Ocoee, FL Broadway Singing Lessons

the lesson. With an instrumental and choral background, Jill brings music to life and then shares with the students how to keep music in their lives forever. Many students who had vocal problems have achieved vocal success after taking several lessons with Jill and learning to keep their voices healthy for the rest of their lives.

Jill has worked with children, teens and adults in many schools, churches and after school programs that she designed. Her success with students who are very young or students who come with disabilities or autistic spectrum diagnosis are moved by the music Jill creates. With the help of the ORFF-SCHULWERK certification, Jill has many ways of reaching children through the use of instruments, rhythm activities, games and other fun ways of learning. Breaking barriers is Jill's best asset, she will not quit until the student has an understanding of the instrument or his/her voice.

The young and the older adults find that taking lessons with Jill has brought them to a place of realizing their potential. Successful stories include pre-school age through students who are retired. The length of time one studies depends on the student's practice and diligence. Many students have started with Jill in preschool or elementary school and have continued through high school and college. Several college age students wanted to improve their singing or instrumental skills so goals were set and met through Jill's successful teaching ability. Several students learn music theory and many students have learned song-writing and creating arrangements.

Many of Jill's students have become better musicians and a considerable number of students have chosen music professions for their careers. Multiple students have won contests, auditioned for parts in musicals, started local bands and have become songwriters and performers after taking lessons with Jill. Students have been successful in auditions, both locally and nationally. For instance, one student auditioned for American Idol and made it through several steps to the finals.

Teaching a myriad of students from various places in the world who have come to the United States has been a great experience. The cultural differences makes the teaching of these students exciting since Jill learns about music in their own home countries. Some of the students are from China, Germany, Norway, Dominican Republic, Brazil, Colombia, Puerto Rico and many who moved to Florida from some other state in the U.S.A. What a joy it has been to learn to communicate with these students and to verify that music is a universal language. By special request Jill is available for online lessons through internet and devices as well as traveling to student locations when her schedule allows. Students interested in online or in-home lessons should send a message to her to request certain days and times of availability.

Jill held the title "Steinway Pianos Concert and Artist Director" in Dallas TX in the 80's, working with Steinway artists and Dallas Symphony, Opera, Ballet and other events like planning pianos for Prince Charles' visit and many other concerts and events. Jill also performed in many Dallas venues as well as providing pianos for the Cowboys, the clubs, hotels, country clubs and museums including The Dallas Museum of Art.

Jill moved to Florida to play with an all original Blues Band in 1992 and has been performing, directing and teaching since that time.

"Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, plans succeed. " (Proverbs 15:22) It is Jill's belief that with her teaching qualifications and past record of success with student achievement and great experience studying with wonderful advisers, teaching YOU or YOUR CHILD will be one of success!

*** Lesson Details ***
Jill's teaching technique is flexible. Some students require a stern and strict approach while others seem to work best with more creative license. Jill is open to each student's needs. When booking lessons with Jill, one will find that the first thing she will do is find out more about the student's needs and desires to succeed in their chosen instrument. Meeting goals are important in music and in life!

Because of her flexible approach, method books vary depending on the student's need to succeed. Sometimes young students will need to review several beginning methods until their reading skills are achieved. For the young students, Jill teaches theory and gives the young students time during the lesson to explore musical symbols and try their hands at improvisation, rhythms, manuscripts and creativity. The student is responsible for the cost of materials used in class.

Some students may desire to learn to play "by ear" or through improvisational skills. Jill is very good with improv and her song writing skills are strong. When a student desires to write music, Jill is there to help with questions about time signatures, note values, key signatures and transpositions. Many students have copyrighted their material and are successful songwriters!

Taking lessons with Jill is a journey that those who have tried have not had regrets. Several parents and past students would be happy to tell you how their talents and gifts improved after working with Jill for a few months. After three months of working together, Jill will know how to pursue the student's musical career. After 6 months the student will be able to play complete songs and have a sense of basic music theory. The hope is for the student to be confident of their instrument's abilities and to have a list of repertoire for upcoming events in the student's life.

