin, FL Opera Voice Lessons

d orchestras in the public schools. I also have experience playing and teaching saxophone. As for method books, I use "The Sight Singer" to help vocalists with learning to read music. On saxophone, I have my students use the "Standard of Excellence" and "Rubank" method books. For violinists, I use "Essential Elements for Strings." For all students, vocalists, saxophonists, pianists, and violinists, I specialize in helping students prepare for solo and ensemble competitions as well as any other type of formal performance or assessment. I also specialize in music theory coaching whether it's for the A.P. Music Theory Exam, All State Exam, or just a need for general music knowledge.

ince earning my degree I've worked with the Florida Grand Opera in their production of Aida, also sang background vocals for Gloria Estefan and Michael Buble. I currently perform around South Florida at various hot spots with my self titled band! So those who teach can do too!

My main objective as a performer is to effectively and skillfully entertain a variety of audiences to the best of my ability using the knowledge that I have attained from my experiences as a student and as an entertainer, and in turn work for an established business in the music industry and become a successful artist.

My objective as an educator is to not only teach my students about music but allowing them to grow and flourish as performers and as musicians, with proper technique the skies the limit!

*** Lesson Details ***
My teaching style is pretty laid back and fun, it will take work and dedication on the part of my students to work on the new skills and techniques they will be learning under my direction. In the first 2 months we will focus on technique, meaning breathing exercises, vowel placements, warm ups, and execution of a song of the students choice, by the third month these exercises would have improved your vocals ability tremendously we can then work on stylizing for the particular genre your interested in singing in. Each student will have a personally tailored lesson plan to better help them in their goals to be a better singer and performer. I do prefer students in the age ranges 12 and up, only because the voice hasn't fully developed yet to do extensive vocalizing but with younger students we can focus on breathing, warming up properly and theory, which is so important at a young age and will better assist you especially when it comes to developing your ears. If you're wanting to learn to sing in different styles without losing your voice or hurting yourself I'm the teacher for you!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Keyboard in living Room: couches and chairs, parents can sit in on lesson

*** Travel Equipment ***
Keyboard should be provided by student, I will provide mic and amp

*** Specialties ***
Pop, Rock, R&B, Jazz Styles are my specialties.

g chords to follow most any style. I also enjoy teaching some music theory (the rules of music) in written, sight singing, and piano chords, if requested. Music theory along with voice and instrument lessons can provide a further understanding of each musical concept.

My training first began in elementary school, in Virginia Beach, VA, when I took my first group voice lessons and concert band classes as a beginning flutist. I continued my study with a large home school band in the 7th grade. I was then chosen to play the flute in an All City Band in Virginia Beach, for excellence in my performance skills. From there I continued my study at a private school in Virginia Beach with many chorus, band, and youth band classes to further my music reading and improvisational performance skills. At age eighteen I moved to Tampa, FL and became a Liberal Arts major with a concentration in Music at Hillsborough Community College (HCC). I graduated from HCC with an AA in Liberal Arts/Music. I was then accepted to further my music study at the University of South Florida (USF). I studied voice and a sampling of other instruments in the Music Education program. I graduated with two and one-half years of music education training and another four years of voice training with a BA in Music Studies. Also, during my college years I participated in the elite USF Chamber Singers, the University Singers, the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay, and many studio recitals. 

In 2013 I completed my fourth year of music teaching in a small private school in Tampa, FL. I have sang with Opera Tampa since their 2012-2013 season in the professional opera chorus for productions such as Carmen, The Magic Flute, and Madame Butterfly. I have continued to add new performance jobs with The Princeton Festival in Princeton, NJ (2014), St. Petersburg Opera in St Pete, FL , and the Tampa Spiritual Ensemble performing in the surrounding Tampa Bay areas. In addition, I continue my studies part time at the Patel Conservatory in downtown Tampa.  

I look forward to working with you to make all your music dreams come true! So, let's make beautiful music together very soon!  

*** Lesson Details ***
When taking lessons with me you can expect to learn in a very positive, encouraging, and laid back environment! I believe that learning is fun, very rewarding, and never stops. I plan to continue learning more about my craft for the rest of my life and I would encourage my students of all ages to adopt this mentality also. 

For voice lessons I like to begin with warm-ups and breathing exercises that can be modified to any style of songs. Then to song selections that will be enjoyable, yet helpful in making your voice better. For opera style I primarily use the G. Schirmer Opera Anthology books, and Hal Leonard published anthology series' for different art songs. For all other vocal styles I enjoy using various published individual-song sheet music or CDs and accompaniment tracks. Along the way giving all applicable tips for producing better sound, projection, breathing, phrasing, and musicality.

For flute lessons I would begin with scales or simple exercises. Then to specific pieces that you would want to work on or techniques from the Accent on Achievement or Standards of Excellence book series'.

For piano lessons I would begin with finger stretches, scale warm-ups and/or easy chords or pieces to get the fingers ready to practice. Then I would progress to your chosen pieces or a book from the Alfred or Bastien Piano Book series', which includes books for all levels and styles. 

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide a keyboard for demos and use for students, a flute for demos, CDs, and some lesson books.

*** Specialties ***
Vocal: Up to advanced level Classical, Jazz, Musical Theatre, R&B, Pop, Gospel, Sight-reading
Flute: Up to Intermediate level Classical, Sight-reading
Piano: Beginner & Intermediate levels Classical, Chord Theory, Sight-reading

Grammys.........

I play and teach all styles; Classical, rock, Broadway, jazz,pop, etc.....

I have performed at the world class, A-list level in all the above mentioned styles as well.

I believe it is critical to be humble, down to earth and easy to work with, no matter how accomplished, student, teacher, or parent. :)..................

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.

ng style is highly energetic, challenging, and rewarding.

ch’s Orpheus in the Underworld, the title role of Barab’s Little Red Riding Hood, and the title role of Gounod’s Mireille.  As a performer of new music, Melody has premiered Art Songs by Zixiang Zhao and The Growing Night by Matthew Anderson. 
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Melody earned her Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance from The Hartt School, University of Hartford, (formerly known as “The Hartt School of Music”).

bands, musical theater and cabaret performances, recitals and concerts, as well as religious and sacred music at churches, weddings, and funerals.