Hyde Park, MA Speaking Voice Lessons

tropolitan Opera, and not one of them was able to teach me what Bulent taught me in one lesson..."
- Fausto Di Ianne

Jazz
"I’ve been singing all my life and I never met such an amazing coach... I learned so much in one session and I cannot wait to learn more." - Yasmine K.

R&B
"Amazing! Simply amazing! I've taken lessons before, but none have ever stood out as much as this first one... Can't wait for the next one!" - Nestor C. (studying online from Texas)

Country
"There is a previous reviewer on Bulent's website who stated that after one lesson, he learned more than many years of previous lessons... I experienced the exact same thing. I sing primarily country music... Bulent's students sing many different genres which shows tremendous flexibility and effectiveness in his teachings." - Len M.

Choral
"From my very first lesson with Bulent I came away with more confidence in my singing than I had in a long time. I took lessons throughout my life but none were as successful for me as my experience with Bulent." - Kathy W.

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FULL REVIEWS

Rock
"Over the past 6 years, I have performed more than 600 concerts worldwide. Bulent helped me to lay the groundwork for a voice that is well-prepared to take on the rigors of the road as well as the discipline to expect the best out of myself each night. From warming up and warming down, to lifestyle and technique, Bulent's instruction has encouraged, motivated, and prepared me to maximize my singing career." - Jon Ricci, lead singer, Lansdowne

Country
"I started getting lessons from Bulent not too long ago (around 8 months ago). Given my tight schedule, we've been only able to do 6 lessons in 8 months.

I have had lessons with several other coaches over the years as well (who were fantastic in their own way). However, Bulent is different. And I mean different in a great way. There is a previous reviewer on Bulent's website who stated that after one lesson, he learned more than many years of previous lessons. Maybe it's how learning singers naturally feel but I experienced the exact same thing. After the first lesson, I "understood" things that were missing before, or I was having a hard time connecting with.

Also, Bulent is just such a knowledgeable human being, and not only in singing. That knowledge, empathy and overall ability to connect with students is probably why Bulent is so darn effective. And, he's just a great, warm, caring fellow. You have an unusual combination of gifts but that is why everyone keeps coming back for lessons!

I have been a guitar player for many years in many bands (I'm 44) who sang only occasionally, though I have always dreamed to be a "singer". I have now started my own band where I am the lead singer and have played a few bar gigs!! I could not even imagine that a year ago. And, it's probably important to know that I sing primarily country music; I believe many of Bulent's students sing many different genres which shows tremendous flexibility and effectiveness in his teachings.

So, thank you Bulent. I look forward to our next lesson!" - Len M.

R&B
"Amazing! Simply amazing! I've taken lessons before, but none have ever stood out as much as this first one. Over the last 2 years I've built up bad habits that have left my voice strained after singing just one song, but with Bulent's guidance and knowledge, I was able to immediately feel the difference in my vocal stamina and range. Furthermore, Bulent emphasized the importance of proper breath control with simple but effective techniques - something that I essentially lacked. It was overall a wonderful experience!! Can't wait for the next one!" - Nestor C. (Studying online from Texas)

Jazz, American Songbook
"Bulent is an exceptional and unique teacher. Blending great clarity, passion, knowledge and warmth, he has provided me with the tools to dramatically enhance my vocal talents. Whether breathing, posture, legato, tone, control, phrasing or otherwise, Bulent is remarkably attentive, engaging and effective. As layers of insight and achievement are unlocked, his vocal wisdom and musicianship contributes to my ever-deepening understanding. In a profound way, Bulent teaches me to "not-do", to get out of the way and let my body do what it naturally wants to do; although this may sound like a blithe Zen epiphany it is anything but. . .it requires extensive explanations and refined explanations, often attempting one sound many dozens of times before the smallest breakthrough. It requires great patience and caring on the part of the teacher. I unequivocally recommend Bulent and earnestly thank him." - Jack Volpe, The Jack Volpe Project

