Gary, IN Singing Lessons

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 ***
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

*** Lesson Details ***
Voice lessons begin with a variety of warm ups to gently awaken the muscles of the vocal tract, and apply healthy vocal technique. This all comes together when we work on a variety of repertoire.

Piano lessons include technique, learning to understand the keyboard and how to read music and apply that to playing the piano, and of course all tied into playing repertoire.

All lessons will discuss basic music theory and reading music, as well as a working knowledge of the piano as to assist in at home practice.

*** Studio Equipment ***
At my apartment I have an 88 key weighted digital piano that I use for both lessons. We will discuss the need to purchase music books, which is a case by case basis.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I do not have a traveling keyboard, but bring music sheets and lesson logs with me.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in teaching beginning piano, and beginning and intermediate voice. My piano training is rooted in the Suzuki method, and my voice training is classical.

les that may seem too hard to the student. I will start my students off with the basic vocal warm ups and then move on to material that they would like to cover and if so the student doesn't have material to cover, I will present them with material. Being a singer is not easy at all, so I will challenge my students by giving exercises that challenge them to sing for proficient. I will also bring in material that is brand new and ask the students questions about the piece. The student is in the lesson to learn everything about music, so any type of material that I feel will benefit them and help them move closer to their goal, I will definitely present to them. After 3 to 6 months students will be able to sing in the 3 minor keys and the major key. The student will also have knowledge and know how to sing at least 3 different modes. The singer will know how to read basic sheet music and perform it with solfege. The singer will also have 4 songs of my choice or their choice mastered and ready to perform in front of an audience. Lastly, the singer will have knowledge of proper breath control while performing, usage of a microphone, and intonation.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Piano/ Keyboard
Music Stand
Water

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in classical, gospel and R and B singing.

y or not after about five lessons.

Label me Traditional, or Classical, or even Persnickety, but we all transcend labels. I can perform opera, simplify unifying concepts, teach folk singing, direct a church choir, suggest country repertoire, coach performance charisma, and even officiate a marriage ceremony as a Dudeist Priest. I also bake a mean pie.

Complete beginners are welcome in all areas. Advanced lessons are available for voice only. In my studio I teach adults only. Singing and voice lessons have minimum 45min duration. Prices for lessons at my studio are $30 for 30min, $41 for 45min, and $50 for 60min. Online lessons, available for singing and theory but not piano, are the same price. Schedule-As-You-Go lessons with no recurring schedule slot are an option, if you prefer that to taking a lesson the same time every single week.

My teaching studio is a residential office on a high second floor walk-up near the intersection of Chicago and Ashland. I might be able to travel within East Village / Ukrainian Village / Wicker Park / Noble Square for an additional $15 travel fee. If I travel to your location, we can negotiate younger ages and group fees.

What do you want to learn? As partners, the student and I build a plan, balancing current aspirations with proven methods. I work with the paper music and workbooks you already own, and TAILOR THE LESSONS TOWARD PRACTICAL VALUE. On the other hand, I believe I have an ethical responsibility to provide a minimum of classical instruction.

I honor the opportunity to share the joy of music with you.

Upfront deal breakers:
• Communication outside of lesson time will be mainly internet and email. The email address in your profile must be a valid form of official business communication.
• Students may not bring pets, children, or guests to the lesson. A quietly observing adult guest is welcome with 48-hour notice.
• My students know if they use too much fragrance, whether it be laundry scent boosters or hair treatments, they may be refused entrance into my studio. It's a big deal.
• You pay for any lessons not canceled or rescheduled before the 24-hour deadline, whether you attend or not. Do not be near me when you are contagiously ill. Ask me to forgive late cancellations caused by true emergencies, but realize I don’t have to.
• If you are a singing student, you need a place where you can practice. Prior to your first cancellation deadline, you must read the "Your First Singing Lesson" section found on each Singing or Voice Subject Page.
• If you want to learn how to read keyboard scores or understand how to play keyboard by ear, sign up for Music Theory. If you don’t have regular access to something that can legally be called a piano, including weighted keys and a damper pedal, sign up for Music Theory. Repeat: if you can’t practice on a real piano, don’t take Piano lessons. Music Theory lessons will probably teach you what you want to learn, anyway.

Ask me a question using the Ask-A-Question feature. Watch my videos and think about it. I'm a good teacher. I sincerely appreciate the time it took you to read my profile. Thank you.

n for her warm and sweet voice. Audiences have seen her sing in Illinois, Mississippi, Massachusetts, Florida, and Italy. She has performed over twenty roles with the likes of Opera Naples, Natchez Festival of Music, Sugar Creek Opera, Chicago Opera Theater, and Lyric Opera of Chicago. She has been featured many times as a soloist in Handel’s Messiah with Harper College. Though she has predominantly performed in opera, she is at home in a variety of styles, and teaches voice lessons in Des Plaines, Glen Ellyn, and Chicago. Ms. Blanks is a Chicago native, and the weekly soloist for Second Church in Evanston.

c or to make singing your lifelong career; I am the person who will help you elevate yourself.