Seminole, 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.

of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, The Voice Workshop, and the Loudoun Fairfax Music Fellowship.

with two parents who were professional musicians (mom is a concert pianist) and I also raised 3 children who are professional musicians. We made music our native language in our home. We all have the ability to speak music when it is spoken to us. I don’t ever remember not playing the piano. I started winning piano competitions in high school. I minored in piano, and then did additional post graduate work in piano. I “speak” piano. It has served me so well as a teacher, composer, opera coach. It is really a gateway to understanding all other instruments. The same scenario with my singing.

I began my professional career as an opera singer which has taken me around the world. I have premiered works by Leonard Bernstein and Samuel Adler in addition to principal roles and concert work with Pittsburgh Opera, The Pittsburgh Symphony, Dayton Opera, the Tuscia Opera Festival and hundreds of professional engagements. I have also had the wonderful opportunity to belt the National Anthem for several major league teams in a television appearance- and has done so on multiple occasions. (Pittsburgh Pirates, Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati Reds) I am passionate about vocal jazz and musical theater and am frequently found as a performer in various national and regional venues. Feature concert works include PBS (Gershwin in Concert) as well as featured solo concert works (Pergolesi Stabat Mater) on Italian Public TV.

My approach to music has always been to do what you love. I have never limited myself as a performer to a genre or an instrument. I have explored, applied myself to and enjoyed a very diverse musical career. If you have a passion for an instrument or style of music let's start there first... and then let's discover together all the things you do that uniquely define your musicianship style.

*** Lesson Details ***
Your lessons will always be engaging, challenging and fun!

I am very consistent in my approach to technique, my focus on goals and my demand for excellence. I constantly am working to access with you what your goals are and to provide feedback and support to help you achieve them.

I am very flexible in utilizing a wide variety of repertoire, resources etc. Your lessons are personalized to your skill set and your musical interests. I utilize audio and video recordings almost every week for all my students. I routinely promote and encourage my students to participate in a wide variety of competitions, recitals, workshops and master classes.

I have a very low turnover rate for students and a very high rate of students who have progressed to professional full time careers in music. Students like being a part of my studio and really like the confidence they have in their music abilities in a very short period of time.

I do not use the same curriculum for all students, in face, each curriculum is customized for that student. The components are similar: technique, repertoire, theory, listening, composing, recording and performing.

You can expect the following:You will feel very encouraged and supported in your talent. You will have measurable improvement in your skills. You will have a personal advocate to encourage and direct you in finding and creating opportunities to succeed in your music personally, academically and professionally.

I can't wait to get started!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Professional studio with 6' Pramberger Grand Piano, recording and video equipment, and a music library including instruments and books w/ seating for parents

*** Travel Equipment ***
Digital music library, digital recorder, iPad

*** Specialties ***
Classical, musical theater, jazz and pop.

Currently Offering Group Master Classes for Vocal Training.

~2 hour group class for $40.00~

Feel free to reach out regarding dates and give Takelessons a call to book the lessons.

s a vocal soloist and professional performer. I have been a featured artist at many concerts and events around Northern California, and have performed with many of the area’s opera companies, such as Pocket Opera and Island City Opera.

I am a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) and the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA).

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 can provide CDs and/or lesson books, if needed.

*** 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