Pop
"Bulent worked with me - a total stranger - with great care, deep knowledge, and a gentle desire to see me improve. And this is all the FIRST LESSON. I sing live a good bit in a popular style - but need better techniques to keep my voice healthy and improve my longevity per gig. Bulent understood this. I give my highest recommendation. I will work with him again soon." - Geoff L. (Studying online from Tennessee)

Songwriter, Rock
"I am a singer / songwriter / guitarist out of the Boston area who currently plays in two local bands. I had worked with a few vocal teachers before finding Bulent. Although I received good instruction from these other teachers, I must say that it was with Bulent where I began to really feel a noticeable difference in not only how I sounded but in how it felt to sing. Bulent picked up on and corrected numerous bad habits. His methodology is systematic and rooted in scaffolding. He knows how to push and is quite astute in his observations. His knowledge of singing is vast and wide ranging. He also provided helpful critique on the delivery of my songs touching on phrasing, articulation, and dynamics. He is somebody who cares not only about your singing but also about you. This care he offers with a generous and sincere heart. It is because of this that I consider Bulent not only my vocal teacher but a friend."
- Michael L.

Early Education
"I was looking for a teacher who could introduce my elementary-school-age daughters to basic music fundamentals, and Bulent exceeded my expectations! He created a lesson plan that combined vocal work with piano study, and tailored it to my girls' respective ages. Both girls worked with a standard piano method book and the Concone sight-singing book, developing both their piano technique as well as their knowledge and use of solfege. In addition, Bulent helped the girls build a strong musical vocabulary (with correct pronunciation!) along with a solid understanding of rhythm and meter. As they got older, my daughters became interested in learning different instruments, and they were able to transfer so much of what they learned from Bulent to their new studies. Bulent nurtured an appreciation and understanding of music that will stay with my girls throughout their lives, no matter what they choose to do. We were very lucky to find him!" - Jessica F.

ver dual city theatre company. During his 6 years with NRTC, he produced and often directed several award winning premieres and created outreach programs for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing and those that theatre is often unattainable to.

Having been most prompted with questions about running a business as an artist, he created Artist’s Strategy to help individuals develop personalized, strategic business plans to see their goals come to fruition.

*** Specialties ***
I only work on a flex schedule with my students, so when booking lessons- rather than selecting a specific day and time for lessons, we schedule each lesson from week to week as we go. I have lots of open hours for teaching, though they are not reflected on my calendar, as my schedule tends to fluctuate.

nals coupled with academic studies rebuilt my perception of how I was generating sound and their training gave me back MY VOICE, for which I am forever grateful. I combine knowledge from these studies and my own vocal exploration to re-build my voice in exercises that I share with students of voice.

I CAN HELP YOU REACH YOUR GOALS: My cross-training in dance, yoga, Tai Chi, commercial & improvisational acting provides a well-rounded platform from which to deliver information, guide vocal explorers and also help develop talent.

EXPERIENCE:
* 20 years teaching experience
* 12 years living & working in Los Angeles
* A lifetime of performing experience
* 12 years personal private vocal studies master teachers of bel canto & contemporary singing techniques.

LIFE SKILLS: No matter the subject, my focus is also teach skills that can be extrapolated into any area of your life. Life Skills focuses on eradicating negative self-talk and expanding communication skills that help develop confidence, enhancing daily life.

Between performing and my own artistic studies, I have been taking the occasional private voice student since 1997, mostly via referrals from friends and other students. While living in California, one of my voice teachers requested me as her regular substitute at Culver City and Santa Monica Music Schools from 2008-2012, which I felt deeply honored. She said she trusted me with their voices, which encouraged me into full-time voice teaching practice. In June 2012, I returned to Minneapolis and began teaching in my home studio through music services like Take Lessons. Past projects include producing a vocal showcase at The Ritz Theater, musical direction & choreography for a school's 2016 production of the Wizard of Oz; assisting students to prepare for local & national auditions like La Banda, The Voice & American Idol; prepping singers for studio recordings and congratulating a new student who's stepped out of the chorus to land her first lead role!

