Saint Bonifacius Performing Arts Classes

nals coupled with academic studies rebuilt my perception of how I was generating sound and their training gave me back MY VOICE, for which I am forever grateful. I combine knowledge from these studies and my own vocal exploration to re-build my voice in exercises that I share with students of voice.

I CAN HELP YOU REACH YOUR GOALS: My cross-training in dance, yoga, Tai Chi, commercial & improvisational acting provides a well-rounded platform from which to deliver information, guide vocal explorers and also help develop talent.

EXPERIENCE:
* 20 years teaching experience
* 12 years living & working in Los Angeles
* A lifetime of performing experience
* 12 years personal private vocal studies master teachers of bel canto & contemporary singing techniques.

LIFE SKILLS: No matter the subject, my focus is also teach skills that can be extrapolated into any area of your life. Life Skills focuses on eradicating negative self-talk and expanding communication skills that help develop confidence, enhancing daily life.

Between performing and my own artistic studies, I have been taking the occasional private voice student since 1997, mostly via referrals from friends and other students. While living in California, one of my voice teachers requested me as her regular substitute at Culver City and Santa Monica Music Schools from 2008-2012, which I felt deeply honored. She said she trusted me with their voices, which encouraged me into full-time voice teaching practice. In June 2012, I returned to Minneapolis and began teaching in my home studio through music services like Take Lessons. Past projects include producing a vocal showcase at The Ritz Theater, musical direction & choreography for a school's 2016 production of the Wizard of Oz; assisting students to prepare for local & national auditions like La Banda, The Voice & American Idol; prepping singers for studio recordings and congratulating a new student who's stepped out of the chorus to land her first lead role!

I am forever grateful to all of my teachers, past and present, for their valuable gifts of knowledge, skill, grace and compassion.

ENJOY LIFE MORE! Singing & dancing improves our quality of life.

*** STUDIO POLICIES ***

Always know that any personal data shared will be held in strict confidence.

STUDIO HOURS: EDEN PRAIRIE Central Standard Time
Mon-Thurs 10:00am-8:00pm
Fri 10:00am-5:00pm
Sat 10:00am-2:00pm
Sun 4:00pm-7:00pm

TRAVEL
Cost for travel is $1 per minute.

CANCELLATIONS
Mutual 24-hour advance notice agreement states both parties will respect the difficulty of planning schedules by providing 24-hour notice to change a reserved lesson time.

* Cancellations within 24-hours of lesson require a phone call or text
- Lessons not cancelled w/24-hour notice are the responsibility of the cancelling party to makeup

*** STUDIO EQUIPMENT ***

EDEN PRAIRIE: Lessons in separate "studio" room, electric piano, mirror, music stands, table for your water, chair. Parents/loved ones can lounge in the large comfortable lobby area, drink free coffee/hot chocolate, read, use the free Wi-Fi, or watch TV [see photos below].

, struggling for years to find their own unique voice.

The KEY difference between professional vocalists and average singers is (9 times out of 10) the presence of an influential teacher/mentor!

The right teacher/mentor pushes you to grow continuously; beyond what you think is possible. The right teacher/mentor has wisdom and information to share from inside the music industry. The right teacher/mentor genuinely cares about you as a person.

I teach so that I can be that life-changing mentor for my students, giving them that missing link for success.

About me:
I grew up in NYC and "cut my teeth" across a variety of genres: rock, jazz, R&B, gospel and choral/classical. You name it; I've sung it. In addition to being a vocal coach, I travel the nation as a musician/performing artist, professional speaker and author. Please take a moment to watch the video clip below.

Unlike most teachers that take on any/all students, I limit my roster to 15 students at any given time. During our first few lessons, I commit to offering you honest and professional feedback about your strengths and weaknesses. I want to help YOU find YOUR own voice. I want to take a look at YOUR goals, YOUR dreams, and figure out what makes you tick.

During lessons, I draw on my dual B.A. degree in vocal performance & music business as well as industry experience. I offer insights on what works and what doesn't as a vocalist, whether you are looking to pursue singing vocationally or just as a hobby.

I can help you:
- Stop feeling nervous
- Develop impeccable technique
- Learn the “ins and outs” of being in the music business
- Assemble a press kit, record a demo and start to get gigs
- Much more!

I would love the opportunity to meet you and hear where you want your singing to take you. Please, get in touch!

Other Notes:

Studio Equipment:
I teach out of my residence-based studio in downtown Minneapolis. It's centrally located with free parking and easy access to skyways and public transportation. Do you work downtown? Consider taking lessons over your lunch break!

I have everything we need for lessons in my studio: instruments, laptop, mics, etc... I will provide you with all audio files and any written materials for our lessons.

to the craft of making music.

