Bel Alton, MD Music Performance Lessons

. I can help you understand what is going on behind the music and hopefully see what the composer was hoping to convey, if that is something you want to know. When I was a student I always wanted to know "why?". As a teacher, you will know why if I do.

*** Lesson Details ***
I try to keep my lesson area as stress free as possible. It's OK to make mistakes in my studio. I would like you to bring a notebook to lessons as well as your music and instrument. I write as much as I can down because if you were like I was during lessons, I would forget everything I was supposed to be watching for after 3 days. Like I said above, we move at your pace. The more you practice, the faster we move. Questions are a good thing. It shows interest. But sometimes you just have to stop asking questions and just take the leap of faith.
We start with note reading as well as proper form and the parts of the instrument. We also deal with general care. I will tune your instrument every time you come in for lessons until you learn how to tune it yourself. We will review the day before, I will check on what work you've done and then move onto the next song/ technique etc. After we learn how to pluck the first 8 notes, we start with scales and bowing.

After that we move through the "usual" routine. Scale, etude, song(s) or school test songs, audition requirements etc.

I try to keep the same routine because for some students it's easier for them to focus if they know the lesson is going to move in a familiar way. It's reassuring. After we become proficient in the basics, we move into whatever genre you would like to play, within reason. If you are in the school orchestra we will work towards you getting an A.

I would say I'm more laid back when you are not preparing for an audition. Auditions require a lot of work and I want you to do as close to perfect as possible. I become fairly demanding during that time.

In about 6 months, you can play almost any tune you can hear on the radio. Explaining where you could be gets fairly technical and I might as well be talking like Charlie Brown's teacher.

*** Studio Equipment ***
at the away studio: music, music stand, stool, piano, laptop, tuner, metronome.

at home: music, music stands, chairs, computer, laptop, keyboard, microphone, tuner, metronome.

pictures of the away studio are posted.

*** Specialties ***
I am familiar with Paul Rolland's work, Valerie Bobbett Gardner's Violin Virtuosity, as well as Guillespie's. I was brought up Suzuki but haven't been trained in Suzuki. I have taken classes on how to teach to a variety of students so I could hold a teaching license in the state. I do participate with (Canadian) The Royal Conservatory of Music Music Development. This is active in the US also.

Special note: If you are allergic to cats, you will want to take lessons at my other studio location, not at the home.

IF you are contacting me with questions, please include either take lessons or lessons in the subject area so I can find you faster. I get a lot of junk mail and it is easy for me to miss a note from you.

eceive, as well as give, feedback on their singing.

to sing in Little Shop of Horrors and to sing with a women's choir. While studying at the University of Colorado Boulder I began to come into my own and started to let my large sound free. (Which for me was a process. Getting your voice where you want it and to where it is capable is work. But, it is fun work and you're always happy when you have these great moments where you get to where you were hoping you could and that your teacher said you would go at some point.) It was there, at CU Boulder that I got the opportunity to start singing in operas. While in Boulder I sang in The Magic Flute, Sarah McKinnon and as a soloist or recitalist.

Also, while there I worked as an actress in a theater company called the Interactive Theater Project for three years. I thought that by getting involved in that that I would be able to act more effectively while singing. It was fun just doing something where you're just working with the spoken word. I had a wonderful time with them and learned a lot about character work and what it takes to connect to the words in an effective way.

In the past few years, I have been a soloist and recitalist in the Washington,DC area and has sang opera in Pennsylvania with Center Stage Opera. Last year, I sang with Center Stage Opera in the role of Bertha. I had the opportunity to sing and to act at the Kennedy Center a few years ago. Also during that time, I
sang in Aleko, the Die Zauberflöte as the Queen of the Night, Serena in Porgy and Bess, and
sang in Ragtime and sang the role of the Wardrobe in Beauty and the Beast.

I am currently working as a soloist, a children's choir director, a chorus member and preparing for a recital and auditions in October. I look forward to what the rest of the year will bring.

*** Lesson Details ***
If you're a beginner, I will help you to understand what you need to get through the vocal line with breath and intonation. We will begin by doing vocal exercises and learn a lot about breathing for singing. I want to help you to make more beautiful tones. I will also slowly begin teaching you how to read sheet music and to help you be a more effective listener when it comes to music. I can also help you to become a better communicator as a singer.