I am forever grateful to all of my teachers, past and present, for their valuable gifts of knowledge, skill, grace and compassion.

ENJOY LIFE MORE! Singing & dancing improves our quality of life.

*** STUDIO POLICIES ***

Always know that any personal data shared will be held in strict confidence.

STUDIO HOURS: EDEN PRAIRIE Central Standard Time
Mon-Thurs 10:00am-8:00pm
Fri 10:00am-5:00pm
Sat 10:00am-2:00pm
Sun 4:00pm-7:00pm

TRAVEL
Cost for travel is $1 per minute.

CANCELLATIONS
Mutual 24-hour advance notice agreement states both parties will respect the difficulty of planning schedules by providing 24-hour notice to change a reserved lesson time.

* Cancellations within 24-hours of lesson require a phone call or text
- Lessons not cancelled w/24-hour notice are the responsibility of the cancelling party to makeup

*** STUDIO EQUIPMENT ***

EDEN PRAIRIE: Lessons in separate "studio" room, electric piano, mirror, music stands, table for your water, chair. Parents/loved ones can lounge in the large comfortable lobby area, drink free coffee/hot chocolate, read, use the free Wi-Fi, or watch TV [see photos below].

IP MONEY AND GRANTS

Jimi has prepared and developed his students for college preparation and has not only helped them get into the colleges of their choice, but has helped them to get substantial scholarships. In this day and age of high tuition, this is a tremendous help for parents financing their children through college as well as outlining a wonderful life that will allow the student to not have the pressure of paying loans off after they complete college. Jimi has also developed and prepared his students for major auditions in Boston, New York and Los Angeles including some students who placed high in American Idol as high as Top 24 Nationally and "The Voice" on NBC TV.

FOR THE SINGING STUDENT

Jimi will create a customized plan for you or for your child that is reasonable and fun on any of the instruments and subjects listed above. With a fun voice and music studio that includes a professional PA System, each student will have a fun experience singing and playing with the songs they love to sing and play using microphones and singing and playing over song tracks that enable them to work on their feel, pitch and groove. Younger students have enjoyed this experience as it gives a Karaoke and jamming kind of setting that allows each student to sing or play with the original recording and then sing or play it by themselves allowing them to build their confidence using a microphone and professional sound equipment. Jimi's elaborate music library of over 80,000 songs is also available to each student as well. Because of his medical training as a licensed and certified voice therapist, each student can be assured of learning to sing correctly and technically by using proven voice techniques that will enable each singing student to sing with power and expanded range without the danger of hurting or damaging their voice.

FOR THE SAXOPHONE AND CLARINET STUDENT

For the Saxophone and Clarinet student, Jimi uses 21st Century method books as well as the traditional methods he's used to get his students jamming and playing. A lot of time is spent in early lessons on teaching the student the correct way to blow the instrument to get a great sound. Typically, students will want to practice more when they sound great and a lot of time is spent on making a great sound to build their confidence and motivation.

FOR THE POP/ROCK PIANO STUDENT

Pop and Rock Piano Students will enjoy a modern approach to Piano that is not the typical Classical Approach that some children are disagreeable to. Jimi gets his Piano students to play modern pop and rock songs and students will learn how to jam and approach the piano with modern pop music instead of the old school classical approaches.

FOR THE SONG WRITING STUDENT AND SINGER/SONGWRITER CAREER PATH

Songwriting is approached with song analysis first and then song form models are then looked at in the Old Style from the early 20th Century to the New Style forms used today. Then meticulous time is spent on Melody writing, Chord Writing, Basic Harmony and Lyrics. Jimi uses an approach to songwriting that is unique in its methodology by having the student believe that it is a LOT easier than you think it is. This confidence building methodology will have students writing songs in rapid time.