*** Lesson Details ***
I am experienced in most major genres of music: classical, jazz, blues, rock, funk, folk, metal, acoustic fingerstyle/slap, instrumental rock, "shred," pop, world music, electronica, etc. & feel comfortable conveying the techniques, approaches & idioms to a student by breaking them down into digestible components, while making these new ideas relatable to material they are already familiar with.

In the end, I want the student to learn what they're most interested in learning. I'm here to answer any questions they may have & with my experiences, I feel confident that I will be able to either answer these questions or point them in the right direction. Some topics covered:

Scales/modes
Ear training
Instrument-specific techniques (ie bending, tapping, sweep picking, etc.)
Songwriting & Composition
Arranging & Orchestrating
Sight-reading
Improvisation
Chordal theory & how to read charts
Practice routines & approaches
Instrument maintenance
Instrument-based gear (guitars, amplifiers, effects, picks, slides, capos, etc.)

The student will learn at the pace they set for themselves & can only get out of it the amount of effort they put forth. I expect my students to practice on a regular basis (however brief each session may be). Consistency is key for progress to be made, & if they hold up their end of the bargain, the payoffs will be quite substantial!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Practice amplifier, tuner, music stand(s), guitar picks & cables.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide guitar neck paper. I expect the students to have their own instrument & any materials they may need to achieve the goals they've set for themselves (such as a weekly notebook).

*** Specialties ***
Progressive rock, classic rock, blues, jazz, funk, disco, classical, acoustic fingerstyle/slap, flamenco guitar; music theory, sight-reading, composition, songwriting, film scoring, music production.

has an experience unique to themselves. I am strict about meeting the goals developed by each student. However, the learning process is highly individual. You will learn at a pace and with a curriculum we develop to best suit your learning style, musical preference, and goals.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I expect students will have a keyboard or piano.

*** Specialties ***
Trained 10 years in classical voice and piano.
Undergrad in contemporary voice.
12 years of theatre experience

bands and can bring that real-world experience into the lesson. The student will receive real hands-on knowledge about singing in a variety of environments and how to manage his/her vocal goals!

In addition to being vocally healthy, I encourage self-expression and enhance self-esteem in my students: singers of all ages, skill levels and styles. Plus, it has to be fun, otherwise why do it? Singing is a process and less about the end goal and we train the body, mind and use imagination and it's a very exciting process!

***My students regularly receive scholarships and placement in music schools and programs around the U.S., have won competitions, do well in auditions, are performing in successful bands and/or recording artists.

I am energetic and enthusiastic; actively promote values and traditional teaching practices coupled with the introduction of technology into the lesson. My experience as an educator is to share passion and talent for music with the next generation of musicians and outstanding communication skills. I really care about my students and provide the tools to help them reach their goals!

Degrees:
Bachelor of Music, minor in Psychology from Michigan State University
Master of Vocal Pedagogy from Oakland University

Here is some of my experience as a performer: I have sung Internationally at the renowned €œEisteffodd Music Festival€ in Wales, toured through Britain and performed at the Laupin Agile Cabaret in Paris. I was honored with a nomination to attend the prestigious Yale Cabaret Conference and worked with cabaret legend Julie Wilson and Manhattan Transfer founder Laurel Masse. Sung and performed roles with the Mid-Michigan and Detroit Opera Companies. Performed a production of Sleepwalkers€ with the Kari Margolis Brown Company at the O'Shaughnessy Theatre. I currently perform all over the Twin Cities with my own R&B/Soul Band, Melody and The Dramatics!€ Plus, I am a contract vocalist and perform in a variety of other projects, so needless to say, it is all a very awesome ride!

*** Lesson Details ***
My laid-back and fun approach allows for versatility and is tailored to meet the needs of the individual student. When studying the art of singing you are gaining skills, which build confidence.

When you understand what you'€™re doing and why, you bring more confidence to your performance. Progress is made with regular practice outside of lessons. Voice students record each private lesson through their devices and take notes in their own notebooks.

I have "warm-up" tracks which you can use in your car or at home and you will notice significant improvement once you start your routine.

Practicing is very important and I have great methods to teach students how to maximize their time and get the best results! I am privileged to have an opportunity to teach and very passionate about coaching a student to meet his or her musical goals!

Also, I have a Beagle named "Bacon" and he will always be very excited to see you, however he does calm down when you're in the studio. In addition, I have two cats, so please let me know if you have allergies or any special recommendations.

Thanks so much!
Melody

*** Studio Equipment ***
Lessons in the music room, PA system, piano, keyboard, laptop, recording microphone, microphone, mirror.

The house is in a cul-de-sac and there is ample street parking. Also, in the case of a snow emergency, you will be able to park in the driveway.

