Grayson, GA Opera Voice Lessons

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.

like to be able to go online for some resources.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I regularly use the internet in lessons as well as standard published educational texts.

*** Specialties ***
I have been told that I am especially good at helping people make the jump from playing by rote to reading from the page. In vocal instruction, I am familiar with three schools of technique: the psycho-imagery school, the "anatomical" school, and the Italian "open throat" approach. My background in acting also contributes basic vocal projection techniques to vocal training. I am comfortable with all genres of music, including pop, rock, soul, R&B, gospel, jazz and opera. In instrumental studies, I am a woodwind doubler, reading fluently and transposing on-the-spot . As a jazz and gospel artist I improvise primarily on the flute and saxophone. My piano skills are equivalent to a second-year college piano major. I can improvise accompaniments as well as read piano scores. In addition to being a certified teacher in Georgia, I attained national certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards in 2004.

ar recitals where students can show off their new skills

-I bring all materials to lessons for your convenience (excluding piano)

-singers receive recorded warm ups to practice with at home

-I am skilled at helping students with ear training if they need it for voice, most of my students can match pitch after a month of singing lessons no matter the trouble they have had before

-every student gets a "new student kit" at their first lesson including a list of performance opportunities and a vocal health guide for singers

-weekly instructional videos for voice sent

-weekly links to articles about music and the brain

-I respond to student concerns and questions within 24 hours

I welcome students of all ages and work hard to make music accessible for everyone.

-Young kids in voice can expect their lessons to be fun and educational including using visual tools like scarves and shakers, and imaginative play to learn vocal techniques needed to sing on pitch and with proper breathe control.

-Children in piano lessons will learn music theory and piano technique through simple songwriting exercises, theory games, visual tools and more. They will learn about composer's lives and musical styles, providing them with a well-rounded lesson experience.

-Older children and adult singers can expect to learn about their vocal anatomy in order to better control of their voice and become independent during practice sessions at home. They will learn how to improve breathe control, posture and diction. Time during lessons will also be dedicated to developing stage presence and discussing vocal health. Singers will be allowed to select repertoire from the genre of their choice. They can also learn how to harmonize and sight-sing in lessons if they would like.

-I teach beginning guitar students and help them learn how to play with proper technique and accompany themselves when singing. These students learn to read staff and tab and shape different chords on the guitar. I use theory games and visual tools for kids to make lessons fun

-Music theory/composition students will be taught how to read and write music. Students will be invited to improvise on the piano and record their improvisations.They will be taught how to sight-sing in order to learn how to notate any melodies in their head
They will learn how music has changed and been influenced throughout history. They will learn how to read lead sheets and use stylistic invariants in their playing. They will be provided with honest feedback and constructive help on their compositions.They will learn how the human brain processes music and how best to capitalize upon this process for the greatest audience appeal.

-I have experience teaching students with special needs and adjusting lessons to help them meet their goals.

About me!

I am a Westminster Choir College '11 Alum  who graduated with a Bachelor's of Arts in Music, summa cum laude. I also have my master's degree in music therapy from Drexel University. I am also a Member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing and a  Board Certified Music Therapist. During my time at school I performed at Carnegie Hall and the Kimmel Center, and did music therapy work with older adults, as well as disadvantaged children and parents.

I also have my own parent/child music class I host every Thursday September-May. It's never to early to start a music education!

I have been teaching for over four years and now have a studio of more than 70 happy students. Teaching music is my passion, and I love seeing students grow!

I often draw upon my experience from my master's degree in music therapy, which taught me that music can have a profound effect on the human brain and upon cognitive development.  My skills as a music therapist allow me to better understand a student's cognitive strengths and areas for improvement, and to develop individualized teaching strategies which utilize student strengths.

*** Studio Equipment ***
My studios are equipped with keyboard, guitar or piano, as well as a sizable repertoire of classical, broadway and popular music. ' I also have a mirror for voice students to see how their body is moving when singing and visual tools for students like scarves, whiteboard, markers, crayons...ect. I am more than happy to help students find any music they may need for lessons that is not already in my library.