For acting, I will help you to learn how to develop characters and bring the writer's words to life. We will begin by seeing what sort of subjects or genres interest you and what you are doing with those words now, and how you can delve deeper into making the world of the characters something more flushed out.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Inside my home studio I have: music, a music stand, chairs, WiFi, a computer, a laptop, a keyboard, a microphone, a metronome, a microphone, an amp/large speaker, and a sofa.

*** Specialties ***
For voice I would say that my focus is on classical voice. I also sing jazz, gospel and musical theater. For acting I have done both improvisational and regular scripted plays.

I have not taught students with special needs, but as someone with a twin sister with special needs, I am open to teaching students with special needs.

amps, recording equipment, drums and PA system.

*** Studio Equipment ***
guitars, amps, drums, 16 track recorder, soup to nuts

*** Specialties ***
Rock (all kinds), Blues, Pop, Country, ear training.

re completed at the American University, where I majored in Communications (B.A.), and minored in Music, voice being my instrument. During my undergraduate studies, I was recruited and performed as the lead female vocalist for a Rock band that a few fellow music students had formed. While in college, I was trained in classical voice, piano, music theory, musical theater performance, and vocal pedagogy (vocal training). My vocal pedagogy studies credentialed me to become a professional vocal instructor. I began teaching voice after I earned my degree, and have been teaching private voice lessons for over ten years.

Most of my present expertise in teaching voice grew from my vocal pedagogy studies, my teaching experience which has developed over time, my own personal vocal dedication, and my training and understanding of various genres of vocal performance. My present singing career is as an inspirational singer; my vocal students encompass various genres in which I have experience, including: Inspirational, Rhythm and Blues, Jazz, Rock, Classical, as well as various degrees of popular music.

*** Audition Preparation ***
I have coached many of my students to prepare for auditions: auditions to be accepted into performing arts schools, parts in musicals and plays, joining a band or vocal ensemble, as well as auditions for televised singing shows, such as "The Voice," "Sunday's Best," "American Idol" and "The X Factor."

*** Lesson Details ***
I teach students by using the tried and true techniques I have found to be successful, and allow the student to be my guide as to which direction to take with his or her vocal training. Whether the student is a novice, a professional, or somewhere in between, each student, after obtaining the basic singing knowledge and techniques, will have a vocal training schedule geared to his or her individual needs and development. Lessons are for the most part very casual in nature, and the student’s dedication (practice, practice, practice) will dictate whether or not the lessons become stricter. A few months into the vocal instruction, students will be given the opportunity to learn more about reading music and sight singing, if he or she so chooses, as well as vocal performance techniques for singing in front of an audience. Within one year, dedicated students may also have the opportunity to show off what they have learned, and perform in front of an audience at a recital with other vocal students. Please note that my preference is to work with teens age 13 through adults of any age. I believe that younger voices need more time to develop and stand to be damaged if too much stress is put on them too soon. However, exceptions for children under 13 may be made for gifted young singers.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Home studio- entry room of home, baby grand piano, seating area, dry erase board, mirrors
Music Studio- one recording studio, seating area, classroom

*** Travel Equipment ***
If needed, I provide a portable piano keyboard, microphone with amplifier, paper handouts of lessons, etc. The student needs to have paper to take notes and a writing instrument.

*** Specialties ***
Most of my voice lesson experience has been with adults, and contemporary popular and inspirational music.

fret across the fretboard. First, you need to learn how to speak guitar. This is like learning the basic language so we can communicate with each other.
You: "Why do I have to identify all the parts of the guitar?"
Me: "So when I tell you to strum over the sound hole, you won't mistake it for your ear."

-How to tune and care for your guitar such as changing strings
You: "Why do I need to learn how to tune my guitar and properly change my strings?"
Me: "So when you learn how to play the thing, it sounds good and stays in tune, and your neighbor's dog won't start howling when you pick up your instrument."

-Chords and Strumming: Open chords, Power chords, Barre chords, 7th chords, 9th chords, 1st and 2nd inversion chords. More chords than you can shake a stick at.
You: "Why do I need to learn chords?"
Me: "So you string chords together, and play a song, Silly."

