Honolulu, HI Singing Lessons

ver/acting narration, commercial, and character development

the east coast, I found my life's work in 2003 when I began teaching music.

I've successfully taught hundreds of different students since 2003, from 5-year-olds with special needs to middle-aged professional opera singers, from a professor in Saudi Arabia to a 65-year-old doctor of music, from kids of Radio Disney to students of the famed Actors Studio in New York, from busy stay-at-home parents to retirees with bucket lists, from CEOs to touring singer-songwriters.

I've created and led a workshop about singing called, "The Whole Body Singer". I've written dozens of articles about music and music education for the blog at TakeLessons.com.

My extensive knowledge of the voice has encouraged and empowered hundreds of singers and prepared many of them to win competitions, pageants and auditions, as well as roles in operas and musicals.

Having both taught myself piano and received formal training at a conservatory has prepared me to teach almost anyone how to play.
The intensive training and education that I received at Westminster Choir College in songwriting, music theory and sight reading has benefited my students at every level.

My current work as singer and keyboardist in the acoustic rock duo, Timberwood, has strengthened my knowledge of a broad range of styles and genres. I have a strong commitment to continuing my education. That's why I recently (2014) studied songwriting online with the Berklee College of Music in Boston.

In the lessons that I teach, I'm flexible, positive and encouraging. While I want my students to have fun and love music, not dread it, I expect hard work and persistence. I am caring, patient, nurturing, and compassionate. In piano lessons, I usually allow the student to choose a piece with which to warm up and then move on to technique and repertoire. In voice lessons, I usually warm up the singer and discuss technique and sight singing before focusing on song choices. Joan Frey Boytim wrote a book for voice that I like to use, and I like the Estelle Liebling exercises for the more advanced singer. Hanon exercises are a big part of my piano curriculum, and I enjoy the Bastien and Alfred books for young and old. I have used completely random songs pulled out of a piano bench and a karaoke CD for kids. I will use almost anything I can get my hands on if it means effectively teaching music.
Acting lessons consist of exercises and games that apply learned concepts, and monologue and audition coaching. Parents, siblings and spouses are always welcome to observe lessons quietly.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide an acoustic guitar to bring to both voice and guitar lessons. I expect my piano students to have a piano, an organ or a keyboard.

***Home Studio Equipment***
In my home studio, my students will have access to an acoustic guitar, an electronic keyboard, an acoustic piano and PC audio recording.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in teaching classical, country, pop and musical theater singing, classical and pop/rock/chordal style piano, and sightreading, including solfege syllables. I enjoy using Estelle Liebling as my voice method and Hanon for piano technique. My education includes coursework in jazz and pop theory and songwriting from both Westminster Choir College and the Berklee College. Teaching special needs individuals is also one of my specialties, and one that I highly enjoy. I've been trained in Meisner technique, and have experience in both theater acting and musical theater.

on, latin, rock and swing.Donny also attended the University of Tennessee, Knoxville for graphic design.

onal tours, released albums, are in bands, have been accepted into performing arts schools (high schools and colleges), have been cast in regional/Off-Off-Broadway/Off-Broadway Theatre, movies (Noah, The Wolf Of Wall Street, Finally Famous), music videos, and on TV (Royal Pains, Smash, 30 Rock, The Good Wife, Law and Order: SVU, & NBC's The Voice competition).

Owner/Teacher: Rachel M.
SAG-AFTRA, VASTA, NATS (certified), NARAS, NAMTA, BMI, MAC, NJMEA, NAfME. NJ Theatre Alliance, & Certified Artist Developer with Conquer Entertainment,
15+ years of teaching to children - teens - adults (Ages 6+ group classes, 8+ private lessons)

RACHEL M.'S BIO:

Rachel is a member of SAG-AFTRA, The National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS certified), VASTA (Voice And Speech Trainers Association), NARAS (The Grammy Awards), NAMTA, NJMEA (New Jersey Music Educators Association), NAfME (National Association of Music Education), NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association,) MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs), The NJ Theatre Alliance, NSA (Nashville Songwriting Association International), and BMI (Broadcast Music Inc). She has been teaching Bel Canto singing technique for the modern singer and Stella Adler-Stanislavsky-Chekhov-Meisner acting technique for all mediums for 15+ years to children, teens, and adults.