I recommend the following books for piano students (listed by age):
Ages 4-6:
My First Piano Adventure, Lesson Book A with by Nancy & Randall Faber
Ages 6-12:Piano Adventures - Level 1: Lesson Book [Book]Faber Piano Adventures

Ages 12 and up:

Adult All-In-One Course: Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course, Level ...by Willard A. Palmer

Voice: Alfred's Teach Yourself to Sing
*** Specialties ***
I specialize in ear training, sight-singing and knowing and understanding vocal anatomy. Many of my students are students who have gone on to score lead roles in their schools or community theater performances, as well as lead singers of local bands looking to improve their techniques and improve their vocal health.

I specialize in theory and sight-reading for piano and theory students.

I also specialize in teaching those with special needs.

n of the voice for singing and speaking. Her goal is to help singers gain fulfillment and joy while improving their art. She believes music should be fun and rewarding.

VOICE STUDENTS of hers have won university placement and scholarships and have been accepted into Allstate Chorus for High School in Georgia.

She also teaches PIANO. She has taught piano for about 10 years. She studied piano privately for 10 years and had further study at Indiana University.

Students wishing to have any COMBINATION of piano, music theory, sight reading and/or vocal development can receive a program of study that meets their individual needs.

PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCE:
Mary Frances has performed with the Southeastern Savoyards Light Opera Company, the Atlanta Opera Chorus and Studio, the Atlanta Symphony Chorus, Marietta Theater in the Square, and Neighborhood Playhouse. She has sung title roles in Patience, Little Red Riding Hood and Hansel and Gretel. Other roles include Josephine in HMS Pinafore, the Princess in The Student Prince, and Connie in The 1940'™s Radio Hour.

She has performed many roles with Capitol City Opera Company (CCOC) including Annina in The Saint of Bleecker Street, Bastienne in Mozart's Bastien and Bastienne, Nora in Vaughan Williams' Rider's to the Sea, and Gilda in Milton Granger'™s Talk Opera. She sang for many years in CCOC's school outreach program. She has sung many concerts for CCOC as well.

Mary Frances was a soloist in Handel's Messiah for Peachtree Presbyterian Church. She has worked as the soloist at The First Church of Christ Scientist in Roswell, Georgia and at The Second Church of Christ Scientist in Sandy Springs, Georgia ( This church has now closed). She occasionally directs and sings in the choir, and substitutes for the cantorial soloist at Congregation Dor Tamid in Alpharetta, Georgia.

EDUCATION:
Mary Frances holds a bachelors degree from Indiana University School of Music in both Voice and Theater. Mary Frances was a long time student of Elizabeth Colson (now deceased) of Atlanta, Georgia. She has attended Brevard Music Center, The Georgia State Opera Workshop and the American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria. While in Graz, Mary Frances was a finalist in the Meistersinger competition.

*LESSON DETAILS

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR LESSON LENGTH:
Voice students: 30 minutes for young students up to 5th grade. 45 minutes for young students in Middle School and some 5th graders. 45 or 60 minutes preferred for high school students and adults. Piano students: 30 minutes for most beginners of any age. 45 minutes for young intermediate level and adult students.

TEACHING STYLE AND CURRICULUM:
ALL: My teaching style is relaxed yet progressive. I use positive reinforcement to encourage progress with adults and children. Students are allowed to progress at their own pace which varies with age, coordination, processing speed and previous exposure to musical education.

PIANO: I prefer the Alfred'™s Basic Piano Library series for my piano students. I find that my students learn more music theory and music reading with this series. If the student has started lessons in a different series, I can work with that as well. I have a large music library that provides a wide selection of music in addition to the Alfred books. I expect most beginning students to learn basic music reading and theory in 3 to 6 months. They should also to be able to play simple tunes in that time. I am an active professional singer, so I have a large library of vocal material at my disposal.

All piano students are REQUIRED to have an instrument to practice on at home. The piano MUST HAVE AT MINIMUM:
IF Digital - 88 full sized, weighted keys with polyphonic sound ( at least 10 keys should be able to sound at at the same time) and a sustain pedal,
OR - If Accoustic - maintained and properly tuned.