BASIC PIANO/KEYBOARD FOR SINGERS AND SONGWRITERS

For those students who wish to use the Piano as learning tool to help their singing and pitch, as an option you can take Basic Piano with Jimi after your voice development has progressed. The Piano is an awesome tool for singers and learning to play simple vocal exercises, notes and chords on the Piano will truly enhance your singing experience. Songwriters who do not play a chordal instrument like Guitar and Piano will enjoy this because they need to be able to play chords to become the complete songwriter that can not only write melodies and lyrics, but chords as well.

AN OUTSTANDING REPUTATION TEACHING STUDENTS OF ALL AGES

Currently, Jimi leads a professional Original Country Music group that has released a full CD and plays around the New England area. Jimi teaches at three prestigious private schools and music schools in Boston teaching students between Age 6 and 18 at those schools. Jimi is also Lead Voice Faculty and runs the Voice Program at one of those schools. Jimi's versatility and background has allowed him to keep on top of the music scene providing him with an incredibly large wealth of music knowledge that dates back to the Jazz/Swing era all the way up to the pop music of today. Jimi Z. was born in New York City and grew up in Lynbrook, NY only 20 Miles from the Music and Arts Mecca of the world in New York City. He attended the Manhattan School of Music Preparatory Division in New York City from age 14 to 17. He attended Berklee College of Music in Boston in 1978-1979 and then transferred to New England Conservatory of Music and received his Bachelor of Music in Contemporary Improvisational Studies as a double major in Voice and Saxophone Studies from New England Conservatory of Music.

LICENSED VOICE THERAPIST AND VOCAL REHABILITATION SPECIALIST/VOCAL PHILOSOPHIES

Jimi is a Licensed Voice Therapist and has an incredible working knowledge of the Voice Anatomy and Physiology of the Voice. He has the ability to teach Speech, Acting and Singing. He also is networked well with some of the top Ear, Nose and Throat Doctors, Ornolaryngologists, and Speech Pathologists and works in tandem with them on Voice Rehabilitation cases. He is also aligned with top Ear Nose and Throat Hospitals including the Massachusetts, Eye and Ear Infirmary and St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Boston. While the average student will not need these services from a voice therapy perspective, Jimi teaches a preventative singing technique that allows his singing students to learn to sing with power without pressing, pushing or belting on the voice so that his students will never hurt their voice or lose their voice. Jimi is Certified to teach the McClosky Voice Technique and uses other techniques including Alexander and Bel Canto in addition to his own philosophies.

A DEDICATED PHILOSOPHY THAT STRESSES WORK AND FUN

Jimi has dedicated himself to teaching music to young talent for over 30 years professionally. He has taught and performed all over the world in major music groups as a player and a band leader. Because of his many years of teaching children and adults of all ages, Jimi has an uncanny ability to focus on each student's needs. Whether the student is a child that wants to take lessons for fun and recreation or whether the student is considering music as possible career or part time career,

SETTING REALISTIC GOALS

Jimi focuses on getting to understand each student's needs so that he and the student can agree on a realistic lesson plan with realistic goals. He focuses on asking each student exactly what they want to do in their first lesson and then sets up a realistic practice schedule with each student so that they can meet the goals they agree on. For the "doing it for fun" younger student, Jimi uses a philosophy that motivates the student to practice by using a work/fun balance that stresses working towards public performance when possible.

GET READY TO JAMN

One thing that Jimi thrives on as a teacher is to get each student to jam with the music. Whether it means that they sing or play along with the original version using CDs or with an IPOD or having his students play by ear, the student can sing and play using Karaoke or original recorded Versions in his studio, Jimi stresses the need to jam to give the feeling of performing to students as soon as possible. Without question, jamming, singing and playing with the song is the ultimate training for a musician.

