Valrico Performing Arts Classes

ultimate potential, through activities and diverse learning concepts.

*** Lesson Details ***
I believe that all musicians have the abilities to fulfill their ultimate potential; by assessing students learning styles, accessing community resources and just having fun learning musical concepts.
Curriculum examples that I would utilize for piano would be Adventures in Piano and Succeeding at the Piano. For the vocal students I utilize Exceptional Musicianship, created by Hal Leonard for accurate vocal techniques.
Within 3 months the students will have opportunities to demonstrate their musical abilities. I will provide opportunities for students to demonstrate musical expertise through recitals and other events.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Main Room: electric keyboard (full 88 keys), couch, TV, and a chair, book cases, parents can sit in the lesson (encouraged)

*** Travel Equipment ***
The expectation is that the students must have access to a piano and audio equipment for their success.

*** Specialties ***
The musical genres I'm an expert include Broadway, Show Choir, Faith-Based, Classical, Jazz, Pop, Performing Arts, Acting, Staging, Costuming, Props. I believe that students need to have access with various musical styles that will aid their musical abilities.

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

m different eras including classic rock, pop, country and disco.

Laurel is trained in a vocal technique called Speech Level Singing which helps singers obtain optimum results using exercises specific to their vocal type to increase control and strengthen the mix between head and chest voice. Singers are able to sing in any style without straining, cracking or causing damage to their vocal cords. Laurel is passionate about helping her students release their true voices and unleash their maximum singing potential!

*** Lesson Details ***
The method I teach is derived from the Bel Canto technique of singing which has been historically used by opera singers but it is a universal method that can be applied to any genre of music. Teaching this method helps our students sing with a relaxed and open voice, adequate support and use of the diaphragm for breathing and control, and proper and effective use of vowels while “bridging” or transitioning between registers in the voice. Ultimately the student will learn how to sing with a proper mixed vocal sound which is explained further below.

I focus on assisting a singer through his or her vocal range from lowest notes (chest register) to highest notes (head register), safely, effortlessly, without strain, tension or loss of control. The goal is to sing with a clear solid and connected tone free from breaks or forcing pitches which results in tightness, yelling or voice flipping into an airy-sounding pitch. The student relearns to sing using a low and stable larynx which is the key to producing a mixed sound and mastering one’s voice.

Ultimately the secret to reaching your full vocal potential lies in mastering the vocal bridges which assist in the transition between registers. This technique not only allows you to sing in a safe manner but will effectively balance and strengthen your voice. Once you make the commitment to taking consistent lessons, practicing and singing correctly as much as possible, you will become the singer you have always believed you could be!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Yamaha keyboard, speakers and monitor to play background music and lyrics

*** Specialties ***
Improvement of singing pitch and range
Choosing the right songs for your vocal type
Learning to sing in a correct and safe manner
Balancing the voice from bottom register to top
Elimination of cracking, reaching and straining
Building dynamics and breath control
Stage performance and finding truth and emotion
Speech and Acting
Audition Preparation

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.

ents.
I can't wait to teach you how to make impossible possible.

culture and as well with the student culture.
In some specific cases we may have live guitar and "cante" on class.

Class always begins with a warm up and then the lesson.

***Open to group and Individual classes. Depending on request.***

Teaching Flamenco Dance is a true passion and joy.

*** Whatever your goals are with Flamenco Dance, I can help you get there!
Get in touch any time to tell me about your goals.
All gender and all levels are more than welcome. ***

¡Nos vemos pronto!
(See you soon!)