Collinsville, IL Opera Voice Lessons

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My unique studio uses the basics of Bel Canto technique to teach all styles of music to all ages. Parents often comment on how much fun their students have in lessons, while getting feedback from outside professionals (adjudicators, directors, etc) on how much their technique has improved. Adult students are commonly shocked by how easy singing can feel as they meet their career goals.

Current students can be seen performing with:
America's Got Talent!
Hardrock Cafe LAS VEGAS!
Broadway Bound
Bellevue Opera
Puget Sound Concert Opera
Seattle Gilbert and Sullivan
5th Avenue Theater
Theater Schmeater
13 Coins
Hwy 99 Blues Club
The Showbox
Chop Suey
Dicken's Carolers
And MORE!

I realize that voice lessons can be REALLY scary and I totally understand why, especially for kids and beginners! I do my best to use modern psycology and technology to help my beginning students feel confortable in what can be a frightening new endeavor.

Personal Performance Experience: Extensive lead and supporting opera performing experience with Bellevue Opera, Puget Sound Concert Opera, Skagit Opera, Tacoma Opera, Portland Opera,Seattle Gilbert and Sullivan, Seattle Opera and Seattle Youth Symphony. Prior to that spent 7 years performing Jazz and Gospel and 10 years in musical theater.

Personal Education: BA in Music from Seattle Pacific University 2002, MM in Opera Performance (Unfinished due to 1 year of German) at University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana.

Teaching Experience: 8 years as a private voice teacher in my own studio, 3.5 years teaching opera workshops throughout the USA, 2 years working in studio with local bands as a 'fixer.'

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Have you tried lessons before and felt unsuccessful?

Not all students learn the same way and for years voice teachers have been treating every student as an aural learner. What I have found is that students with a history of struggling with matching pitch simply need to be taught in a different manner. That is why I now ask students to take a voluntary learning style inventory prior to their first lesson.

Visual Learner? Not a problem when "Adam" started with me he could only match pitch 30% of the time. But after finding that he needed to see concepts in order to learn them I have now made all of his lesson visually based and he is now averaging 90% pitch accuracy 3 months later.

Kinisthetic Learner? I had the hardest time helping "Clark" learn new music until we realized that by taking the time to have him play his parts himself on the piano he could learn them in minutes. He just is a person that learns by doing and now that we know that, music has become so much less frustrating for him.

Physical Learner? With "Steve" the traditional 'visualization' style of teaching that most voice teachers start with just wasn't helping him improve his sound and reach the high notes we both knew he had. After we figured out that he needed large muscle movements to understand concepts I added the use of a resistance band to his lessons. He has had so much success with this technique that he 'stole' my resistance band so he could use it in recording sessions and before he got on stage.

The stories just go on and on.

CURRENT AND FORMER STUDENT REFERENCES AVAILABLE!

*** Lesson Details ***
Students help structure their lessons by providing a general overview of their goals during their first lesson. Just as not everyone's voice sounds the same, neither does everyone's lesson!

A typical lesson begins with vocal warm-ups specifically targeted to strengthen the students technique and help them learn more about their voices capabilities. Next students work on songs of their choosing, that help them develop the freedom of voice, control, stamina and overall vocal health that they will need to be confident in their performing.

Additional opportunities for performance are provided for students as desired. These may include Karaoke Nights (for adult beginners), no-stress recitals, studio sing-a-longs, community choirs and small roles in local productions.

NEW STUDIO FEATURE!

*** Studio ***
piano and guitar

*** Specialties ***
Voice, Music Theory, Music Performance, Acting, Speech, Theatrical Broadway Singing, Opera Voice
Singing for Musical Theater, Classical Voice, Jazz Voice, Improvisation, Rock and Metal Vocals, Healthy Metal Growling, Beginning-Advanced Intermediate Voice, Composition, Music History, Music Appreciation

Specializing in helping young singers find their voices and learn healthy technique so as to not damage their instrument, while having a lot of fun! I also teach Spanish, Latin and Italian Diction for Singers.

I have worked with many local guitar/singer/songwriters and rock band frontmen, helping them gain the stamina and power they need while maintaining their instrument for the future.

Also, I have had extensive experience and success working with students who consider themselves 'tone challenged'

*** Lesson Details ***
Voice students will learn to improve their technique through proper breathing, correct vowels, space, and resonance. I teach repertoire based on the students' interest, but I am well versed in classical and operatic repertoire in English, French, German, and Italian, as well as some musical theatre and jazz. I also teach pop songs for those who are interested. I can help you improve your technique for whatever style of music you want to sing. For adults, I recommend an hour voice lesson. For kids, I recommend a half hour voice lesson, and half hour of piano if they are not already taking it.

Piano students will learn to read music, play with correct form, learn scales, and improve their musicianship skills. I teach out of lesson books (mostly Faber) to improve technique, but I want students to learn supplemental pieces that are fun for them as well. For piano beginners, I recommend 30 minutes. Once the student is a little more experienced, I like to have them for 45 minutes.

I hope to share with you the same joy I get from making music!

*** Studio Equipment ***
My studio at home has a piano, my music library, a large mirror for aiding the student in observing their vocal habits.

*** Travel Equipment ***
For in home lessons, students will need to have a keyboard or a piano in a space free of distractions. Students should have a neat, three ring binder to hold any loose sheet music. Piano students need a regular notebook to write lesson assignments.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in teaching classical art songs and musical theatre.

icks that allowed me to impress the Hollywood composer that first invited me to Los Angeles to work on my first blockbuster. That opportunity led to many years of success in the industry and some notoriety.
I have always had a passion for teaching, sharing my knowledge with others and watching other people take immense pleasure in their own achievements. I have been told time and time again that I have a very special gift for teaching and I would very much like to share it with you, whether you want to learn an instrument, musicianship, ear training, composition, hone your vocal or mic skills or learn how to arrange an orchestral piece in just a few hours!
I look forward to talking to you about your specific needs and goals and having the opportunity to help you realize them in a fun friendly and authentic atmosphere.
Andrew

time with my cat.

is healthy and easy for the voice.

Especially Skilled in

Placement
Technique
Belting/Mixing
Runs

next level. Optional emphasis on music theory, note reading and auditioning is available free of charge and is determined by the student at sign up.

Piano students can expect to learn the fundamental of piano in a fun and challenging way that will focus on note reading, scales and chord building, playing by ear, and sight reading. By combining music theory in your lessons you will be on the road to composing your own music!

Acting students can expect to learn the fundamentals of acting through the combination of scene work, mental and visualization exercises, physical & vocal warm ups, monologues, and audition preparation. Students area of emphasis (film, stage, or audition workshop) must be chosen at sign up and can be changed at any time.

essons: I was Chair of the Department of Italian Language and Literature at Alexander&Buono International Academy from Sept. 2014 till Sept. 2016, teaching young singers Italian Diction and Literature connected to Opera.
I teach private students since 2016, beginners and advanced levels. I worked with different kind of students: beginners that only wanted to learn basic conversations so to be able to speak while in Italy for the summer, moms that want to learn Italian diction so to be able to read Italian books and to sing Italian songs to their kids, beginners with deep interest in Italian grammar and comprehension.
Feel free to contact me with your requests and we'll organize a plan of studies adequate to your requests.

sroom, and is available for messaging outside of weekly lessons to offer technical help, external resources, and practice support.