Ipswich Music Lessons

nterested in exploring. I am also able to provide a solid foundation of proper breath management, vocal exercises focusing on pitch and technique, and sight-reading. My goal is for you to be able to thoroughly develop your skills as a singer and performer!

*** Lesson Details ***
I am laid-back but hardworking and expect an equal level of commitment from my students. I am primarily interested in teaching beginner-intermediate level pupils. Prospective students can expect to start each lesson with vocal exercises focusing on breath support, posture and pitch. Any professional performer understands the importance of warming up prior to performing! Once properly warmed up, you give your voice the range and flexibility it needs to sing beautifully and effectively! I encourage note-taking as well as recording the lessons either on cassette or even your cellphone to assist in practicing on your own between lessons. Depending on my students level of experience, I will then decide which songs to work on that would best fit your range and area of interest. Once a certain amount of progress has been made I will open the doors to my students deciding on songs they'd like to work on specifically as well. After 3-6 months, I would anticipate my students to be able to effectively warm-up their voices on their own through exercises we will have covered, at least a basic understanding of how to sight-read your melody and certainly have a handful of songs memorized and ready to add to your repertoire!

*** Studio Equipment ***
living room portable keyboard seating for parents

*** Travel Equipment ***
I would bring my keyboard to each lesson unless one was provided (tuned pianos are okay as well). I would also bring music and texts that I would find beneficial to each particular student. I would expect my student to provide a journal to take notes and track progress. Also, though not necessary in all cases, I would expect my student to have sheet music for songs they're interested in learning as well as CD/cassette/MP3/etc. of songs they're interested in learning.

*** Specialties ***
I would start with a foundation of proper warm-ups, breathing techniques, and vocal exercises with me accompanying on piano. We would then spend the second half of the lesson working on songs primarily of my students choosing. I would be comfortable with just about any genre thus being able to cater to each one of my student's unique areas of interest.

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.

Most of my students characterize me as a creative, patient, organized, friendly, and motivated teacher.

with bands around the northeast U.S., & have performed with internationally acclaimed artists such as Nona Hendryx, Simon Shaheen, & Richard Devine. In the past 6 years, I've performed in 8 countries - USA, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia, Brazil, Turkey, & Ghana.

ng style is highly energetic, challenging, and rewarding.

ironment that is supportive of learning, and understanding. I feel that the love of the music and playing it is of utmost importance, and that the love combined with the discipline of study and practice are what make beautiful music. I ask you to be patient with your learning process, and enjoy your journey, after all, how wonderful that you get to play harp!
looking forward to helping you on you harp journey.
In Gratitude and Joy,
De Luna

eed, I believe that students should work at their own pace with their teacher giving them continuous guidance and support while setting goals. By setting attainable short and long-term goals, students succeed, gain positive energy, and continuously improve. In giving students space, this method encourages vital components: independence, responsibility, and curiosity.

While achieving goals, students gain confidence and perhaps take joy in the small details of music and life - hopefully passing to others this wholistic ideology.