Rachel has trained at The Hages Music Studio under a master teacher for 22+ years in the Bel Canto singing technique for all genres, studied at The Stella Adler Studio of Acting in NYC as well as recorded and released her first album called "Just Meant To Be". Other credits include commercials, films, TV shows (One Tree Hill, AMC, Food Network), music videos (including Rachel's singles "Don't Even Try", "You Will Love On"), & numerous stage credits (Off-Broadway/NYC Theatre). Rachel most recently was seen in the reading of a new play "Vanishing Son" by Peter Gil-Sheridan performed in NYC. She is also a songwriter (16+ years), scriptwriter (10+ years), director (14+ years), and an international recording artist (10+ years).

Rachel has been performing for 20+ years, has performed in front of sold out crowds, and has been honored with many standing ovations. Other honors include magazine covers, featured articles, singing to thousands of people, studio recordings/albums, originated the role of "Antigone" in "Oedipus: The Musical", 2002 Helen Hayes Nomination for" Outstanding Vocal Performance in a Musical" ("Miss Adelaide" in "Guys And Dolls"), & 2008 finalist for NYC Singing Idol Competition. Rachel has also been fortunate to have worked & performed with many people in the business including Grammy-Tony-Emmy Award Winners/Nominees.

LESSON DETAILS

Whether you are a parent looking for instruction for your child, or for yourself, Rachel can customize the right program that best suits your needs. Her students come from all walks of life and have different goals, but they all have one thing in common. They love performing and have the desire to be the best at their chosen craft (singing/acting).

Some students want to sing/act for themselves, others want to sing/act for a hobby, and others want to be professional performers. That's where Rachel comes in. No matter what your goals are, she can help. Rachel teaches her students how to become true artists without tearing them down and without taking away the part of them that makes them unique. She teaches healthy technique that is based off of the human anatomy; the science of how the body/mind works and how the body/mind can work as efficiently as possible while singing or acting.

Learning how to sing/act is a process and doesn't happen overnight. Rachel's ultimate goal as a teacher is to not only make her students the best performers and singers they can be, but also give them all of the proper tools they need to have a more productive mind frame and become self-sufficient. Of course this can take years to master. It takes time and dedication.

OTHER LESSON INFORMATION

SINGING: Bel Canto singing technique for the modern singer is taught in private and group classes. No one sounds like old opera singers, even if the student wants to sing opera. Students are allowed to choose most of the material they learn in the lesson. There will be times when Rachel will suggest a song to a student but if the student doesn't enjoy the song, they will work as a team to find a song that does work for the student. Gain a better tone quality, complete control of your voice, bigger range, more flexibility, and confidence. Learn healthy voice technique, how to fully take care of your own voice so you can sing for the rest of your life (even after lessons), and become a self sufficient performer for life.

ACTING: Stella Adler, Stanislavsky, Chekhov, and Meisner Acting Technique for Theatre/Camera is taught in private and group classes. All students are exposed to each technique and Rachel sees which technique each student responds to the most. Once the student and Rachel are able to identify the technique, Rachel continues to use the terminology of that technique for the remainder of the time the student is in lessons. Students eventually are able to play roles truthfully and realistically, even if the roles are opposite of the student's own personality.

BY THE TIME STUDENTS GRADUATE FROM LESSONS:

1. Gain a lifelong, solid, consistent, and healthy technique that they can always count on in practice and performance.

2. Gain specific technical and personal notes in a notebook and/or computer file that is organized and always accessible for review.

3. Gain artistry, performance skills, and a strong voice that will look/sound authentic; Singers will sound appropriate to whatever style of music they are singing. (No fake sound or look.) Actors will just be in the moment and truthful whether they are on stage or in front of the camera.

4. Gain the confidence to always put on a great performance.

5. Gain focus and a more productive mind frame.

6. Become self-sufficient by knowing how to assess a problem and then fix it without creating a new issue.

*** Studio Equipment ***
PRIVATE HOME STUDIO: Keyboard, speakers (smartphone, iPod, iPad), CD player, tape recorder/player, digital recorder, music stand, mirror, laptop, sheet music selections, HD video camera, tripod, video editing software, audio editing software, USB microphone, and high speed WiFi internet. Full PA, two mixers (one mixer with 8 inputs and the other with 4), 8 Lavaliere microphones ("body mics"), multiple hand held microphones, laptop stand, and music stands.

**ASK ABOUT ON LOCATION TRAINING (ON SET, THEATER, PERFORMANCE EVENT, OR RECORDING STUDIO)!

**ONLINE LESSONS ALSO AVAILABLE!

*** Specialties ***
We specialize in Bel Canto voice technique for the modern singer. Each student can sing all genres without sounding too classical, "fake", and without losing their voice while singing for long periods of time.

