Gunpowder, MD Opera Voice Lessons

m, whether it be at an Open Mic Night, or I arrange a recital or musical production to nurture each of my student's performance abilities.

First and foremost we need to have fun. Music is fun and so should the lessons be. When it comes to practice I recommend that students do spend time outside of the lessons practicing to ensure that they see results. If you choose to practice only while in the lesson you will get better but it will be at a slower pace.

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.

ou're interested in playing piano, you will learn how to read music and/or play by ear. You'll learn scales, chords, arpeggios, sight-reading, and basic music theory. For singers who are interested in piano, I've developed a great technique to teach you how to accompany yourself.

For songwriters, I can help you write stronger lyrics and set them to music appropriately.

In general, I'm pretty upbeat and fun. However, I expect you to practice. When you practice, you hear and feel the difference and everyone's happy! If you don't practice, you'll remain in the same place, and it's frustrating for everyone. :( Please, please, please practice! :)

My degree in music education and wide range of experience allows me to accommodate different learning styles. I have a knack for breaking down seemingly difficult or mysterious concepts in a way that's easy to understand. I also understand the demands of being a full time musician, and can offer advice to students who are interested in going that route.

I would love to help you enhance your enjoyment of music by making it fun and easy for you to learn!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Upright piano
Yamaha keyboard
Music Stand
Full length mirror
Library of great music
Music theory workbooks
Manuscript paper

*** Specialties ***
Classical, Jazz, R&B, Musical Theater, Gospel, Pop

n thought I'm a professional singer myself, I believe that the point should always be to enjoy singing, and whether your goal is to make money as a singer or to feel more confident doing karaoke (both real things that have brought students to me!), I want you to have fun doing it. I also want to show you that singing is a skill, and anyone can learn to do it.

*Note about my apartment: I teach lessons in my home, and I have a pet kitten. She's extremely friendly and would love nothing more than to bask in your attention, but if you'd prefer not to be around her or you are allergic, it's no problem at all. I'm happy to make sure she's kept in a different room during your lesson.

us Shades of Praise Interracial Gospel choir.

On the journey of developing your true voice, I understand how to coach appropriately for a variety of singing styles beyond classical including broadway, jazz, pop, blues, country and gospel. I will help you integrate the fundamentals of proper tone production, accurate rhythm, diction and interpretation across genres. If you are interested in the classical genre, I am well equipped to coach Italian, German and French diction and would love to help prepare high school students who may be preparing to audition for college music programs.

Due to medical circumstances, I had the agonizing and humbling challenge of losing some of my vocal ability and I went through the process of rebuilding my voice. I am committed to making sure my students at all levels sing healthfully and sustainably. If you are someone who has experienced vocal damage, I am happy to work with you to healthfully rebuild your instrument.

In addition to my singing, I have a career in eLearning and understand how to make learners feel comfortable and authentic in an online learning environment.

If you are in the New Orleans metro area, I have a comfortable home studio with piano and great acoustics or I can travel to your home within a 15 mile radius.

tre productions in Alabama. I have taught voice continuously since 1986 and have had students performing in opera, musical theatre, church music, country and popular music. I teach both belt and legit vocal techniques and sing in both styles myself. My own personal awards include 1st and 2nd place awards in NATS competitions, district winnings in The Metropolitan Opera Auditions of the Air in Birmingham , AL, and Knoxville, TN., scholarships to Birmingham'Southern College and The University of Tennessee, and a scholarship to the Georgia State Summer Opera Workshop for 3 consecutive years. I was also nominated to 1987 Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities. I look forward to meeting and working with you in your pursuit of better singing. Thank you and until then..........!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!