MICROPHONES, TECHNOLOGIES AND GADGETS

One other important thing involved in Jimi's lessons is to get the student comfortable and effective with using a microphone for his singing students. Jimi has a complete professional PA system in his Metro Boston Studio to allow the student to work on microphone technique and monitoring techniques as well. Whether you or your child wants a casual "for fun" philosophy or you or your child are career minded about music, Jimi will find a fun philosophy for each student that is not necessarily a "one size fits all" approach. The cool resources and gadgets in Jimi's Music Studio include a state of the art PA System complete with Pro Equipment that will simulate Stage Performance for students. It allows the students at any level to sing with Produced Tracks or Basic Karaoke with Microphones as well as Pro Settings. The studio will give students the ability to perform in a private setting so that they can develop the skills to perform in public. Microphone and Monitoring Techniques are also worked on and Jimi also uses all of the Vocal Technology Products he endorses to make the student's voices even better with these awesome enhancements. The philosophy is to learn to sing without all of these enhancement products first and then put the student's voice over the top with them later. Jimi wants to get the students ready as fast as possible technically and then bring songs into the mix quickly as well.

PERSONAL STYLE DEVELOPMENT

While the student works on their songs, Jimi focuses on what kind of songs the student does exceptionally well and then builds on those strengths while working on the student's own unique personal style. If the Voice/Singing student is looking to be a Singer/Songwriter, Jimi also teaches Songwriting and Personal Style Development to enable each student to develop their own unique style through Artist Development practices that his company works on. Whether you're a Solo Artist or you're part of a band or group, Jimi will help you find your own personal style so that you are unique and not a copy of another artist .

JIMI'S "KIDS"

While Jimi has no children of his own, his "kids" are his music students and he takes a lot of pride in watching them grow as musicians as well as in life.

NETWORKING AND KNOWING PEOPLE IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY AND JIMI'S PRODUCTION COMPANY

Jimi plays a wide variety of instruments and is a Songwriter, Record Producer, Studio Musician, Promoter and Talent Scout. His talent development company has existed since 1991 and has produced many shows in the New England area since then. In 2002, the company expanded and started to help musicians to expand their music careers and in 2009 Jimi's dream of having a recording studio was then realized. It enabled his voice students and talent clients to fully expand their careers by not only coaching with Jimi, but being produced and recorded in his company's studio. Jimi has produced demos and full CDs for his students and Talent Clients and has helped them to get their music careers going.

TEEN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM AND MORE ON GETTING SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS

Jimi is also responsible for preparing Teens for Colleges and University Programs that know they want to pursue music as a career. Jimi has not only been successful in getting his teen students into the college or university of their choice, but has also put his students in a position to get them substantial grants and full college and university scholarships. Jimi has also created a successful TEEN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (T.D.P.) for young teens who know that they want a music career.

The T.D.P. is designed so that if a young adult works with Jimi for numerous years that they can pick a career path suitable for them. The T.D.P. can have a student with any one of three career paths 1) College/University Path where a large repertoire and portfolio is created for presentation to Colleges and Universities to not only allow a student to get into the Higher Education Institution of their choice, but to get them the scholarships and grants that they deserve so that they and their parents are not shelling out as much as $300,000 for those costs. The Higher Education Plan is built on a the development of an impressive portfolio of hundreds of songs, Demo CD, Demo DVD, Original Songs and the building of a Performance Resume in the student's teen years.

This Portfolio is then presented to Higher Education Institutions to allow a realistic chance of getting into the college of their choice and getting substantial scholarship and grant money. The success of the T.D.P. is amazing as many of Jimi's students have been accepted into colleges and universities and received scholarships. 2) The second T.D.P. is for those students and parents who simply want to learn what they need to move their music careers by doing complete development with Jimi directly. While Jimi is a graduate of New England Conservatory of Music and stresses a college education, sometimes it isn't possible or sometimes career minded musicians simply want a teacher to guide them in their career path without going to college or a university. Some musicians who have a higher caliber of talent will take this path knowing that they or their parents might want to pay for the financing of a recording a professional CD with a modest budget compared to the potential $300,000 budget Higher Education Institutions charge.