Several of Jill's students have taken their skills, gifts and talents to the professional level. Students who have studied with Jill are professional music directors in high schools, middle schools, elementary schools, churches, soloists and some who are in school studying music as their major. Taking lessons with Jill will be something that will add value to the student's life forever because MUSIC is her life! Without music, the world would be a very dull place and individuals would be unhappy and depressed in every walk of life. Music brings out the beauty of creation and man's ability to skillfully play an instrument for pleasure or for one's occupation.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Yamaha Conservatory Grand
Roland keyboard
5 string bass guitar/amp
mandolin
5 string banjo
small MACKIE mixer with Shure mics
Gibson electric guitar with effects and amp
6 string Takamine e-coustic with amp
recorder (the instrument)
violin
dulcimer
bongos
tambourines and many percussion instruments
music stands
soprano and baritone ukuleles
trumpet
djembe
I-pad
harmonica
various rhythm instruments
Mallets and tone blocks
drums (only at Orlando location which is limited)

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide my own equipment, but I expect the student to provide his/her own instruments and music stand.

*** Specialties ***
My specialty in voice comes from years of lessons and performance experience. Including solo gigs, bands and service performances such as parties, weddings, funerals, organizational roles, skills, clubs, recordings, hotels, country clubs, churches, schools and much more. She uses many methods, handouts and books to bring out various ideas to learn to sing correctly. Jill takes each individual at his/her level and tries to improve breathing technique, posture, enunciation with style and phrasing, depending on the student's aspirations.

Jill plays most instruments including piano, guitar, bass guitar, band instruments, ukulele, banjo, dulcimer, drums, percussion, harmonica, trumpet, clarinet, recorder, mandolin and violin. Jill enjoys many styles of music and she has played with many bands and groups throughout her musical career. She is a full time musician, music teacher and music director. Years of experience traveling the U.S. And Bahamas with bands, choirs and ensembles enables Jill to work well with many styles of music including contemporary, rock, Christian, Broadway, classical, country, bluegrass, jazz and her favorite, blues.

Sign up for five lessons today and you will not be disappointed.

Here's to your success!!!

valuated by developing a set of goals specific to each student. I find that allowing students input in originating goals facilitates a cooperative learning environment and allows me to tailor lessons to a student's interests, strengths and learning preferences. Providing students with a plan to succeed inspires a drive to learn and sense of achievement. I encourage students to play their instruments daily. Through consistent practice, students will benefit from increased discipline, patience, creativity and self-esteem. Students are rewarded with the chance to share what they've learned at recitals held biannually. For the duration of our lesson, my students are in a private, nurturing zone of free expression. Join me in an exploration of personal talent and creativity!

Nicole has performed with the Rollins College Bach Festival Society Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. John V. Sinclair. She has also performed with the Florida Space Coast Philharmonic under the direction of Dr. Candler Schaffer. She is experienced as a session musician, recording vocals and violin at Wright Entertainment Group Studios (Justin Timberlake) with producer Will Baker (India Arie, Pink). She has performed as a soloist at the White House, Bob Carr Performing Arts Center, Amway Arena, and Hard Rock Live.

Nicole holds Bachelor of Arts degrees (with honors) in Music and Anthropology, graduating Summa Cum Laude from Rollins College. A member of the Honors Program (top 2%), and one of nine Cornell Scholars in her graduating class, she is very grateful to have been awarded a full academic scholarship. Nicole pursued concentrations in Violin and Vocal Performance, as well as Ethnomusicology. Nicole served as co-concertmaster of the Rollins College Orchestra and String Ensemble for three, consecutive years, under the direction of Dr. John V. Sinclair. She was featured at Christmas Vesper services in a solo performance of Winter (The Four Seasons) by Vivaldi, at the Knowles Memorial Chapel. Nicole has studied violin with Joni Roos and Alvaro Gomez, protege of David Oistrakh. She has performed as a soloist with the Rollins College Gospel and Concert Choirs and studied vocal pedagogy and performance with Dr. Edmund Leroy and Dr. Lori Lovell. At Rollins, Nicole studied piano with Dr. Gloria Cook and enjoys playing classical, jazz, and Latin styles. Nicole has studied classical guitar for seven years and especially enjoys playing Latin American folk music and flamenco. Nicole pursued her love of world music in publishing her senior honors thesis, “Cultural Fusion of Music Constructs: A Look at Hybrid World Styles,” analyzing the effects of globalization on traditional, ethnic musics. She has published research in the Rollins Undergraduate Research Journal, where she also served as Music and Anthropology Editor for three years.

nt shows.

