Seffner Performing Arts Classes

for greatness no matter what their strengths and weaknesses are. No matter your age or ability level I will help you set your goals and reach them. All students should want to learn. I expect my students to be prepared and have an open mind. Learning to sing is a process. I focus on building technique and a strong musical foundation and customize my lessons for every student and individual needs. I use breathing techniques and exercises that are challenging and work toward quick and accurate results. I implement a variety of exercises to improve pitch, intonation, placement, strength, and endurance. My main goal in teaching is to encourage each student to get to know their vocal strengths and weaknesses while using all their skills to their advantage producing their best sound consistently.

*** Lesson Details ***
Your lesson is customized to meet your individual needs.All students should want to learn. I expect my students to be prepared and have an open mind. Learning to sing is a process. I focus on building technique and a strong musical foundation and customize my lessons for every student and individual needs.I use breathing techniques and exercises that are challenging and work toward quick and accurate results. I implement a variety of exercises to improve pitch, intonation, placement, strength, and endurance. My main goal in teaching is to encourage each student to get to know their vocal strengths and weaknesses while using all their skills to their advantage producing their best sound consistently. It is a slow building process but a student should always be happy with what they do every day but never be satisfied and know that what they do today will be ever better tomorrow. We all grow and learn together and improve every time we try. I expect my students to do the best they can, practice regularly, be on time and have patience. I am excited about music and know it is also important to have fun and enjoy the process. So lets make some goals and get started!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Music room with keyboard, stereo system with iPod connection, CD player and computer, futon sofa, large mirror.

*** Specialties ***
I teach a wide variety of styles and specialize in audition and performance preparation. I do vocal coaching as well as voice lessons. I teach, Pop, R&B, Country, Musical theater, classical, folk, choral music, praise band and others. I also work with music in different languages such as Latin, Italian, French, Spanish, German and of course English.

"The Rolling Stones 50 and Counting Tour" May 2013 (Oakland and San Jose)

Other Productions:
Eric Whitacre€™s "Virtual Choir"€ (Beta, 1, 2, 3)

*** Lesson Details ***
Voice and Piano Lessons

+ Vocal and/or piano warm-up exercises
+ Technique and style development
+ Selected songs to practice
+ A recorded copy of the lesson to review and practice with.

As a private instructor, Nicholas seeks to develop students of his own to build excellent technique that they may become confident and comfortable singers and pianists in any style they desire.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Piano Keyboard with Music Stand.
Piano and Vocal Song Books
Lesson Recording Device

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide a selection of music books to read from, a piano keyboard if the student does not have one, and a lesson recording device. Students may provide any music they wish to work on.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in singing and teaching Art Song and Opera/Concert Arias.

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

, but can assist you in making the right choices to navigate your own way in the business. I offer private coaching to actors in theater and film, and singers in the US and abroad. I would love to share my knowledge and experience with you.

*** Lesson Details ***
I offer private coaching to children, teens, adults who have an interest in acting or singing performance, and for those who simply have an interest in performing or speaking in front of others. In addition to coaching those who wish to better their skills in acting, voice and speech, and singing, I also offer coaching for non-actors; i.e., attorneys, business professionals, teachers, politicians, pageant participants, and other creatives, who want to improve their public speaking and communication skills.

*** Studio Equipment ***
High definition, quality camera for video and stills
High quality lighting equipment and MAC monitor
Ideal for video auditions and on-camera classes

*** Travel Equipment ***
High definition, quality camera for video and stills
High quality lighting equipment and MAC monitor
Ideal for video auditions and on-camera classes

*** Specialties ***
Acting for film, TV, theater, and commercials
Audition Etiquette and Technique
Light Career Coaching
Agent Ready Coaching
Voice and Speech
Public Speaking
Neutral American Speech
Singing; including Musical Theater

ama "Past Life" and has acted in many independent films. While in DC he was the Drama teacher at Fillmore Arts Center, a public magnet school for the performing arts, teaching children from Kindergarten to 8th grade. Michael is currently acting in Nickelodeon's new series "I Am Frankie" debuting this fall. He enjoys teaching both adults and young people as well as caring for his own spirited child.

nd help them to prepare for auditions. I can teach how to read music, to play classically on the piano, to read jazz charts, or help you figure out parts for a chord progression for a pop or rock song.

My acting training is equally many-faceted and I have an incredibly strong foundation based in the teachings of Sanford Meisner, Stanislavsky, Lee Strasberg and Larry Moss. I use the knowledge of these great teachers along with the wisdom I've accumulated from MY mentors over the years in my teaching and coaching.

ury Award.

Previous credits include a host of theater roles, notably the role of Nina in acclaimed playwright Dominique Morisseau's "Sunset Baby." Broadway world stated "Playing the role of Nina is Valeka who is astonishing. I predict a great future is ahead of her. One gets to see her transformation from the hardened criminal to that of a young woman who has just lost her mother, when she strips herself from her make-up, wig, and clothes into a bathrobe, sits on her couch, covers herself in a wrap which was covering the couch and weeps. It's a powerful moment." DC Metro Arts stated "Valeka walks the trickiest line when it comes to winning our sympathy as Nina. But she will reduce you to a puddle in one scene when she comes upon a photo of herself as a toddler with her father, and suddenly all the pain of her childhood is reeled back and her face blossoms with a shy, girlish delight." Maryland Theatre guide states “Valeka is one of the most relaxed and unselfconscious actors I’ve seen on stage - ever... She is sensual and powerful – a performance to remember.”

bjects since 2012 and love helping my students discover their talents, reach new levels of understanding, and find joy in learning. I am committed to not only helping my students retain and understand the material but also find and master techniques which will allow them to continue successfully without guidance in the future. I am very patient with my students and do my best to create a fun, positive, and encouraging learning environment, but I hold my students accountable and expect a good work ethic as it is a waste more of my students' time than anything else if they are not prepared or engaged. I want them to succeed and flourish, and that only works if both parties are motivated and ready to work.

My schedule tends to be very flexible, and I am happy to offer lessons at your home, at my local library, and online. As a result, lessons are scheduled to best fit the student's needs whenever possible. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or if you feel like we would be a good fit. I look forward to helping you reach your goals and flourish!