If your child is considering a music career, whatever career path he or she decides, Jimi is more than qualified to help plan that path. Some of Jimi's students entering the T.D.P. Program have had Portfolios of over 500 songs in different genres of music, have impressive resumes, go out on acting auditions, have formed their own groups or developed themselves as solo artists and have also studied song writing with Jimi to realize their own dream of writing their own songs as well as recording them in his studio. The T.D.P is not for the casual student taking lessons for fun, but it is there if the student needs it. The resources that Jimi has to help his students and the network of musicians and music business people he knows is an incredible asset. 3) The Third Career Path of Jimi's T.D.P. is for the student to pursue both Career Paths 1 and 2). This can be accomplished by the talented and elite students that study with Jimi

ADULT CAREER MARKETING AND SOCIAL MEDIA

Jimi can help you with the marketing part of your career. The resources of his company allow his talent clients to develop websites, Press Kits, Electronic Press Kits, Produce Demos, CDs as well as develop a live show if your act is a solo artist or group. The phenomenon of Social Media which has blown up the past 18 months is staggering and music artists need to use that technology in promoting their careers. Studying with Jimi opens the door to all of the marketing things that his company does to promote his artists. There is nothing more gratifying to Jimi than seeing his students succeed. With the ever changing aspects of the business side of the music business, Jimi and his company have their hands on pulse of the future as well as the changes that happen daily.

SUMMARY

Whatever walk of life you or your child come from, Jimi Z. will help you to become the singer and performer you want to be. Jimi can help you find your voice, make you sound and play great on your instrument or teach you musicianship skills that are essential to a successful music career. Or if you're taking lessons for fun, Jimi will teach you to love playing and have a fun and pleasurable experience.

Jimi takes pride in being a great and experienced teacher of over 30 years, but he is still an active performer and principal songwriter. Nothing makes Jimi happier than a student who grows as a musician in his studio that loves to play music and have fun.

*** Lesson Details ***
TYPICAL LESSON PLAN FOR THE SINGING STUDENT:

THERE IS A SHORTER LEARNING CURVE FOR SINGERS (MONTHS NOT YEARS!!!)

One important thing to consider about taking Singing Lessons or Voice Lessons is that The Learning Curve is much quicker for both Adults and Children compared to the Learning Curve of other instruments like Guitar, Piano or Drums. There are certain aspects of learning to sing that make the learning curve happen within months and not years. This makes singing so much easier for everyone to learn in a timely manner. This can help with younger students who might be less patient and might have lower attention spans.

SINGERS ARE GUARANTEED TO EXPAND THEIR RANGE WITHOUT BELTING AND HURTING THEIR VOICE

Depending on whether the student is doing lessons for fun or for a possible career, Jimi Z.'s teaching philosophy stresses good vocal technique that allows the student to develop maximum vocal range to hit higher notes that they never could hit by relaxing the muscles in and around the larynx.

Students will learn good posture and breathing and learn how to execute singing by doing warm-up/workouts that strengthen the correct muscles in the larynx and the abdominal muscles. The philosophy of execution on these exercises will seamlessly transcend into doing the same execution in songs.

Students will receive a Warm-up/Workout CD to practice to which is easy to follow. Songs will be introduced as soon as possible. Tone will improve as muscles strengthen. Students will later work on Microphone Technique, using Vocal Technologies,effects and really cool gadgets that are available in Jimi's studio via his product endorsements, Monitoring and the development of the student's own personal style are worked on by Pro Students.

Later in the curriculum, students can look forward to not only enjoying the benefits of range expansion and good tone because of the relaxed vocal technique, but then they'll be able to explore further range expansion through Passsagio Bridging to the Mix Voice and Falsetto register combined with microphone technique. Students will have the opportunity to use Karaoke CDs as well as a device which removes vocals off of conventional Music CDs so that they can sing in a Pro setting that is live and true.

Overall the methods Jimi Z. uses are The McClosky Technique (Jimi is Certified), Bel Canto Technique, The Alexander Technique for alignment and body mapping and The Jimi Z. Pop Vocal Approach to singing. Jimi Z. takes his approach with each student individually.