*** Specialties ***
I teach in a variety of vocal styles including, rock, pop, jazz, country and classical, keyboard and music theory. I have been trained by some of the best instructors in the country and strive for my students to be vocally healthy, so they'll have long careers. I also perform in professional bands, orchestras and can bring that experience into the lesson.
Energetic and enthusiastic; actively promote values and traditional teaching practices coupled with the introduction of technology into the lesson. Experienced educator eager to share passion and talent for music with the next generation of musicians and outstanding communication skills.

he University of Minnesota, Harmon Place Players, and the Rhombus Theater Company.

*** Lesson Details ***
Students can expect lessons to be structured while being tailored to their desires and goals. Mark likes to focus on what students want to learn while pushing them to challenge themselves. His goal is to “bring out the artist” in his students but he also understands lessons should be fun.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I will suggest necessary teaching materials/books. Students need their own instruments.

*** Specialties ***
Rock, Jazz, Funk, Blues, Pop, etc

. Jeff prides himself on customizing every student's lessons based on their particular preferences, goals and skill level. "It's a very personalized kind of instruction, as I never take a cookie-cutter
approach to teaching…".
Jeff's 3 promises to all students is to give them personalized lessons, be attentive to their needs and goals. and to make them feel like every lesson is worth their investment of time and money. As long as students practice regularly, they can expect to dramatically increase their clarity of playing, their chord "inventory", their musical ear and awareness and play the songs they've always wanted to learn.

After honing his craft as a songwriter and performer, Jeff created and taught songwriting and music business classes at colleges,universities, and music schools throughout the country for many years. Some of the places he taught include UCLA Extension, Santa Monica College, Pasadena City College and The Harrison School Of Music.
When asked to summarize his views on teaching and music: "Teaching and playing music always puts a smile on my face; especially when I see that the student is having fun, learning what they want to learn and feeling the passion about music that motivated me to pursue my own musical career".

As a working singer/songwriter/guitarist, Jeff is known for his memorable melodies, intelligently crafted lyrics and heartfelt vocals. His compositions have earned him over 35 awards from various national and international songwriting contests and he's a former staff songwriter for the long-standing New York City-based publisher, Bourne Music. He has also won best music video awards at 3 international film festivals.

Some of the artists that Jeff has been compared to as a guitarist and vocalist include Keb' Mo', James Taylor, Kenny Loggins, Ry Cooder, John Mayer, Bill Withers, Jim Croce, and Don Henley.

Jeff is a NJ native, but lived and performed in Los Angeles for many years, where he worked in the studio or shared the stage with well-known artists such as Dave Koz, Norman Brown, John Daversa, Hiroshima, Little Richard and N'Dea Davenport.

Jeff catalog of over 450 songs and compositions spans virtually every genre, but many of his tunes are amalgams of pop, blues, jazz, R&B, country and rock. Quite a number of Jeff's songs
have appeared in film and TV. One that Jeff is particularly proud of, is the dynamic pop ballad, "Journey Of The Heart" (co-written by Jeanne Smith), which was licensed by the N.C.A.A. (National
Collegiate Athletic Association), who deemed it "the official anthem" of their NCAA Hall Of Champions facility in Indianapolis.

Jeff has commercially released 4 CD's of his original material: The most recent of these is his 2013 release, "Blujanova" (a merging of blues, jazz and bossa nova), which was praised by platinum selling and Grammy-nominated jazz star, Dave Koz: "Jeff's voice is so clean and pure...the production is lovely...warm and inviting...I love the interesting and surprising takes on some classics too, especially 'I Feel Good'…that brought a smile to my face!".
The other CD's stretch into other genres. "Truthteller" (bluesy pop/rock and singer/songwriter material) "Me, Myself, and I" (acoustic) and "The Spin" (pop, rock, and country-tinged singer/songwriter material). All of Jeff's albums are on his label, Relevant Records. The late great John Braheny, author of the best-selling "The Craft And Business Of Songwriting (Writer's Digest Books), gave high praise to Jeff's CD, "The Spin", calling it "honest, crafty, melodic and the songs are all exceptional". Patch.com called Jeff "a consummate songwriter".

*** Lesson Details ***
At the first lesson, I will ask you to tell me what songs you want to play and artists you want to play like and I will set the table for that by providing the chords you'll need, chord and scales and exercises to enable you to play them and guidelines and tricks on how to make it happen as quickly as possible. I know a wide variety of songs in all styles and styles, including current hit songs as well as pop, rock, blues, jazz, country songs. if you have a song or artist that I don't know already, I will learn it (often on the spot) and if not right then, at the next lesson. I have taught my students to play songs by artists as varied as Taylor Swift, U2, Jason Mraz, Adele, Eric Clapton, Django Reinhardt, Doc Watson. And that's just naming a few.

