Boylston Music Lessons

Please feel free to get in touch and ask questions!

The review posted on my profile was from when I used my English name, Ricky.

I have taught voice on faculty at Camp Encore/Coda, music composition with Classroom Cantatas, and private voice lessons out of my home studio, currently in Somerville. I've also taught for 2 after school programs and 3 summer camps. I've studied piano, both classical and jazz, for a total of 15 years. I have studied a variety of musical topics at college, from theory and composition to singing and conducting, to music technology, recording and engineering. I've performed and directed in diverse styles ranging from early music to broadway musicals, jazz to classic rock, American to Swedish.

*** Lesson Details ***
Your voice is simultaneously the most natural, intuitive instrument we know, and among the most complex. Every person's voice is unique, so lessons are not about fitting your voice to some imagined ideal. Rather, lessons are an opportunity to learn how to utilize your strengths, minimize your weaknesses, while maintaining your own unique sound.

You'll learn how to:
- Use your breath effectively to support your voice.
- Reduce tension, to keep your voice healthy and help your voice last longer.
- Make more sound with less muscle work, through resonance.
- Involve your whole body, to produce a fuller sound.
- Make good artistic choices, which reflect your own unique perspective.
...and much more, according to your goals.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Studio room with full weighted keyboard and seating for parents.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can reliably reach students 5 miles away, traveling by bike or public transit depending on the student's location.

I prefer students to have a piano or keyboard, though we can work without one if necessary. My keyboard is too bulky to be carried around for each lesson. If a keyboard is not available, we can work without one, and I will bring a tuning fork for starting pitches.

*** Specialties ***
I sing in a variety of styles, including classical, broadway, and jazz, both sacred and secular, from around the world. I have extensive knowledge of music theory, and 15 years experience as a pianist. Although I do not currently teach piano, my ability to accompany vocalists during lessons is very helpful for students.

ttoo (Flora). Among my many regional credits are Oliver at the Chiswick Park Theater in Sudbury, MA (Nancy), Camelot with Noel Harrison at the North Shore Music Theater in Beverly, MA (Nimue/Guinevere understudy), and Is There Life After High School with Desi Arnaz, Jr. and Sharon Lawrence at the Burt Reynolds Theater in Jupiter, FL. I currently hold the post of Soloist at First Church of Christ, Scientist, Needham, and am a Guest Soloist for The Mother Church in Boston. I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, and have received additional training with many renowned pedagogues, including mezzo-soprano Sondra Kelly, and coaches Arlene Shrut from the Juilliard School, Michelle Alexander with Boston Lyric Opera, and Roger Malouf with the Metropolitan Opera.

holding in my profile picture!) This instrument is a bit like a cello crossed with a guitar. It's played with a bow, but the neck has frets. Playing the "gamba" (or "viol") can be a gymnastics workout for the left hand, but once you get the hang of it, you can play beautiful chords. This is the instrument that is featured in the French film "Tous les matins du monde".

Aside from music, I have taught English as a Foreign and Second Language (in Bulgaria with Peace Corps, in New Mexico with Berlitz, at the U. of New Mexico). I would be very pleased to help students of any age with reading, listening comprehension, and writing!

ills that can be beneficial in every aspect of our daily lives. Whether you are new to the cello, picking it back up after some time off, or at a more advanced level, I hope to hear from you! If you have any questions at all, please send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you!

BIO:
Born in Minneapolis, MN, Victor Mooney began playing cello at the age of 7. While in Minneapolis he studied with Tom Austin, former member of the Minnesota Opera. Victor completed a Bachelor of Music Performance degree from Iowa State University, where he studied with George Work. Upon graduation he was awarded the Outstanding Senior in Music award, the highest honor the Music Department at Iowa State gives. While in undergrad he also received a scholarship for excellence in performance. Starting in the fall of 2015, Victor will be pursuing a Master's of Music in Cello Performance from The Boston Conservatory, where he will be studying with Andrew Mark. He has participated in master classes with Anthony Ross, Tanya Remenikova, Narek Hakhnazaryan, Hong Wang, Bruce Uchimura, and Joshua Koestenbaum. Since 2013 he has played with the Des Moines Symphony Orchestra. While at Iowa State University he had the opportunity to sit Principle Cello in both the Iowa State University Symphony Orchestra and the Iowa State University Chamber Orchestra.  He has been teaching privately in the Des Moines area since 2012 and is looking forward to building a studio in Boston. Outside of music, Victor enjoys reading, watching hockey and soccer, running, and visiting with family and friends in Minnesota. 

ty and organization is key and I always hold myself responsible.

d. After two years of dialysis, I had a successful kidney transplant in 2007! I credit the experience for adding depth, purpose and identity to my songwriting.

When teaching songwriting, I like to take a holistic approach. Students learn to recognize, explore and apply the four basic building blocks of songs, Rhythm, Melody, Harmony and Lyrics. My lessons also focus on helping students express themselves authentically and discover their original musical identity. Above all I believe that songwriting should be fun and stress-free. I aim to create an atmosphere in which the student feels relaxed and confident.

My goal is to get you to where you want to be. I believe that anyone with a desire to write songs can: I will give you the tools, and you decide what you'll decide what you want to build with them.

I look forward to working with you and helping you along your songwriting journey.