Westlake, LA Broadway Singing Lessons

ve voice books, I need them to provide a piano or keyboard.

*** Specialties ***
classical, broadway, pop, rock, gospel

onderfully packed with performance for Seattle Opera. I just closed out a 78 performance run of CINDERELLA IN SPAIN where I sang the role of CINDERELLA and was even on the poster! I also performed the roles for the Seattle Opera preview performances of GRETEL in HANSEL UND GRETEL, VIOLETTA in LA TRAVIATA, KATYA in KATYA KABANOVA, and QUEEN OF THE NIGHT in MAGIC FLUTE. I made my Seattle Opera debut singing ALITSA and RACCOON in their touring production of "OUR EARTH", as well as performing on the mainstage in many productions. My upcoming performances include singing in the Seattle Opera kick off to the season SUMMERFEST in July; and OLYMPIA in LES CONTES D'HOFFMANN with Pacific Northwest Opera. My other roles include ALKANDRE in PENELOPE with Vespertine Opera in Seattle, WA; FRASQUITA in CARMEN with OperaBend in Bend, Oregon and Pacific Northwest Opera; and SUSANNA in LE NOZZE DI FIGARO with the Seattle Opera Guild. I also made my international debut in December 2014 singing GRETEL in HANSEL UND GRETEL with Opera Mariposa in Vancouver, BC. I have also been the featured soloist as "Christine" in Ten Grand's Phantom of the Opera at Benaroya Hall in Seattle, WA, and many lead roles in both opera and musical theatre: such as Semele (Semele), Marie (La Fille du Regiment), Gretel (Hansel und Gretel), Countess Ceprano and Gilda (Rigoletto), Blondchen (Die Entfuehrung aus dem Serail), Maria (West Side Story), La Fee (Cendrillon), Sarah Brown (Guys and Dolls), Cathy (The Last 5 Years), Rosina (Barber of Seville), and more! I have also been part of jazz ensembles, and won the Battle of the Bands at Indiana University with a rock group! I am proud to have won the Seattle Opera Guild/Opera Plus Young Artist Scholarship Award for the 2015/2016 season, the Encouragement Award in the Metropolitan Opera National Council District Auditions, First Place in the National Classical Singers Competition, the C.M. Gerber Scholarship, Music Dean's Scholarship, Music Faculty Award, First Place at Washington State Solo and Ensemble Competitions, First Place in the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) National Competitions, and many more!

Teaching brings me such joy! To share the love of music and to educate the musicians of tomorrow is both gratifying and inspiring. I have been teaching since 2005 and provide a fun and focused learning experience where there are no "wrong" questions, and everybody's unique voice is celebrated! Many of my students have gone on to study music in college, and have landed lead roles in musical theatre, choir solos, All State and All Northwest choirs, and won awards in Classical competitions.

In my spare time, I like to hike, eat good food, and spend time with family and friends!

*** Lesson Details ***
My studio provides musical knowledge through private lessons including healthy vocal technique, basic understanding of music theory, and basic piano skills. I encourage a fun and focused environment. Come ready to learn, and let's make music!

A typical lesson will include vocalises that detail proper technique, some ear training work, some music theory training, and will be followed by repertoire. During this time, students will learn how to produce clear and authentic diction (English and other languages), breath management, phrase shaping, smooth transitions between higher and lower pitches, stylistic ornamentation, as well as dramatic involvement of the piece.

Students will learn the importance of the foundations of breath support, and how to create a healthy sound for any genre while keeping the unique qualities of their own voice-- no cookie-cutter singers here! Students will also learn how to read music, practice effectively, perform authentically, and take care of their delicate instrument for a lifetime of singing!

While Skype is a marvelous tool that has revolutionized the world of teaching, nothing can replicate natural acoustics. In-studio lessons are suggested for a clearer and more personable lesson.
**Skype lessons are reserved for long distance students only**

STUDIO ABSENCE and CANCELLATION POLICIES:
Regularly scheduled and attended lessons are the best way to see positive changes in your voice! The smooth running of the Studio Schedule helps make that happen. Therefore, missing lessons is discouraged and make up lessons/cancellations are not given in the Studio unless:
- I have had a performance or rehearsal that conflicts with our lesson time and cannot have the lesson as scheduled. If this occurs, I will inform you of the event as soon as possible and give you the option of a make up lesson or cancelling the lesson.
- Notices of foreseen cancellations (family vacations, religious holidays, school functions, special occasions etc.) are eligible for rescheduling or cancellation if given before the first lesson of the month.
- Of course, life can throw us for a loop! Illness, emergencies, and unforeseen events may possibly be given make ups or cancellations and will be determined at the Studio's discretion. (In the matter of illness: standard procedure is that if the student can attend work/school, they should come to their lesson. A cold can easily be worked around. If the voice is affected (for singing students), Studio time can still be used to work on ear training, music theory, music history, etc.)

All other absences will result in the lesson being marked as "missed". A hard copy of the Studio Policies and further details will be given to the student at the first lesson. Please feel free to ask any questions or clarifications.

*** Studio Equipment ***
The studio lessons take place in a designated area of my home. The room includes seating for parents to observe lessons as well as a weighted keyboard (88 keys), music stand, desk, and materials. No pets. Lots of street parking is available. Shopping and coffee/food located within walking distance.

