Riverdale Music Lessons

nature sound has been featured in numerous media outlets such as WGNews, Time Out Magazine, Jet/ Essence, NBC Chicago, Suntimes, and Rolling Out Magazine.

"As a rule, I teach to help a person find "their voice"- it's when timbre meets technique, skill marries sound and a person is free to execute their gift well...consistently!!!"
SEE WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING

“Amanda …I think your amazing… the total package.”
Susanna Negovan, Michigan Avenue Magazine

“I think you blew everybody away. You nailed every one of those notes and not an easy song to do. You look great, sound great. Congratulations!”
David Viggiano, Entertainment Reporter

“ [Vocally]…you set the bar!”
Vince Lawrence, Slang Music Group

“{Ms. Amanda} is magnetic and inspiring. She is definitely one to watch ... She is It and has It."
Deborah Olivia Brown, NBC5 Chicago

*** Lesson Details ***
Our time together always start with an orientation. We talk, learn expectations and most importantly I hear where you're at and then lay out a plan to get you where you say you want to go. Our space and time together is safe, intentional and productive. We will have a BLAST mainly because I'm hilarious but primarily because I guarantee visible, measurable results and there is nothing more fun then seeing yourself do well in an area you love. Currently, I am mainly accepting students interested in the flex plan.

I truly look forward to meeting you.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I provide a depth of knowledge, piano, some online material and book references. Students provide a good attitude, sometimes the internet, notepad, and digital recorder.

*** Specialties ***
Jazz, CCM, Gospel, Classical, Broadway/Cabaret, Pop, Ballad.

ion in music therapy. Those who can do teach, and those who can teach totally do!

*** Lesson Details ***
You will set the pace for your lesson. I want you to enjoy your time in music, so your lessons will be completely customized. We will develop a goal plan for you so that our time together is interesting, fun, and we make progress! In 3-6 months, you will have a stable technical program and have started a portfolio of music for performances, no matter what level you are. We can share sheet music in person or online (I can even email you great links to amazing performances). Just let me know where you want to be in music, and we'll work together to make it happen. I can't wait to meet you!

*** Studio Equipment ***
First - YOU MUST HAVE YOUR OWN INSTRUMENT FOR PRACTICE AT HOME BEFORE BEGINNING LESSONS!!! Consistency is very important for learning, and weekly lessons ARE NOT enough for growth. My home studio is in a private music room. Parents can relax in our family space with coffee or tea and enjoy their children's learning at their leisure. My studio includes a 88-key keyboard, technology setup with an iMac, microphone and stand, a mirror for posture and musical instruments. I carry books for the lessons themselves (not for practice at home), and we can download or print out music as desired. If you take lessons online, I can email you links and sheet music as needed. Feel free to bring any additional equipment music you would like to share. I have some great recommendations for music books designed for both children and adult learners.

*** Specialties ***
jazz, contemporary, classical (instrumental), original, computer music composition

help with that,too. Are you feeling more confident, and want to focus more on song polishing and getting into the heart of your songs? Let's do it! Confidence an issue? I am a pro with very shy people. I'll get you out of your shell, relaxed, and having fun right away so we can free that voice of yours! I have worked with many singers who have been diagnosed with anxiety: you're in good hands and you can trust me with your voice.

I am also a drama teacher who has worked with groups as well as individuals. Currently, I am the drama instructor at a Montessori School. I love working with beginning acting students! I'll assist with monologue prep, improvisation, voice for the stage, body awareness, and more. I love being on stage and want you to see how fun it is to jump in and let go,too!

I am a constant student in the world of theatre. I am currently taking many courses with the Drama Teacher Academy, and just received a certificate for monologue work ! Currently studying more improv and musical theatre techniques. I want my students to have as many skills as possible, no matter where their love for theatre or music takes them.

If you're interested in beginner ear training or music theory, I'd love to help you with that as well. I present it in a no-nonsense and fun manner! I'll provide you with simple worksheets to increase your confidence in learning the language of music, as well as run you through increasingly challenging patterns and sight reading for the ear training. Don't be afraid: I make it easy and customize it all. I used to be scared of theory,too- so I know what works!