VOICE: I begin my voice lessons with breathing techniques and vocal placement using widely accepted exercises coming from a large body of sources such as:
Vaccai, professional level vocal teachers, coaches and directors that I have worked with and learned from over the last 30 years, and the writings of highly acclaimed authors in the vocal field. I also have a wide selection of art song books, oratorio, musical theatre, and opera. My background is classical and musical theatre, but I believe all styles of singing need the basic skills of breathing and vocal placement. I strive to keep voices healthy as well as find each student's most beautiful sound. Most students will see progress in breath control, range, projection and diction in 3 to 6 months.

Repertoire is chosen on an individual basis depending both physical and musical ability. Younger students and beginners will be encouraged to not push their voices with material that is too difficult for their individual abilities because singing requires a certain amount of physical endurance. My goal is to find each student's natural sound without strain for whatever style he or she
sings.

Voice students are encouraged to bring a recording device to lessons to use for later practice and study.

STUDIO EQUIPMENT AND LIBRARY:
Piano, Computer with Internet Access, Library of Music and Reference Materials (Sample Listing): Alfred's Basic Piano Library Books Twenty-Four Italian Songs and Arias, Medium High and Medium Low Voice; Schirmer Sing at First Sight; Alfred Basics of Singing by Jan Schmidt; Schirmer Many Soprano Collections of Arias, Oratorio, Sacred, and Art Songs from Schirmer Several Broadway Music Collections from Hal Leonard Discover Your Voice by Oren Brown Training the Speaking Voice by Virgil Anderson International Phonetic Alphabet for Singers by Wall Dynamics of the Singing Voice by Meribeth Bunch Classical Singer Magazine Subscription Journal of Singing, The Official Journal of the National Association of Teachers of Singing,Inc.Subscription

SPECIALTIES:
I am classically trained bel canto voice teacher, but I can work with broadway and pop styles. I teach sight singing for students pursuing auditions for All State Chorus and College entrance, etc. I use the Alfred Basic Piano Series for Piano students

ard. Patricia has also appeared on National Television and Public Radio. Upcoming commitments include a European tour with The John Hollenbeck Large Ensemble and a premier large ensemble project with pianist Vijay Iyer.

Patricia holds a Bachelor of Music from the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music and a Master of Music from New York University.

*** Lesson Details ***
Lessons are completely customized and personalized. It is my goal to guide each of my students through their own musical path.

Each of the teaching methods and techniques are adapted to the level and ability of each individual student. These methods and techniques are adapted to the individual needs of each student.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have a professional keyboard. I also have basic drums and drum pads for drum students. I have mallet percussion instruments such as a vibraphone, sticks and mallets. It is also equipped with all the basics such as music stands and educational material. The studio is set up for the student to feel comfortable.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide sticks and mallets as well as drum pads. I also provide pedagogical material. Piano students must have some kind of keyboard.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in jazz, other American styles of music such as blues, rock and pop, improvisational music and western classical music. I also have expertise in Latin American music such as salsa, Cuban son, and other specific styles from Latin American cultures. I teach my students the basics of Western Music in general as well as encourage improvisation in any style either jazz, classical music or other.

w music thoroughly, not just to “play.” I desire my students to comprehend elements of the score, to use their bodies effectively to make good sound, and to interpret music creatively and according to historical performance practices across all genres of music. Thus, I give students a purposeful education in technique, quality literature, performance and artistry, music theory, and music history.

Although students differ in ability and development, I maintain high expectations for our students. I expect attention and respect in lessons, faithful and diligent practice, careful adherence to instructions, and an “I’ll-do-my-best” attitude. If students regularly meet these expectations, then they will excel to the level that they are able. It is my joy to help students master their music, to do the best they can, and to strive for and achieve excellence.

Lastly, I want students to enjoy and appreciate their instrument, music, and music-making; and I know as as a teacher, I am very influential in making this happen. Students develop enjoyment of music by understanding music, experiencing success in music, being exposed to good and varied genres of music, and receiving instruction from a teacher who is enthusiastic and encouraging. It is my goal to provide all of these opportunities for students, and as a result their lives will be enriched as they enjoy their instrument.

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.

the musician inside and feel a passion for music!

small audience.