Top Singing & Voice Lessons in Burkittsville, MD

ssical technique, even if they specialize in contemporary singing, to help them avoid potential vocal injury.

My piano students learn to read and play music at their own pace.

My acting and spoken voice students learn to feel comfortable reading clearly, and reciting/performing on stage or other public areas.

My music theory students work one on one with me, learning basic theory (note names, durations, etc.) to advanced theory, ear training, and composition.

I am flexible and am willing to work with students of any age and level. I only require that students practice and enjoy the music they make.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Music room in home with seating for parents.

*** Specialties ***
I am a classical singer, and specialize in classical voice training. However, I also have extensive experience in other singing styles, from choral to popular, and acting/oratory. I have a minor in music theory, and have taken advanced courses in music theory pedagogy.

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, jazz voice, musical theater, audition preparation

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.

allow her students to express themselves in their individually unique ways. Donna looks forward to working with new students from the Winchester area.

Donna G's Education:
DMA Candidate in Voice Performance, Shenandoah Conservatory
MM Voice Performance, Michigan State University
MM Choral Conducting, Michigan State University
BM Music Education and Vocal Performance, Northwestern University

*** Lesson Details ***
The goal of Donna's voice studio is to promote vocal arts and current activities in the various public schools and communities represented in the studio. Donna also enjoys playing piano, vocal coach accompanying, community theatre, working with diverse singing styles from classical to musical theatre and jazz/pop, songwriting, and designing individual curriculum that allow her students to express themselves in their individually unique ways. Best known for preparing singers for music and theatre auditions, Donna also enjoys encouraging singers to find public venues in which to share their talents and accomplishments. Such venues include school, community, recitals, or church worship experiences.

Donna's teaching style and personality can be described as "easily approachable with an emphasis on personal growth". Additionally, she is known for promoting relatively high standards so that her singers feel continuously challenged and inspired to work toward creative and artistic expression and performance goals.

*** Travel Equipment ***
If I must travel to a student's home, I would need him/her to provide a piano or keyboard. I can bring music books/repertoire. If the student wishes to drive to my home studio, I can provide a piano as well as a large vocal and piano music library.

*** Specialties ***
~Certified Lovetri Somatic Voicework (sm) at Shenandoah University Summer Vocal Music Institute
~specializing in opera vocal styles as well as ability to cross-train voice for musical theatre and pop/rock styles
~ability in vocal coach accompanying on piano/keyboard
~lyricist and songwriter for rock bands over the past 20 years
~musical director for musical theatre productions for 15 years

lues Raga video if you want to hear a good story about what I mean.

Recently I've had several articles published by the TakeLessons Blog. Check out my most recent post here.
http://takelessons.com/blog/how-to-play-acoustic-guitar-like-john-mayer-z01

sons. While I specialize in classical voice/opera as a performer, my students learn a variety of genres ranging from classical, 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.

have a passion for authenticity, intentionality, encouragement, and entertainment! My personal musical passion is wide-ranging in genre and I firmly believe that great technique is essential to any and every style. I look forward to meeting you and helping you to become a better musician!