-Scales (Major scales, Natural minor scales, Harmonic minor scales, Melodic minor scales, In every key and in six different positions)
You: "Why do I need to learn scales?"
Me: "Just to torture you. Just kidding! Scales build strength and speed and get your two hands working together. And scales are fundamental for learning licks and writing melodies later on down the road."

-Other fundamentals include chord chart reading, tablature reading, and specific technical skills such as hammer-ons and pull-offs, palm muting, using a pick, and finger picking styles.

MUSIC THEORY:
Strictly for impressing your friends and/or classmates. Ok, not really. Music theory is important, especially if you want to play other instruments down the road, and to give you a the "Big Picture" of music.

Fundamental theory you will learn includes
-Basic music notation (The music alphabet, rhythm, the staff, ledger lines, time signatures, etc)
-Major and Minor Scales and Key Signatures (You've heard about the Circle of Fifths. Now you'll be able to decipher it!)
-How to identify and play intervals (Major, Minor, Perfect)
-Chord theory (What makes a Major chord, well, Major; Minor chord, Minor. Diminished, Augmented, etc)
-Harmonic Analysis
You: "I've heard about this I IV V I progression stuff. What does that mean?"
Me: "In due time, Grasshopper"
-Transposition (Good for changing the keys of your favorite songs so you or your lead singer can sing them in his/her vocal range)

First we learn this stuff through take-home worksheets. Then, we apply what we know to the guitar and make it useful and practical.

Music history and appreciation. Ever wonder about the origins of the guitar and how it came about to be one of the most popular instruments played in modern time? Or who the great Blues guitarists were from the 30's and 40's and how they influenced later day Rockers such as Jimmy Page or Keith Richards? Or how about how modern Western music formed and is what it is today, starting with Ancient Greece, through the Middle Ages, to Beethoven, to Ragtime to popular music today? Yep, we got that covered. It's all about perspective.

Songwriting. So you're tired of playing other people's songs and it's time to get your thoughts on paper. Congratulations. You are officially an Artist as well as a Musician. I can teach you how to develop your lyrics and chord progressions into cohesive, tightly arranged songs sure to make your Mom or Girlfriend/Boyfriend proud. Songwriting expands the limits of learning, that simply copying another artist note-for-note cannot do. Tapping your "Creative Vein" is the ultimate path to learning music. Let's get started.

music performance. Alright, you got knowledge, you got skills, you got songs. You have the tools to get out there and show the world what you can do.

*** Studio Equipment ***
office/studio 5 guitars seating for parents

*** Travel Equipment ***
I have my own guitar and curriculum. Students are expected to have their own instruments.

*** Specialties ***
Specializing in Rock, Folk, Country beginning guitar lessons. Focus on rhythm guitar, songwriting and performing. Incorporate music history and theory as well.

VOICE CURRICULUM INCLUDES:

VOCAL TECHNIQUE/KNOWLEDGE/MAINTENANCE:
-Anatomy of the voice
-Voice maintenance
-Body awareness, relaxation and posture
-Breath control and support
-Tone creation and range building
-Resonation
-Tone placement
-Diction

MUSIC THEORY:
-Basic music notation (The music alphabet, rhythm, the staff, ledger lines, time signatures, etc)
-Major and minor scales and key signatures
-Intervals (major, minor, perfect)
-Chord theory and harmonic analysis
-Transposition
-Aural and rhythm skills

MUSIC HISTORY AND APPRECIATION:
Have you ever how modern Western music formed and how it became what it is today? We’ll start with Ancient Greece, travel through the Middle Ages, learn about Classical composers such as Beethoven, and study different styles of music from Ragtime to today’s popular music all with listening examples to immerse you into the world of music history.

SONGWRITING
If you've grown tired of playing other people's music, then it’s time for you to get your songs on paper or recorded. I’ll teach you how to develop your lyrics and chord progressions into cohesive, tightly arranged songs. Songwriting expands the limits of learning that merely playing another artist’s music cannot do. Tapping your "creative vein" is the ultimate path to learning music.

