Burkittsville, MD Singing Lessons

signed around the needs of each student. The first lessons is always spent testing range, knowledge and abilities already known by the student. Then the student weighs in on what kind of music they would like to learn and what they hope to gain from the lessons. Theory and ear training are incorporated into the lessons. We work on breathing, technique and style. Generally we start with English or Italian. We work on vocal performance from a classical standpoint but Jazz and Broadway can also be taught if desired by the student. Scales and exercises are given each week to be worked on until the next lesson. A recording device is encouraged if the student cannot play the piano. Also, a voice note book to take notes during the lesson to be used during practice during the week.

*** Specialties ***
classical voice and jazz voice.

first two albums with composer Yves Vincent of San Diego, California in genre-stretching new-age/classical style.

After relocating to Tucson, Arizona, as music director for his church, he encouraged a variety of styles and genres to be used by the musicians and choirs of each of five weekend Masses.
Later, in Illinois, he directed another 60 voice parish choir that frequently performed with orchestras from Illinois State & Wesleyan Universities. His voice students in all these locations have been encouraged to explore and develop their own unique expression of their favorite music, while building on a solid foundation of technique, vocal strength and musicianship.

Now that Patrick has relocated one more time to Los Angeles, CA, he is working on a 3rd and 4th CD and once again accepting students. He enjoys the opportunity to expose young & older talent to the power and passion of classical music while also helping them create ways to make it new and exciting by reinterpreting it with their own favorite genres.

Lessons

Patrick's passion for teaching comes from his philosophy of music:
"Music is humanity's most evolved form of expression and communication. Music includes language, our physical senses, and our sense of meaning. With music, ordinary language is ultimately transcended. Words communicate from mind to mind; music communicates to the depth of the soul."

Patrick teaches and encourages young beginners as well as coaching and challenging seasoned professionals. He has even taught a hearing-impaired student to use physical sensation rather than sound to sing on pitch! He focuses on fundamentals of breath, technique and strength to help singers take care of their irreplaceable instrument. (Patrick's own vocal coach, Edward Kingins, continues to perform and move audiences in Detroit well in to his 70s!) Along with helping students build a strong foundation, he nurtures a love and commitment to music by working with students in the style and genre they enjoy most, from rock to pop, jazz or country.

Patrick also has unique insight into the entertainment industry, both in Los Angeles and across the country. Over the years, he has been associated with and close friends with musicians and actors such as John Denver and Richard Hatch as well as sought-after speakers Tom Crum and W Mitchell. Since locating to L.A., he has worked in independent movies with Damian Chapa and David Carradine as an actor and production assistant and coordinator. This experience, coupled with his own success on stage and as a recording artist helps him guide and advise serious young talent to maneuver the crazy environment of Hollywood and avoid the scams and pitfalls of the entertainment industry.

Subjects Taught

Singing, Acting (stage Presentation)

*** Lesson Details ***
Beginning Lesson Outline

My Basic lesson outline is to determine where we are starting with each student and custom make lessons designed to fit the needs for that student. We will also work on meditation and visualization techniques for performance. The idea is for you to feel the words and sing with passion or so your audience believes your song.

Unlike other instruments, your voice cannot be replaced if it is damaged. I take the time needed through each step of the process so your voice is strengthened and developed properly. It is up to the student to practice and apply what is learned and build a trained, strong instrument that will be useable for your whole life.

You will learn:

Proper breathing techniques and practice.
Properly warming up the voice.
Working on music theory (reading music, etc.)
Ear training and pitch.
Expression, phrasing and performing.
Applying techniques learned to music suitable for student's capabilities.
Learning to have fun and enjoy the music experience.
Confidence and self-esteem

Depending on student's progress, specific lesson components above will be emphasized so that the student's goals will be achieved.
My goal is to prepare you to the best of my ability for you to achieve your dreams.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Keyboard & Recording Studio

*** Travel Equipment ***
CDs, recorded lessons, vocalization practice material. Student should have a CD/tape player. Keyboard is helpful, but not required.

*** Specialties ***
Vocal: Classical, jazz

ofessionally now for over twenty years. Some students want to take a few lessons to see if it is something they will enjoy, others have worked with me for over a decade. I have mentored several students who have gone on to professional careers. I have experienced a lot of success teaching young children and those with special needs. I have been blessed with a tremendous amount of patience and truly enjoy teaching anyone who wants to learn.

