Riverdale, GA Singing Lessons

the company now covers over two decades.

In 1996, Ms. Ugarte Elliott moved to Atlanta where she has continued performing and is glad to contribute to the artistic life of The Southern Crescent. In addition to her career in music, she continues to act, write, and produce. In 2010, she completed the filming of "Angel's Wings" in the role of Ms. Linda and is currently working on a combined recording and writing project titled 'Songs for Eli' composed by Lithuanian pianist, InnaSatunovsky.

The Ugarte Studio was established in 1996 and has been serving the Southern Arc providing high quality of instruction in music and performance. Studio members and graduates are consistently seen performing leads and placing and winning in international, national and local competitions. In certain instances where multiple studio members have participated, 40 percent of winners and finalists have belonged to the studio. Many studio members go ahead to pursue professional careers in performing and music and are accepted to institutions of higher learning with honors and scholarships.

The studio's summer program has allowed members to experience performing with organizations like New York Grand Opera in Central Park as part of their fully-staged productions under the baton of world-acclaimed Maestro Vincent La Selva. Through this program, students have had access to private master classes with the likes of Maestro La Selva and Dianna Heldman, Associate Director of Vocal Performance at NYU's Steinhart School. Additionally, studio members audition and are accepted to prime performing arts organizations.

While at Georgia State, I had the good fortune to observe in action some of the most phenomenal musicians in Atlanta: Dwight Coleman, Dr. Peter Marshall, and Maestro Michael Palmer. Since that time, I’ve studied voice privately with bass Jason Hardy and soprano Sharon Stephenson, and I’ve fine-tuned, pun intended, both my vocal and pianistic musicianship by singing in choirs led by phenomenal directors like Dr. Eric Nelson, Walter Huff, and Dr. Dale Adelmann.

And not being a stranger to accomplishments in teaching (voice and piano), in 2013 I was recognized as a Top Teacher for student retention, communication with parents and staff, general positive feedback, and overall professionalism. In addition, both my voice and piano students regularly receive superior ratings at the local National Federation of Music Clubs festivals, pass ABRSM theory and piano exams, earn leading roles in school productions, and place in local talent shows.

P.S. For potential voice students, how many of you want to be a famous opera singer? My guess is, not many of you (to say the least :) However, what if I say, who would like to pretend they’re a famous bullfighter, a bird catcher (who likes to dress like a bird), an Ancient Egyptian, or a King or Queen while singing awesome music? Hopefully, more of you would try it. That’s why I love opera and classical singing. So I encourage you to watch, not just listen to, classical singing. You may be surprised at how cool it can be.

Gospel, R&B, Jazz to Hip Hop. "I am well versed in Music Theory and Sight reading. "

*** Lesson Details ***
You expect to have loads of fun in my state-of-the-art recording and teaching facility. there's never a dull moment. The student is constantly moving from computers instructional programs to acoustic instruments and synthesizers. We teach the full range of musical styles from POP, Gospel, Jazz and R&B and some lite classics too.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Waiting room, teaching studio, piano, teaching studio seating for parents

*** Specialties ***
I have a fully equipped state of the art digital recording and teaching facility in my home. My two car garage area has been professionally convert and treated for sound. I employ full use of the available music high tech equipment and learning programs including MUSIC ACE, Seth Riggs's The art of speech Level singing. i have both acoustic piano and an array of electric keyboards and virtual instruments stored in my IMAC 24 computer.

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.

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

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.

mas. We share the stage with our students and give them the chance to shine with us and learn from us how to be professional performers.

My students have gone on to Broadway and enjoyed careers on TV. One of my students just starred as Matilda in the National Tour.

cked a guy that really, really, can sing! He has a great sense of timing. He gets it. He has a great sense of delivery of the lyrics, and really seems to care about what he is saying in a song."

Dan has appeared on all major US broadcast networks and prominent cable channels. He's been interviewed on Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood and Extra and has performed and been interviewed on the international talk show Christopher Close Up, which airs in 166 countries. He's been featured and performed for millions at the Kentucky Derby and the Christmas Tree Lighting at Rockefeller Center. He's performed the National Anthem for the New York Mets, the Knicks, and during national coverage of the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial observance. He has graced the stage at the Olympic Games in Atlanta as well as nationwide events for Coca-Cola and Walmart. He's been a celebrity guest on nationally syndicated radio shows like, "Delilah", “Your Weekend with Jim Brickman” and ABC radio. Dan's much more than a singer. He created, co-wrote, and co-produced a half-hour sitcom for Turner Network.