MUSIC PERFORMANCE
Alright, you've got knowledge, you've got skills and you've got songs. You have the tools to get out there and show the world what you can do. But before you hit the local area open mic or book a gig, let's talk about music performance. You’ll learn simple, effective techniques such as strong stage presence and audience rapport.

assical guitar ensemble for 5 semesters. My experience includes playing in jazz ensembles, doing solo guitar music at weddings and art galleries, playing in classical guitar quartets, and active composition and recording of my original work on the guitar. You can expect all of this experience and knowledge to come together in a musically fascinating and motivating way that will fill your life with the joys of being able to express yourself musically if you are willing to give the time and effort to do so. Also...Check out my video and music!

*** Lesson Details ***
My number one goal is to cultivate your desire and passion for musical expression by providing a friendly and inspiring environment in which to experience the joy and beauty of music! You can learn the songs you have always wanted to play and even learn to write your own music! My overall teaching philosophy includes three basic areas of knowledge which work together to form a well educated guitarist. The first area is technical knowledge. The student will be taught to physically utilize the instrument in an efficient and effective way in order to maximize learning progress and musical potential. The second area is in theoretical knowledge which includes reading both music notation and tablature (tablature is an alternative form of written guitar music that is very easy to read). This also includes understanding music theory as it applies to the guitar, and full knowledge of the musical possibilities on the guitar. The third area, my favorite area, is Practical knowledge which includes learning songs by other artists to expand the student'€™s understanding of how other musicians use the instrument (the students choose these songs based on what they like). You will also expand your practical knowledge by directly applying the theoretical knowledge that you have learned. This is done by composing your own music in a creative and original way. I am also a vocalist and am able to coach my students the basics of the voice and how to use the voice and guitar at the same time. As a teacher I strive for excellence in my students by teaching them all that they need to be a well educated guitarist. I will actively and joyfully peruse your interests by tailoring the curriculum to focus on the music that the you love and have a passion for.

I provide my own music curriculum that has been honed over time through my experience as a private teacher. The books that I use will generally differ according to your desires and interests but there are two books that I use for beginners:

1. Mel Bay Modern Guitar Method Grade 1 (this is for beginners in music reading).
2. Solo Guitar Playing Volume 1 (this is for beginners in music reading who are interested in classical training).

After 3 to 6 months of study with me, you will have been taught to read musical notation, have a basic knowledge of chords, and have most of the 5 major scale shapes memorized. You will have learned to pick and strum confidently. Most importantly, you will have learned 3 or 4 songs of your choosing so that you can see the fruit of your musical work and experience the joy of musical expression. (for these results students must be willing to practice for the necessary amount of time: 20-30 minutes a day)

*** Studio Equipment ***
Comfortable quiet room. Recording equipment. Internet musical resources. Guitars, Guitar effects, amps, and hardware. I provide my personally developed teaching material to you. I expect you, as a student, to bring a guitar, picks and a tuner.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide my personally developed teaching material to you. I bring cables and equipment to adapt my guitar to an amp you may have. I also bring maintenance equipment in case I need to work on my guitar or yours. I expect you, as a student, to have a guitar, picks and a tuner. If you are taking electric guitar it is ideal that you have an amp. I also expect you to buy the necessary books. I bring my computer in order to have an internet source and an audio source. I have provided guitars and strings (if one broke during the lesson) in the past to students who are lacking them.

*** Specialties ***
Various Electric Guitar Styles such as Rock, Blues and Jazz harmony; I teach Classical and Acoustic Guitar, Music Theory, Improvisation, Music composition and Finger style.

d enjoyable, yet detailed, music education that focuses on both excellence and artistry.
Special emphasis is placed on building and maintaining a strong classical music base, which is the foundation for all other styles and techniques found in music. Additionally, students are exposed to learning concepts in ear training, sight singing, music theory, music history, folk music and improvisation. This enables students to be exposed to other areas of music such as composing, arranging, conducting, etc., thereby giving each student the unique opportunity to branch out and explore endless opportunities.
All teaching is conducted in a supportive yet challenging environment. Each student is encouraged to think for themselves and develop their own judgment through the development of their ear and musical comprehension.
Student recitals I arranged once or twice a year to showcase my students talent and progress and encourage their love for music.
I also organize other activities for my students such as Master classes and Music mind games (for younger students). I have a group class "Building music and memory skills" designated for children age 4 to 6 (children learn basic concepts in music theory and ear training before starting playing an instrument).
I offer a half hour lesson for beginners, a 45 min. lesson for intermediate an an hour lesson for intermediate to advanced students. Above all, I strongly encourage enjoyment of music.
Music should be played from the heart with passion and excitement.