I always make it clear to my students at the first lesson: "There is no such thing as a stupid question". I want you to feel comfortable to stop me at any time to clarify what I am teaching you, ESPECIALLY if it is too difficult or vague. I pride myself on always being organized for your lesson and making sure that you grasp whatever it is I am teaching you. The goal is to get you to be able to play what you want as quickly as possible. This will take practice and dedication on your part, but I will do everything in my power to help you get there.

I never force anything on any of my students. but I feel it would be beneficial for you to learn to read music OR read tablature and chord diagrams. You tell me which one and we'll go in that direction. If you'd like to read music, then we can decide on a book for you. I have used Hal Leonard instructional books (with CD's! this way you can play with a backing track and get a sense of rhythm, which is very important), but I'm open to other method books you might have or like.

After 3 to 6 months, you will feel you are significantly more skilled on the guitar than you were before we started lessons. You will know more chords (and move from chord to chord), be able to do at least some basic fingerpicking and be able to read some music or tablature.

*** Specialties ***
Acoustic fingerstyle guitar (a la James Taylor, John Mayer, Eric Clapton, Keb' Mo', Jason Mraz, John Martyn, Jim Croce, etc.

Blues guitar a la Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Keb' Mo', Jorma Kaukonen, Ry Cooder, etc.

Bossa nova guitar

Songwriting (any aspect and any level; musically, lyrically, structurally, etc.)

the songs of Taylor Swift---quite a few of my younger students want to play her material, so I have about 15 songs ready to teach you and always learning more (by popular demand)

Adapting songs that are keyboard-based and creating arrangements of them for acoustic guitar. Examples include songs by Adele, songs by Elton John, Irina Menzel's huge hit song from "Frozen", John Legend's "All Of Me", Coldplay's "Viva La Vida", etc.

Recording on Garageband.
I became so skilled with Garageband that I was asked to give seminars at Apple Store locations, showcasing my recordings and how to use the program.

Voice-overs; performance, recording, etc.

idual desires and needs of each student. Fun "family-style" lessons with parent(s) and young children are also a new option.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Guitars, ukuleles, bass guitars, strum-sticks, various percussion instruments, ProTools Digi002, Garageband, Kurzweil 2500, Mac Pro Desktop computers, various keyboards, synthesizers and music composition/production software and amps.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Teacher brings instruments/supplies/books as needed, and can arrange to provide instruments for students as well.

*** Specialties ***
Individual or group instruction in folk, jazz, blues, rock, guitar/vocal performance coaching, songwriting, lyric writing, instrumental improvisation, digital media production/composition, iMovie, Garageband, "beat-making" and therapeutic music for youth, adult and special needs students. Tutoring/homework help in English, mac computers and basic academic subjects for K-12 and adult students. Technology (geek) help/support with computers, digital gadgets (especially Apple) for "non-techies".

marily in the Twin Cities area. Having earned his B.F.A. in Theater and Voice from the University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS, Dr. Felix based his singing career in New York City for twelve years, received his M.M. in voice performance from the Manhattan School of Music in New York, was on the Voice Faculty of Texas A & M University, Kingsville where he ran the opera department for two years, and then returned to Lawrence, KS to get his D.M.A. in Voice Performance. He then taught as Assistant Professor at Emporia State University in Emporia, KS for five years.

th titles including: assistant director, assistant stage manager, props master, costume assistant, set construction, costume construction.
During her senior years, she advanced as a Director for Good Kids by Naomi Iizuka, along with performing in shows such as Communicating Doors by Alan Ayckbourn, Uncommon Women and Others by Wendy Wasserstein, Theophilus North, by Thornton Wilder, and Matthew Burnett, Assistant Director for Months on End by Craig Pospisil, and Collegiate Sisterhood of Lake Pawtuckaway by Peter Ullian
Mariah went on and taught and assisted workshops and summer camps with Educational Improvisation LLC for 2 years with Peggy Eserkaln
She then jumped across the globe and landed an internship in Dublin Ireland teaching summer camps and workshops at the Independent Theatre Workshop under Gillian Oman.
She returned to Dublin after graduation for a 6 month placement with ITW teaching classes, Assistant Directing Disney's Beauty and the Beast Jr. Music by Alan Menken. Lyrics by Howard Ashman & Tim Rice. Book by Linda Woolverton. While at ITW Mariah also substituted for many classes, while working with the Agency and administration.
She has a love for stage makeup, improvisation, speech, and magic.- all fun gifts she brings to each class.
Mariah has been working with children for over a decade, she has a real love for the youth of the community and wants to bring her skill set to them, to help them have fun while they grow!
Mariah is also a member of the Artist as Citizen Leadership Network- through ASTEP (Artists Striving to End Poverty) where she constantly strives to connect art with activism