Cooksville, MD Broadway Singing Lessons

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.

's important for a singer to not only know how to sing, but to also understand the music he or she is singing. I will incorporate music theory into the lessons, starting with basics such as learning how to read notes.

I believe in making sure the singer is comfortable and confident.  The environment you will be learning in is open and non-threatening because a singer needs a place to explore his or her voice.  I encourage my students to make mistakes and to keep the lines of communication as open as possible.  Singers are perfectionists, and we're constantly telling ourselves what we do wrong- we don't need someone else enforcing that negativity.

I concentrate on a classical vocal technique, with proper posture, efficient breathing, lack of facial and body tension, and healthy vocal production. I believe that it is important to have a strong foundation of healthy technique no matter what style of singing. My teaching style and lesson focus will be different for each individual person, and I'm very flexible in adapting to each singer's needs and personality.

I am a very understanding teacher, and very patient, but I will push you to work to your potential! What you put into these lessons and your practicing is what you will get out of it. I am not strict, but I do expect dedication, passion, and respect. I am a very enthusiastic and energetic teacher, and lessons with me will be fun, productive, and encouraging.

If I sound like the right teacher for you, please arrange a trial lesson to see how well we work together!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Living room, piano, full-length mirror, comfortable seating for parents

*** Specialties ***
*Teachers classified as a Student Favorite have taught a minimum of 25 lessons and have received the highest feedback rating from students. I specialize in classical singing- applicable to any style of singing!

run through the neighborhood, or enjoying some time with her cats CJ and Skittles.

Chelsea B. holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees form the Peabody Conservatory of Music of the Johns Hopkins University.

*** Lesson Details ***
Lessons are catered to each individual student and are conducted in a supportive environment where students are encouraged to take risks, try new things, make mistakes, and most importantly be themselves.

I generally focus voice lessons around classical vocal technique, which will develop good habits regarding... breathing... posture... body/facial tension...and overall good vocal health. Though I am classically trained, I am a firm believer in the idea that classical vocal techniques are carried over into any genre. In addition to classical repertoire I have experience working with musical theater, pop, jazz, soul, and country.

When teaching beginning piano I often focus on building a good foundation. Lessons are centered on rudiments, basic music theory, and technique. A wide variety of repertoire will be available to each student and will cover many styles and genres.

I value the time I have with my students and expect each student to come prepared to each lesson with an open mind and willingness to work. With music, the best results only come to those who put in 100% both during lessons and during individual practice time. This is key in any musical pursuit. Overall, I want lessons to be enjoyable while still maintaining a sense of progress for the student.

As a teacher I have had experience teaching both young children and adults in many settings, whether it be in a classroom, small group lesson, or one-on one. I pride myself on providing lessons that are uniquely individual and foster a students strengths while also building on their weaknesses. The best part about being a music educator is that I get to share my love of music with all of my students. With that said, whether you are a beginner who's interest has been sparked, or you have aspirations of becoming a professional musician I can help you there.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Family Room: Piano, seating for parents.

**Please note I have 2 cats in the home**

*** Specialties ***
Voice and Piano Lessons
Classical, Musical Theater, Pop, Jazz, Soul, and Country.

: theory fundamentals, exercises, and performance practice. Within each lesson, I incorporate visuals, games, and other media. Live performances are also highly encouraged.

My student's would say that my lessons are motivational and packed with energy. I always follow up with parents to discuss progress, and the student's mandatory log book helps to keep everyone informed of what is expected each week.

*** Instruments/Equipment ***
I provide only equipment that I will personally use for the lesson (books, audio, and instrument). I do not provide instruments, electronic equipment (i.e. amps, cords, keyboards, speakers, computer, etc), books, or sheet music. I expect my students to have or purchase all the materials they will need.

*** Specialties ***
I also offer ear training, songwriting, vocal arranging and music production workshops for artists interested in pursuing a career in the music industry.

aker I know has lost their voice at some point, but not from talking too much. It's because they don't know how to use their voice properly. Learn that, and you need never lose your voice to over-use. That's easy to teach.