Other Specialties: Teaching acting technique for theatre-TV-Film (Stella Adler, Stanislavsky, Chekhov, & Meisner), performance skills, songwriting, and creating self-sufficient singers-actors-performers (Artist Development).

STUDIO POLICIES-

CANCELLATION:
24 hour lesson cancellation

MISSED LESSONS/MAKE UPS:
If the student needs to miss a lesson for sickness, they or their parent/ guardian, if the student is under 18, must let Rachel know at least 24 hours before their missed lesson. If they need to miss due to an other activity or vacation, they must contact Rachel at least a week from their next scheduled lesson in advance to prevent from forfeiting the lesson. All make ups will be scheduled within 4 weeks from the missed lesson. If rescheduled lesson or make up lesson is missed, no new make up will be given unless Rachel is not able to teach for some rare reason.

LATENESS:
If a student is going to be late they need to contact Rachel as soon as possible, to let her know they will be late. Lessons will end on time unless she is able to extend the lesson due to a late student or her schedule allows for it though please understand, Rachel would be extending a courtesy and would not be obligated to do so. If on the rare occasion Rachel is running late, she will always make up the time.

SITTING IN: Parents/Guardians are ONLY permitted to stay for the first lesson and are NOT permitted to sit in for any other lesson/class unless invited. This is to promote good/strong teacher-student relationship quickly and easily. Also, many times students feel more comfortable when their parents/guardians leave.

"I try to be as fair as possible to both parties when it comes to cancellations, rescheduling, lateness, and make ups. Have a concern or question? Just talk with me. I'm all about communication!" - Rachel

as Narzerath House, Bay View, Bella Vista, Monte Vista Village, and La Mesa Health Care Center, as well as making In-Home visits. These include independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care facilities around SD! I also have experience playing for the actively dying for hospice and consider it an honor to be of musical assistance for people in transition.

I love to teach and can make my harp and voice lessons unique to each individual based on their current skill level. I love watching people expand and grow through music. Your lessons will be engaging, compassionate, fun, and organized! Each lesson will encourage you to become excited about your musical growth and inspire you to continue. I offer something unusual for a harp teacher in that I can teach both improvisation and music theory for the harp. This means that you will get the best of both worlds!

I also have obtained education from the Self-Heal School of Herbal Studies here in San Diego, where I have learned about herbal medicine. I am well versed in many alternative therapies (such as E.F.T., meditation, therapeutic music, Ayurvedic medicine, amino acid therapy, etc.) and can provide compassion, understanding, and strategies for alleviating suffering as a Life Coach. My education towards my Master's degree in Psychology also helps me increase my understanding of the human condition and offer additional support for anxiety, depression, addiction, and other stresses. I believe that everyone deserves to live a life of freedom, safety, comfort, and relaxation. I hope to provide loving assistance for anyone seeking someone who cares and will put in the time to truly listen and offer advice.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and please let me know how I can be of service to you!

your passion for a certain genre of music, or possibly learning and playing songs you love. In another example, you may have been playing for a period of time and possibly you desire to heighten your game, learning new skills and technique regarding your instrument. Or quite possibly, you want to blend the joy of singing while playing the piano or the guitar! It's time to go through the joy and benefits in playing a musical instrument and or singing!

PERFORMANCE
Steven B has extensive experience in performance. For many years, he performed piano and sang at many fine establishments throughout San Diego and Los Angeles. Later on, he produced a concert tour and performed 50 concerts to 15,000 young people throughout San Diego. The title of his concert tour is Heroes In Our World. Steven B played keyboards, guitar and sang. The concerts honored real-life moms, dads, doctors, nurses, teachers, athletes, entertainers who give back to charity, police officers, firemen, and explorers who make our world a better place. His list of performances continues. He has a record of being the only musician to write a song, produce it, playing the instruments and vocals, along with filming and editing the videos of the performances each week for 52 consecutive weeks. His students benefit because he teaches many aspects in performance and can prepare students for any kind of audition or performance.

In conclusion, whether you want to learn to play an instrument and/or sing just for your own benefit and joy... Or you want to perform... Or you want to be professional earning money with music - you have come to the correct place. He will be looking forward in working with you. Again, he teaches all styles, ages and skill levels. Beginners are most welcome. He currently has one or two openings for new students.

Reviews From Students and Parents (Piano - Guitar - Voice)

“I just wanted to say Thank You and let you know how much I appreciate all the information and help you have given Mikey. You helped him form a great hobby that he loves to do and the family loves to hear. He has come so far since his first lesson and I am happy you kept the Piano lessons interesting for him. Thanks again for being a kind, great teacher to him.” - Cheryl, 5 Stars! 