I have been singing for over 20 years. Performances with the Lira Ensemble and Opera on Tap Chicago, and in master classes with international opera stars Alan Held and Lorna Haywood. Coaching with Collaborative Works Chicago and Rossini Opera Festival. Additional studies in Rock Vocals, Voice Care, Improvisational Comedy, Holistic Voice, Acting, Foreign languages, Dalcroze, Speaking Voice for Singers, , Commercial Vocal Styles/Belting with Lisa Popeil, teacher mentoring workshop with Maestro David Jones. Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance. Additional workshops in Vocal Pedagogy with David Sabella-Mills, Jeannie LoVetri. Dr. Karen Prokop, Melissa Cross (the queen of healthy scream technique!), Sheri Sanders Rock the Audition training), and Chicago Cabaret Professionals.

Certified CoreSinging Instructor- one of only a few in the U.S. trained by Meribeth Dayme, PhD, respected clinician and authority in vocal pedagogy and author of "The Singing Book".

Currently studying John Henny's Science of Singing course in anticipation of certification.

My students do a variety of great things! One was a top 12 "American Idol" finalist. Current students perform in musicals, top rated choirs, and professional rock , jazz,and blues bands. Many have won awards for their singing at competitions such as NATS. Students of mine have also been accepted to prestigious performing arts high schools for both drama and music, as well as undergraduate music programs in the US and Europe.

I think if you can speak, you can sing. Everyone can and should sing! Don't let anything hold you back. I am a people person that is very passionate about music and singing, and want to be the teacher you'll trust with your voice. Come laugh and learn with me!

*** Lesson Details ***
I teach in person (Northwest Suburbs of Chicago) and online via Skype, Zoom, or FaceTime or TakeLessons Classroom, of course!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Sing and See Software. Additional materials I use: Funky n' Fun Vocal Exercises, Estelle Liebling Vocal Methods, Bona and Dannhauser for sight-reading, Full Voice workbooks for young and serious singers.

*** Specialties ***
Beginner vocalists! Very shy singers. Children, teens. Lapsed singers, and seniors. Experience in working with those with learning disabilities , special needs, and victims of abuse. Have also worked with the transgendered community. I also love to give workshops.

isciplinarians, cheerleaders, poets, psychologists, and violinists. As a performer myself, I demonstrate frequently in front of my students. In fact, I will often choose passages that I can't play perfectly myself but that I am able to greatly improve right in front of their eyes. My goal in doing this is to show them how in a relatively short amount of time, but with immense focus, one can solve a problem.

Whether the violin is an interest, hobby or something you want to pursue professionally, I'll always give you the best advice and training to achieve your personal goals.

My current private students have had great success in studio recitals, auditions and becoming confident in their own musical ability. I'll always bring a positive and encouraging attitude to tackle any obstacle in your playing.

Northwestern University, having studied under Blair Milton, violinist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Corie enjoys playing solo, chamber, and orchestral music and has performed with a number of orchestras across the country including Washington Sinfonietta and American Festival Orchestra.

Over the years and with varying chamber groups, she has performed at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Hermitage Museum Amsterdam, Kasteel Amerongan, Caine Performance Hall, and Mary B. Galvin Recital Hall. As former first violinist of one of Utah’s premiere young chamber ensembles, Corie’s international debut was made with the Tribeca Quartet at Zeistermusikdagen in The Netherlands in 2016. With Tribeca, Corie has received instruction from renowned chamber ensembles including the Emerson, Alban Berg, Jerusalem, Brentano, and Pacifica Quartets. During her studies at Utah State University and Northwestern University, Corie received instruction from the Fry Street and Dover Quartets, respectively.
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Corie grew up in Colorado and Utah and has a deep love and appreciation for the mountains. She enjoys skiing, hiking, backpacking and canyoneering. Besides being in the outdoors, some of her hobbies include playing tennis, reading, and cooking with her husband.