*** Specialties ***
Specialties: Classical/Opera
Other styles and genres: Musical Theatre, Jazz, Pop, and Rock.

with two parents who were professional musicians (mom is a concert pianist) and I also raised 3 children who are professional musicians. We made music our native language in our home. We all have the ability to speak music when it is spoken to us. I don’t ever remember not playing the piano. I started winning piano competitions in high school. I minored in piano, and then did additional post graduate work in piano. I “speak” piano. It has served me so well as a teacher, composer, opera coach. It is really a gateway to understanding all other instruments. The same scenario with my singing.

I began my professional career as an opera singer which has taken me around the world. I have premiered works by Leonard Bernstein and Samuel Adler in addition to principal roles and concert work with Pittsburgh Opera, The Pittsburgh Symphony, Dayton Opera, the Tuscia Opera Festival and hundreds of professional engagements. I have also had the wonderful opportunity to belt the National Anthem for several major league teams in a television appearance- and has done so on multiple occasions. (Pittsburgh Pirates, Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati Reds) I am passionate about vocal jazz and musical theater and am frequently found as a performer in various national and regional venues. Feature concert works include PBS (Gershwin in Concert) as well as featured solo concert works (Pergolesi Stabat Mater) on Italian Public TV.

My approach to music has always been to do what you love. I have never limited myself as a performer to a genre or an instrument. I have explored, applied myself to and enjoyed a very diverse musical career. If you have a passion for an instrument or style of music let's start there first... and then let's discover together all the things you do that uniquely define your musicianship style.

*** Lesson Details ***
Your lessons will always be engaging, challenging and fun!

I am very consistent in my approach to technique, my focus on goals and my demand for excellence. I constantly am working to access with you what your goals are and to provide feedback and support to help you achieve them.

I am very flexible in utilizing a wide variety of repertoire, resources etc. Your lessons are personalized to your skill set and your musical interests. I utilize audio and video recordings almost every week for all my students. I routinely promote and encourage my students to participate in a wide variety of competitions, recitals, workshops and master classes.

I have a very low turnover rate for students and a very high rate of students who have progressed to professional full time careers in music. Students like being a part of my studio and really like the confidence they have in their music abilities in a very short period of time.

I do not use the same curriculum for all students, in face, each curriculum is customized for that student. The components are similar: technique, repertoire, theory, listening, composing, recording and performing.

You can expect the following:You will feel very encouraged and supported in your talent. You will have measurable improvement in your skills. You will have a personal advocate to encourage and direct you in finding and creating opportunities to succeed in your music personally, academically and professionally.

I can't wait to get started!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Professional studio with 6' Pramberger Grand Piano, recording and video equipment, and a music library including instruments and books w/ seating for parents

*** Travel Equipment ***
Digital music library, digital recorder, iPad

*** Specialties ***
Classical, musical theater, jazz and pop.

Currently Offering Group Master Classes for Vocal Training.

~2 hour group class for $40.00~

Feel free to reach out regarding dates and give Takelessons a call to book the lessons.

ic theory and composition from New York University, a Bachelor of Music in musical theater from the Catholic University of America, a certificate in vocal performance from the Peabody Preparatory, and is an alumnus of the famed BMI Lehmen Engel Musical Theater Workshop. She is also a pianist of twenty-seven years, trained under a graduate of Oberlin Conservatory.

In addition to music, Natalie has also studied child and adolescent development, psychology, and music education. She has been teaching music students of all ages privately and in classrooms since 2006. She personalizes her instruction to fit the learning style of each student, focusing on technique, theory, and repertoire while making sure the student does not lose his or her love of music in the process.

As a composer, she has written for both the piano and the stage and is listed in The Directory of Contemporary Musical Theater Writers at Contemporary Musical Theater.com. She wrote the music, book and lyrics to Deployed, which premiered off-off Broadway at the Abingdon Theatre Company in November 2013 and played again at the Gene Frankel Theatre in January 2014 to sold-out audiences. It was featured in the Musical Theater Factory’s 4x15 in March 2015 and continues to be developed. Other work includes: Hall Pass ("Flyers and Fryers," Grace Church School, produced by Blake McCarthy), The Big C (songs, Dramatists Guild), "Performance Anxiety" (music/lyrics, The Flea Theatre, Raw Impressions Musical Theatre Marathon),The Music of Natalie (The Duplex), and "Movement to Contact" (score, Veteran Artist Program PSA). She has served as rehearsal pianist for the New York Musical Theatre Festival, and accompanist and music director for NYU’s Tisch School for the Arts.

ian. She wants you to be able to pursue any avenue of Music that appeals to you, professionally or personally.

5+ years. I am also the head vocal coach for Hollywood Performers Academy at LA Center Studios, a K-12 program for gifted students working in the entertainment industry while simultaneously completing academic requirements.

In 2016 I founded the Prep Performs program at Prep Academy, a renowned after-school program in beautiful Hancock Park. Here I teach students age 6-18 in voice, acting, public speaking, personal development and debate.

I can't wait to share my skills with you enabling you to tap into your talent and share it with the world!!!

rsity. Since then, I have worked in nearly every angle of the entertainment industry from backup singing in a divey pub to vocal coaching and music directing a major motion picture, you name it. Understanding and coaching the artist at any particular juncture in their journey is one of the beautiful things about my job.

I'm already looking forward to working with you! - RS

I am so excited to connect with new students and share what I've learned on my musical journey!