Whatever your goals or abilities, I look forward to working with you!

*** Lesson Details ***
Experience fun based lessons as my teaching approach is relaxed and inspirational. I enjoy working with all ages, adjusting my teaching methods to accommodate your learning style and abilities. Learn to play the music you love! You learn best when you enjoy what you are playing, I can help you play along with your favorites or even write your own songs. I always ask my students at the beginning of a lesson "What would you like to do today?" Then structure the lesson accordingly into a routine that the student can practice on their own. Generally the time is divided into warm ups, learning new material, then picking a fun song the student choses. Whether your interest is Classical, Jazz, Rock, Pop music, etc... I'm here help you reach your goals so let's make your dreams come true with music together!

*** Travel Equipment ***
Books, Guitar, music stand, metronome, picks, tuner, page clips, capo, media player, laptop, Keyboard (on request), and recording equipment (on request)

*** Specialties ***
With Voice I specialize in helping people prepare for auditions such as American Idol. I have students who simply want to be karaoke stars. I have several professional singers that hire me as a voice coach and producer for recording sessions. I have taught children as young as 2 and those that retired with a lifelong dream to sing. Though my training is classical, I can teach Jazz, Pop, Rock, Rap, R&B, etc...whatever is fun for the student. I highly recommend learning to read music but I do not push it unless parents want their child to.

With Piano I can teach traditionally from Alfred and Bastien Piano Courses depending if they are auditory or visual learners. For Kinesthetic learners I use Hanon scale exercises and Rothman Rhythm Exercises. For those that want to learn notation I introduce classical and Jazz composers unless there is a popular artist/band/movie theme etc...that they would like to learn. However I do not push students to read music unless their parents would prefer it. I tend to keep more students that want to learn to play by ear especially adults by using rhythm training and music theory exercises and then applying them to songs they love. For piano I haven't had much success with children younger than 3. I also have a lot experience working with special needs children.

For Guitar I teach Classical, Acoustic, and Electric all styles and genres. I encourage sight reading but don't mind using tabs. I use more exercises with these students, since the first month students have a hard time making a sound. I try to make the lessons fun by having students strum chords along with songs they chose. I teach lead and rhythm even songwriting and composition. Job satisfaction for me is seeing my students leave a lesson with a smile on their face so I make sure to be a fun based teacher that doesn't give the student a hard time about not practicing.

For Recording and Performance I use the knowledge I gained doing Pro Audio Sales for Guitar Center from 2000-2002 to help clients build their own home studio. I have lots of producers and engineers I work with on a regular basis to produce broadcast quality audio and video recordings and help my students use their lessons and pre-production for those opportunities. I can teach Garage Band or Pro Tools classes on navigating the software and utilizing all the commands. I can also teach room acoustics and using the right microphone and how to position them with the right equipment and the right acoustics to get the best possible tone that they are looking for. I can also teach editing, mixing, looping, sampling, midi, and mastering so that the student can eventually work on their own writing, performing, and recording their music.

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.

ve expertise in acting and a background in dance to help my students to better their expression onstage.

u will also need to purchase a few music books (about $5 each). Voice students will need to purchase song books ($15-20) after we meet and I get a feel for the student’s range and what type of repertoire we should work on.

Note: for VOICE LESSONS ONLY I only teach female students.

cal, to musical theater, to pop. My goal in teaching voice is to give my students healthy vocal technique that will assist them in any genre.

As a performer, I have sung roles in a number of operas, including Hansel & Gretel (Gretel, Sandman, Dew Fairy), Albert Herring (Emmie), Iolanthe (Celia), La Boheme (Scenes---Musetta), and Speed Dating Tonight (Triathlon Ann). In 2016, I had the opportunity to premiere the role of Luci Johnson in Texas State Opera Theater's production of Lady Bird, a new opera by Henry Mollicone and Sheldon Harnick. I regularly participate in competitions, and have been named a finalist from 2015-2018 at the Mid Atlantic, Virginia, and South Texas NATS conferences. Additionally, I have sung in master classes for Laura Claycomb, Margo Garrett, and Robert Ainsley.