Monroeville Music Lessons

ying I held the Classical Guitar Graduate Assistantship at BSU. My responsibilities included instructing individual undergraduate students in proper classical guitar technique, history of the instrument, and musical expression through etudes and repertoire in preparation for performances. I also directed small classical guitar ensembles as part my of duties.

After receiving my degrees, I moved to Chicago and, in addition to my own private lessons, I also taught for Merit School of Music in Chicago and Sherwood Community Music School at Columbia University. I instructed private and group classical guitar classes with both schools. Our goals were to expand students’ personal and educational growth by cultivating a strong work ethic, effective listening, teamwork, and self-confidence. We developed each student’s musical potential by improving their musical knowledge, skill, and instrumental technique.

I took a short hiatus from teaching to travel Australia and New Zealand. While there I still taught and did a little street performing while traveling. While I was there I began working with Yousician to develop an additional service for their app in which users get personalized help from music teachers. Now that I am back in the USA I'm ready to get back into teaching full swing!

When I teach I don't simply have a One-Size-Fits-All approach. Every guitarist is different, with what they're good at, what they need to improve on, their likes, and their dislikes. Because of this, I use their interests to help propel them forward while incorporating personalized technical exercises that are designed to help them overcome challenges. Simultaneously, I sprinkle in Music Theory so that each student can gain a stronger understanding of harmony, rhythm, and layout of their instrument. So, whether you're trying to pursue music at the collegiate level or just learn a few of your favorite songs, I'll be sure to help you get here and have some fun along the way!

Please let me know if you're looking for Private Lessons and whether you're interested in Online, In-Home, or In-Studio Lessons as my rates are different for each type of lesson. Additionally, I do provide Group Lessons on a case-by-case basis. If you're interested in Group Lessons please contact me and we can work out the details. Finally, I have a 24-hr cancellation/reschedule policy. If you fail to notify me 24 hours in advance of our lesson it will count as a missed lesson.

I look forward to hitting the shed and getting to shred!

Paul Witkamp

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So trust me! Let yourself or your child be in good hands.

ol, and have taught dozens of students of all ages, skill levels, and in all styles of music. In addition to private lessons, I have taught workshops and masterclasses in high schools and community centers throughout my years at New England Conservatory. I have also taught at the Outreach Summer Music Workshop in Austria for 2 years, where I instructed and coached ensembles of international students. Music is a powerful thing, and the ability to teach it is a great joy and learning experience.

ses which steady the breath, relax the muscles, and center the body. We approach singing as a natural form of therapy that helps the singer understand their body fully, and express themselves effortlessly.
Together we will eliminate tension, strain and pain from the singing experience. We will gain comfort, ease and will highlight the beauty in your unique sound (as opposed to attempting to make your voice conform to someone else's style).
I am here to make you sound like the most authentic version of yourself, and to find the deep joy and expression that comes from letting your voice be heard!

-The most important thing to me when working with singers of any age or ability is:
Helping them learn the correct techniques to keep their voices safe and healthy while singing. A Beginner Lesson Plan begins by covering the three main foundations of healthy happy singing:
1.Posture
2.Breathing
3.Placement (head voice, mask voice, chest voice)
After covering these techniques, my students will be able to achieve almost any style and level of singing they desire. It is totally possible to stretch your vocal range, learn a new style, or incorporate movement into your songs if you follow this method!
I also make sure to focus a lot on confidence and stage presence throughout all of our lessons to help students prepare for upcoming auditions, showcases, concerts, and talent shows.

Applying my Relaxation First methodology to these industry secret foundations of strong vocal technique make it easy and natural for you to find your voice and transition out of your stage fright so that you can own that stage like you were born to be there, because you were!!
These are not only vocal coaching sessions, but complete performance-ready-workshops.
I am here to make all your singing and vocal performance dreams come true!

-I began my vocal training:
at the age of 12 learning how to sing classical and musical theater music. I eventually went on to learn jazz and rock vocal techniques before going to Berklee College of Music in Boston where I learned how to sing celtic music and alternative contemporary styles. I have my own band which I write all the music for, and we have performed all around Boston and in New York City.
My students have achieved admission into Berklee College of Music in Boston, lead roles in their school plays such as Peter Pan, Into the Woods, and Julius Caesar. They have achieved new levels of confidence and power that have made them the stars of their local open mics, talent shows, and recitals!

Please feel free to message me with any questions.
It’s my job to make this process as seamless and comfortable for you as possible :)
Let’s get singing!

inners John Williams, David Newman, Sara Gazarek, and John Proulx. Juliet was also the soprano soloist in Faure's Requiem with CSUF's University Singers Tour to Paris, France and was the title role in CSUF's production of The Merry Widow.

Experience and awards:

Overall Grand Prize Winner of the CSUF School of Music- Music Associates Concerto Competition,
1st Place Upper Division in the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia American Music Soloist Competition,
Classical Singer Magazine's first round finalist and nationals advance,
Lucy Dunn Vocal Scholar,
Winner of the Vidal Vocal Scholarship,
Board Member on the Los Angeles Opera - College Advisory Committee,
Recipient of the Cal State Fullerton's College of the Arts: Artsweek Executive Director Scholarship,
Selected performer for the CSUF School of Music accreditation performance and review,
Franc D'Ambrosio's Search for the Phantom's Christine Competition,
Singer in Orange County's Afternoon Singers,
Soloist on CSUF's 8-Track Debut Recording,
LA Music Center's Spotlight Awards Prelim Finalist,
Miss High Desert 2009 Talent Award,
Kern County Honor Choir Soloist,
Mojave High School Drama Department, Music Department, and Art Department Award,
Professional School of the Arts Scholarship,
Thelma Rae Kern County Music Scholarship,
and Finalist in the LA Regional National Association of Teachers of Singing Competition.

reaming to learn.

For Swimming Lessons:

I am CPR certified and there is a pool at my apartment complex that we can use for free!

I competitively swam and played water polo for seven years and have taught lessons for four years. I tailor the lessons to the student's needs. If you just want to learn how to efficiently keep yourself alive in the water, I can do that! If you want to learn how to bring your 100 fly time down, I can do that!

Let me help you become the fish you were meant to be.