Dan's passion lies in using his talents and exposure to make a positive difference in the lives of others, especially children. That's why he founded YES YOU CAN!, a non-profit foundation created to inspire and empower kids through music.

Dan's been a guest speaker, host and presenter for many great causes, including the Teacher of the Year Awards, Camp Fire USA and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Born in New York City, Dan was raised in Indiana as the youngest of five siblings. He attributes his strong work ethic and passion to his supportive family. Dan's love of singing began in the Mennonite Church, where four-part harmony was a staple. Having always known that he wanted to be a performer, Dan began preparing early in his childhood studying music through his college years. His classical training left him with a repertoire that includes singing fluently in Italian and Spanish as well as English.

Dan is enjoying his journey. He continues to perform and teach. He's working on new music and he's heavily involved with his foundation.

Dan is offering private voice and vocal performance lessons. He is now accepting new students.

My name is Dan G, and I have over 22 years of experience in teaching, performing and studying voice. I was a voice major in college, and I teach all styles, all levels, and all ages. I have studied, performed and recorded classical, pop, jazz, rhythm and blues, classic rock, country, folk, christian and other genres. I have performed for millions of viewers on television (11 times on NBC's Today show), radio, theater, and the stage. I've worked and recorded with many music producers including, David Foster and Jim Brickman. If you are interested in private professional voice lessons to grow as a musician, to become a better performer, for fun or because singing is just something you enjoy, please come see me. I look forward to working with you.
Thank you.

gwriting and keyboard through the online program so that I can live here in Georgia.

Come by and together let's create MUSIC MAGIC

ight years.

My professional affiliations have included membership in the National Association of Music Educators, board member with Atlanta based TORCH (Together Orchestras Revitalize Community Harmony), board member and music director with Florida based For-Kids-Only and music director with Atlanta based Yes You Can! Foundation. All three organizations work through music to benefit a wide range of needs for children and communities.

I have worked extensively as a pianist, multi- keyboardist, vocalist, soloist, group performer, accompanist, teacher, music director, conductor and arranger as well as being an international recording artist.

THE ACCOMPANIST ~~~
To be an accompanist is an art form that requires the ability to cross effortlessly between multiple styles. It also requires that the lead vocal or instrument is supported to the fullest degree that allows total freedom of expression while knowing each moment of a performance can be undertaken with complete confidence.
This is the art form that I have mastered and give total attention to detail in each performance.

THE TEACHER ~~~
Teaching is an area that I am passionate about. Working with young aspiring musicians as well as seasoned professionals and amateurs of all ages, I found many people lacking a well rounded understanding of theory and how music works in general. This prompted me to begin teaching many years ago. When I studied with William Walton who was a Dennis Sandole disciple, I was given full permission to teach the same method and expand upon it as it naturally evolved. My varied experience gives my a unique perspective on working with people who are truly interested in expanding their talents and musical understanding.

Highlights of my career include performances as conductor and pianist for the one-and-only Mickey Rooney and pianist for a series of teaching clinics with the most recorded guitarist in the world, Tommy Tedesco.

I have also appeared for or performed with: actress & singer - Susan Anton, R&B artist - Archie Bell, Mr. QVC - Bob Bowersox, jazz & classical guitarist - Charlie Byrd, jazz guitarist - Jerry Byrd, Oregon, Rochester and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra principal bassist - Colin Corner, the one-and-only - Rodney Dangerfield, NBC Today Show Superstar Vocal Winner - Dan Gardner, legendary big band vocalist - Connie Haynes, guitarist - Jef Lee Johnson, guitar superstar - Earl Klugh, R&B superstars - Blue Magic, sports legends - Mike Schmidt & Fran Tarkenton, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame members - The Shirelles, Broadway sensation Susan Stroman, legendary trumpeter & saxophonist - Glenn Zottola, governors, mayors, major political figures and prominent diplomats.