TYPICAL LESSON PLAN FOR THE POP PIANO STUDENT

Pop Piano Students can look forward to an unconventional approach not used by many classical piano teachers. This is a welcome idea that most younger students welcome with open arms because you don't need to play classical music or be trained classically to effectively play Pop or Rock as many people will misunderstand as being the norm. Pop/Rock Piano Students can look forward to learning basic fingerings to formulate melody on both hands. All students will learn major scales and then learn to finger 3 note chords on both hands. It is then that the students start to jam to recorded CDs and keep up with the recorded version by playing simple chords and simple melodies. Later on in the development, if the student wants to take things to a higher level, improvisational studies can be introduced that are more difficult. A lot of time is spent learning things by ear and a lot of jamming is encouraged with simple songs first evolving into more challenging songs later on.

(FOR TYPICAL LESSON PLANS ON SAXOPHONE/CLARINET AND SONGWRITING PLEASE REFER TO THE ABOUT SECTION BELOW)

*** Studio Equipment ***
COOL AMENITIES AND CONVENIENCES TO JIMI'S STUDENTS

Private entrance to the studio with a fantastic sitting and waiting area for parents with WiFi and DirectTV!

ACCESSIBLE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AND FREE AND EASY PARKING AVAILABLE

Studio is also very convenient and accessible to all MBTA Lines and there is also Free Parking Year Round in a very safe neighborhood.

PIANO, TECHNOLOGIES AND GADGETS

Studio has an electric piano/keyboard, full PA system, microphones and state of the art Vocal Technologies and cool gadgets professional singers use. Karaoke and Production Tracks can also be used and one of Jimi's really cool gadgets removes vocals off regular CDs if students can't find a Karaoke Version of song they're performing. This allows every student to sing with cool equipment in the best setting possible. Students may also play their songs through their IPODS and our WiFi capability allows us to download songs from YouTube as well as give us the lightning fast ability to download songs and Karaoke from the MP3 download service.

MUSIC LIBRARY OF OVER 80,000 SONGS

Jimi Z's complete Music Library which is updated monthly with 80 new songs per month has over 80,000 songs spanning from 1930's/1940's Swing/Big Band era through all decades into our current decade. Jimi's 30 Years of being a teacher since 1981 allows him to know a lot of songs from all eras. Jimi can accompany his student's lessons as well and help you with correct song choices from the enormous library of music available.

STUDIO EQUIPMENT

Studio Equipment includes a Full 16 Channel PA System with JBL Speakers, TC Helicon Voice Monitors, TC Helicon Voice Live, TC Helicon Voice Pedals, JBL Wedge Monitors, VAM Acoustic Monitors, MP3 Recorder, Cassette Recorder, 2 PC Computers and a Professional American DJ System.

VOCAL THERAPY PRACTICE IS AVAILABLE WHEN NEEDED FOR CLIENTS WITH VOICE DISORDERS OR VOCAL ISSUES

Jimi's Voice Therapy Practice allows recommendations for Vocal Health Products such as Vaporizers and other products to keep your voice healthy. Our direct affiliation with major Ear, Nose and Throat Hospitals and their associated physicians can make your vocal health experience not only better for your voice in general, but we have direct access to reputable Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists that we work with in tandem that are experts in every medical voice disorder if you have any complications with your voice or your larynx overall.

*** Specialties ***
McClosky Voice Technique, Alexander Voice Technique, Bel Canto Voice Technique, Jimi Z. Modern Voice Method. Being a voice-over actor and previous Broadway actor, I also use a lot of drama in performance styles.

ty world premiers and re-imagined classics. Most notably she played the lead role of Keely Smith in the big band jazz musical “Louis and Keely: Live At The Sahara” during its eight-month run at Westwood’s Geffen Playhouse. She also formed her own rock band, The Honeysuckle Jones Revival, with whom she performed her own songs all over Los Angeles. And she began working as a studio session vocalist, providing demo vocals for other songwriters, as well as arranging and performing back-up vocals for original artists, including Laura Roppe (currently in the Top Ten on Billboard’s Uncharted list of emerging artists.) Crystal played the lead role of Brooke in the new operatic rock musical “The Burning Opera LA” during its Los Angeles run in 2011 as well as providing ensemble vocals and playing piano and bass. She also performs holiday tunes from the Golden Age of American songwriting with musical quartet The Sleigh Belles.