Writing – I have been a professional writer and editor for over eight years, with many books, articles, posts, newsletters, etc. to my name. I use – and teach – practical grammar, not just correct grammar. I can also help you make your words more powerful.

BA of Music, she has studied under renowned Romanian soprano, Virginia Zeani, Met Opera baritone Mark Oswald, and internationally acclaimed bel canto pedagogue Joan Patenaude-Yarnell. She is also a disciple of Bulgarian piano virtuoso Tzvetan Konstantinov. Susanna serves on the board of the The International Master Institute of Music "Leopold Godowsky", Inc.

Susanna instructs on proper intercostal support and the alignment of the vowels is emphasized to create long, seamless lines. Support is accompanied by a mixing of the registers to promote even vocal resonance up and down the scale. A wide range of literature may be explored, including opera, lieder, oratorio, and classical musical theatre in all voice types.

Susanna now serves as President/CEO of her own private company here in Washington, DC and as a board member of the The International Master Institute of Music "Leopold Godowsky" in McLean, VA. She currently resides in Dupont Circle.

--Student Consultations--
Accepting new students for classical and musical theater genres only. Students should have the availability to practice 5-7 days per week, 60 mins per day. For your consultation, please either bring a piece from the classical voice repertoire or a piece of classical musical theater. Lessons should be recorded (iPhone is fine).

--M Institute for the Arts (Georgetown) Location--
Baby Grand Piano
Music Stand
Large Room
Professional Recording Equipment
Music Library

-Dupont Circle Location-
Electric Piano
Large Room
5 Min Walk from Dupont Circle Metro

--Recitals/Performances--
Available.

--Ages Accepted--
A child's voice should be mature enough to safely embark on the rigors classical training. Please feel free to schedule a consultation to see if your child is ready for lessons.

--Scheduling--
I do not update my TakeLessons scheduler, as I have students at various different studios, including my own conservatory in Georgetown. I have my own scheduler outside of TakeLessons. Please select your first-choice time slot on TakeLessons and we will go from there!

Jazz theory
-Stage Presence

and that is just the beginning. No matter the age, you will succeed with me because my focus is on helping you grow.

timore and Municipal Opera company production of “She Never Lost a Passenger,” an original opera about the life of Harriet Tubman. Hewlett performed with Darin Atwater & the Soulful Symphony Orchestra during their inaugural season in 2005. Since 2004 he has served as music editor and copyist for local composers. In 2003, he was awarded a grand piano, gift of the Governing Members of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. In 2001, the Education Department of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra awarded him the Charles A. Buerger Scholarship. In the same year, Hewlett served as a music instructor for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s Camp Allegro, a musical enrichment experience for underprivileged students. He won first place, Classical Vocal at the Omega Psi Phi Talent Hunt Competition in 2000, 2002, and 2003 under the tutelage of Mrs. Delores Jones.

For 18 years, Mr. Hewlett has served as music director, organist, and guest conductor at churches of various denominations throughout the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area. His church appointments include serving concurrently as Director of Music/Organist On October 31st, 2015, he was privileged to serve as Director of Music for the Vigil Eucharist for the Installation of the Most Reverend Michael B. Curry, 27th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church in America. During the preceding summer, he was honored to serve as Director of Music for the 47th National Conference of the Union of Black Episcopalians.

e Virginia area I find myself teaching and singing A LOT of musical theater.

Along with my love of teaching, I also enjoy performing immensely. I've been in some community theater productions in the area, and I have also music directed one as well! I enjoy working with students on audition techniques and picking great songs that will get them cast as well.

I teach my lessons with a beautiful baby grand in the cozy basement of my home in Sterling.

The styles of voice I specialize in teaching are: classical, pop, and musical theater.

Please shoot me a message if it seems like we'd be a great fit for each other! I look forward to meeting you.