“Steven B, a patient, gifted teacher has supervised my studies on guitar with good humor, wit and flexibility.  I would recommend him without hesitation to players young and old.” - Tim, 5 Stars!  

“I took voice and piano lessons in Steven B’s Coronado Music Studio and also online via Skype.  Both experiences were great, and it was really convenient to do the lessons on Skype.  Steven B is an excellent teacher, and he is very patient.  I recommend him to anyone who wants to learn to play an instrument or sing!” - Kat , 5 Stars! 

“Steven B’s fun and patient teaching style rocks. I see how his bright, fun-loving personality, and knowledge of music for piano makes him top choice as my daughter’s music instructor.” - Anthony, 5 Stars!   

“Steven B is a wonderful teacher!  He is talented, always enthusiastic, and extremely motivational! Each lesson is designed specifically for our daughter Kelsey's ability and desired genre of music! Kelsey began guitar and vocal lessons in the Coronado studio and is now taking lessons via Skype since our move to Virginia.  The lessons are convenient, affordable, and productive. We are excited to be able to still have Steven B as her guitar and vocal teacher!” - Amy, 5 Stars!  

“I came to Steven B as a beginner in piano and I took the piano lessons on my Casio keyboard. I just wanted to learn my favorite songs. Steven B got me into the music I really enjoy!  In only three months, I was able to play and sing a song I truly love titled “Angel” from Sarah McLachian.  My teacher said I performed it as well as the artist. My friends, loved my performance of the song!” - Katrina, 5 Stars! 

“My son has taken guitar and voice lessons with Steven B for the last year.  We are pleased with classes and the improvement we've seen in comparison to a previous instructor.  Steven B is punctual and extremely respectful of the time and money it takes to provide lessons.  He can be counted on to be both friendly and professional.  He comes prepared for lessons and expects the same of his students.  If you are serious about learning and improving your skills, we highly recommend him.” - Christina, 5 Stars! 

“My time in being instructed by Steven B on piano was a great, informative experience. Ever since the first lesson, he is a very good teacher that clearly knows what he is doing. Mr. Bruce taught me at my own pace, taking time to help me work on skills, especially small details that help me perform much better. He is a very skilled instructor, teaching me pieces from not only music books that he provides, but also the valuable skill of learning by ear, a skill few other teachers bother to touch on. Steven B has helped on a number of occasions with songs that I am learning on my own and fit time into our lessons to work on them. He is always willing to let the student work on what they like as well as what he gives out. When I once mentioned my liking for jazz, we soon started an in-depth series of lessons into the genre, teaching me much more than I ever knew prior to it. I’ve never felt pressured by my assignments and pieces to bring home, as Steven B knows everyone goes at their own pace and can take anytime from a few days to a few weeks to learn a song. My time with him was a very fun and informative time that I thoroughly enjoyed.” - Michael, 5 Stars!

PIANO - GUITAR - VOICE LESSONS:
- In Your Home Via Webcam with Steven B (See Teacher's Special)
- In The Teacher's Coronado Music Studio

ctor of Music at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Honolulu.

WHAT DO I TEACH?
I teach piano, organ, and voice.
*Piano: All levels from beginning to professional
*Organ: All levels from beginning to professional
*Voice: Beginning and those working with music theater

WHERE DO I TEACH?
*Piano: At my home in Mililani, St Peter’s Episcopal, and online
*Organ: St. Peter’s Episcopal and possibly online
*Voice: St. Peter’s Episcopal and possibly online
NOTE: Parents are more than welcomed to attend the lessons!
In fact, I encourage that!!

WHAT IS MY STYLE OF TEACHING?
Every student is different and what works with one may not work with another. It's important for me to know my students so I can better shape the lesson. I love questions, reflection, and even humor. I'm also very patient and understanding. We are all very busy and accept that students may have weeks they can't practice a huge amount of time. As long as some progress is made at lessons, all is well!

AER THERE RECITALS? ... Absolutely. You work hard at your lessons and it’s great to show your talent! Recitals will be at St. Peter’s Episcopal. I’m going to have a recital for my online students soon to see how that goes.

itioner of spiritual sobriety, advocate for soul care and self-compassion. Yoga was such a pivotal part of her healing journey, of listening to her body, her intuition, and remembering who she was and of her calling to help bring hope & healing to the world, both through music and yoga.