WHEN YOU START TAKING LESSONS YOU WILL NEED:
a violin with bow and strings in playing condition, rosin, a kun shoulder rest (the right size for your instrument) and a music stand - see chart bellow for the right size violin and bow or contact me for the best way to measure your child.

4/4 (Full Size)-11 years to adult

3/4 violin and bow- 10 to 11 years

1/2 violin and bow- 8 to 9 years

1/4 violin and bow- 6 to 7 years

1/8 violin and bow- 5 to 6 years

1/10 violin and bow- 4 to 5 years

1/16 violin- 3 to 4 years ( average kids)

1/32 violin and bow- 3 to 4 years (petite kids)

If you have any questions please contact TakeLessons.

methods are placed firmly in the true Italian traditions of bel canto, due to her extensive experience and knowledge in various styles, she has her own unique approach to all legitimate styles of singing that is beyond comparison, nor can her teaching style be matched.

She has a phenomenal ear and knows what to listen for and then how to direct students during the process.

Christine is a dramatic soprano and is very confident and experienced with large instruments (that are more difficult to train for various reasons). Having an extremely rare and large voice herself has given her invaluable insight toward fully understanding all other voice types and the discipline necessary to achieve efficient technique.

Many teachers can be limited in their view and teach "their technique" as opposed to helping the student develop their own technique and what works best for them.

Developing technique in a complete and effective way leads toward discovering the full capacity of our instrument without compromise or compensation.

Students should expect to learn how to use breath direction that continues to connect and blend registers, modification of placement that creates cover, internal space with an open throat and sustained low larynx by using efficient breath and support from the body.

Her methods in vocal intonation translate directly and indirectly into all styles of legitimate singing, which she coaches many varying styles and will direct student toward appropriate rep. Students will learn the full potential of their instrument under her guidance. It is her belief that technique should lead toward one sounding natural, no matter the style.

Christine offers very traditional based vocal lessons with a focus on improving technique through practical exercises and song rep designed for each student's unique vocal needs. She will offer necessary guidance and adjustments to ensure the student's continuous development.

Her goal is for her vocal students to discover their authentic voice and to find freedom in their technique and most importantly their expression as artists.

Christine is also a highly sought out piano instructor for her ability to establish an exceptional foundation in beginning piano students and those who wish to continue their studies and build upon the fundamentals. She specializes in reading skills and excellent technique.

It is her belief that having a solid foundation sets the tone for determining if a student will continue with their studies and therefore this is the most vital part of a student's development and future progress.

She teaches Russian technique, which allows for flexibility, strength and tonal beauty of musical lines. This technique can be applied to all styles of playing piano such as pop, jazz and is not limited to just the classical repertoire.

Her goal is for all of her music students to become increasingly independent as musicians to where they feel confident to teach themselves and others and to ultimately find enjoyment in the process of learning music.

Her approach helps students advance their technique, reading proficiency, including music theory and expand their artistic capabilities.

She received her music education in classical vocal performance from George Mason University and has vigiourously continued her studies in opera with Mrs. Fabiana Bravo, who studied with Luciano Pavarotti and Renata Scotto. Christine specializes in Italian for classical rep.

General styles I coach:
Opera (bel canto and verismo) classical, sacred, hymnal, traditional, jazz, r&b, folk, among other popular styles.

Christine also has an international recording career as an adult contemporary artist.

Voice lessons begin at age 14-55 and piano at age 6-any age. Please no inquires about exceptions on age or travel, I will not respond. I teach from my home only, regardless of distance. I am worth waiting for and traveling to:)

What do I expect from students who are applying:

Those who are hard working, motivated, passionate, dedicated, responsible, considerate, humble and serious about lessons and greatly improving as musicians should apply only!

I strongly believe that music is a discipline and this is how it will be approached during lessons.

I am looking for potential long term students who are willing and ready to work hard in a practical and realistic manner, regardless of age, learning needs or proficiency.

I have limited availability and I am only seeking serious students who have a positive professional attitude and will value me as a teacher. Thank you.

nd learn some amazing things. I also teach video editing and production and have filmed and edited many videos that are used today in HR training