Engel School of Music, Orlando, Fl. I taught voice lessons at this prestigious downtown music school for six years. Owner/operator, Drucilla Engel.

I graduated from Indiana University in Bloomington, IN in 1974 with a Bachelor of Music Education degree with voice as my major. I studied opera and musical theatre, performed in musicals, operas and the group, "The Singing Hoosiers",

I received a Bachelor of Vocal Performance from Indiana Universtiy in 1975. Languages: Italian, German, French, and Latin. Performed in group, ''The Belles of Indiana".

Paid church soloist for 2 years during college years and worked as a summer stock singer at Cedar Point theme park, Sandusky, Ohio in 1971 and a singer/dancer in a Cole Porter Musical Revue at King's Island, Cincinnati, Ohio in 1972.

Walt Disney World entertainer from 1976-1978. "Kids of The Kingdom", singing and dancing group of 12, performing at Castle Forecourt,and Tomorrow Land stages in the Magic Kingdom . Traveled throughout the US with conventions, and guest starred at Radio City Music Hall in NYC, with the "Rockettes", for 5 months under the direction of Peter Gennaro. Numerous recordings with "The Kids". Recorded 2 demo CD's.

Hoop-de-do Show, Fort Wilderness,Walt Disney World. Dinner show, character: Flora- singing and dancing for one season in 1978.

"Singing Snow White", Walt Disney World, seasonal show. Sang on parade float and on small balcony stage, behind the Castle Forecourt. I sang three solos from this Disney musical.

"Seesaw"-pop nightclub band of four musicians and lead vocalist, performing in Central Florida clubs. Late 1970's.

Opera Camerata Chorus in Orlando, Fl. - 1976-1979

Church and Wedding soloist for local Orlando area. Present day

"The Dickens Carolers', quartets entertaining seasonally. Agent/owner: Carol Becker. Present day.

Recitals and Sacred Concerts in Central Florida. Present day.

*** Lesson Details ***
I teach weekly lessons, with daytime and evening hours available, Monday through Thursday . I recommend an hour lesson. I give vocalizations to practice and develop good technique. Repertoire/songs are chosen by the student and myself. I encourage students to be well-rounded and try different genres/styles and even give me a "wish list" of songs they would like to learn. I give guidelines on how much to practice and what to practice. I help train the student's eye and ear and work with harmonization/parts, if needed. I help the student to develop their voice with strength, stamina, clarity, resonation, projection, expressiveness, and emotional impact. Progress will be continually evident throughout the students' study. Lessons are recorded on CD for every lesson, as this is a great efficient learning tool.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Tascam CD recorder
Mackie Pro mixing board
Korg electric keyboard
JVC karaoke CD player with key change capability
JVC triple CD player with key change capability
Receiver
Four Advent speakers for super stereo sound
Peavey microphone
Leader microphone

*** Specialties ***
Voice, Sight-singing
I teach in the classical bel canto style and technique, which is how I was trained at Indiana University. I have been teaching all genres, including pop/rock, classical, jazz, country, r&b, and gospel/contemporary christian/traditional sacred.

work with many schedules and work loads, but I expect my students to put at least half the effort into their lessons that I do!

ame competition's preliminary rounds in both Musical Theatre and Classical. During the summer of 2018, he will be featured as a Apprentice Artist at Des Moines Metro Opera.

Craig is also active in the concert singing world. As a Choral Scholar at Marsh Chapel, he has performed in various Bach cantatas, as well as Handel's Judas Maccabaeus (Messenger) and Bach's St. John Passion (Pilatus). In the spring of 2018, he made his debut with the Handel & Haydn Society and Boston Baroque, performing in Bach's B Minor Mass & Beethoven’s Fidelio.

Craig received his Master’s of Music in Vocal Pedagogy at The Boston Conservatory at Berklee in 2018, where he is the assistant to the program's director. He has a professional affliation with the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) and College Music Board. In 2016, he received his BM from Capital University in Vocal Performance, focusing on Opera and Musical Theatre.

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.

ublic or to make singing your lifelong career; I am the person who will help you elevate yourself.

l composer with Colla Voce; his choir music has sold over 10,000 copies