Crystal believes that music is serious business but that it should be fun. She encourages her students to play music they love, as well as expanding their musical knowledge. She is a firm believer in basics first and emphasizes theory and technique as the tools to support creativity and provide freedom, power and control. She believes effort beats talent every time and the student who practices consistently will see results, whatever their level of ability. Most of all, she believes we were all born to make music.

*** Lesson Details ***
Lesson structure varies depending on the student's instrument, age, level of experience and musical style. However, all lessons focus on:

Technique
Music theory
Performance style

After 3 or 6 months of consistent lesson attendance and practice, students will have a clear understanding of how their instrument works and how to care for it. They will be able to read basic music notation. They will be working toward clearly defined musical goals and they will have at least three performance pieces learned.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Loft Space: full size electric piano with weighted keys, small digital recorder, microphone, Garage Band, parents can sit in on lessons

*** Travel Equipment ***
I bring a small keyboard for vocal students with no piano, karaoke tracks and a digital recorder. I also bring a selection of games. Students are expected to purchase all necessary books and sheet music.

*** Specialties ***
Young beginners (piano)

m different eras including classic rock, pop, country and disco.

Laurel is trained in a vocal technique called Speech Level Singing which helps singers obtain optimum results using exercises specific to their vocal type to increase control and strengthen the mix between head and chest voice. Singers are able to sing in any style without straining, cracking or causing damage to their vocal cords. Laurel is passionate about helping her students release their true voices and unleash their maximum singing potential!

*** Lesson Details ***
The method I teach is derived from the Bel Canto technique of singing which has been historically used by opera singers but it is a universal method that can be applied to any genre of music. Teaching this method helps our students sing with a relaxed and open voice, adequate support and use of the diaphragm for breathing and control, and proper and effective use of vowels while “bridging” or transitioning between registers in the voice. Ultimately the student will learn how to sing with a proper mixed vocal sound which is explained further below.

I focus on assisting a singer through his or her vocal range from lowest notes (chest register) to highest notes (head register), safely, effortlessly, without strain, tension or loss of control. The goal is to sing with a clear solid and connected tone free from breaks or forcing pitches which results in tightness, yelling or voice flipping into an airy-sounding pitch. The student relearns to sing using a low and stable larynx which is the key to producing a mixed sound and mastering one’s voice.

Ultimately the secret to reaching your full vocal potential lies in mastering the vocal bridges which assist in the transition between registers. This technique not only allows you to sing in a safe manner but will effectively balance and strengthen your voice. Once you make the commitment to taking consistent lessons, practicing and singing correctly as much as possible, you will become the singer you have always believed you could be!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Yamaha keyboard, speakers and monitor to play background music and lyrics

*** Specialties ***
Improvement of singing pitch and range
Choosing the right songs for your vocal type
Learning to sing in a correct and safe manner
Balancing the voice from bottom register to top
Elimination of cracking, reaching and straining
Building dynamics and breath control
Stage performance and finding truth and emotion
Speech and Acting
Audition Preparation

, Turkey, Canada, and the Czech Republic. He has a firm knowledge of German, Italian, and French vocal repertory, diction, and languages while specialising in English diction for the non-native speaker and/or singer.

During his time in Orange County, CA, he held his own music studio. While there he taught over thirty students (Ages 5-45+) voice and piano privately. Additionally, he taught as a TA for UC Irvine int he subjects of Music Theory, Voice Performance, and an introductory music course for non-majors.