Saltillo, MS Ear Training Lessons

ming. In middle and high school I did many musicals (Jekyll and Hyde, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Oliver, Miss Saigon, Little Shop of Horrors, Footloose, Kiss Me Kate, and Cats) and sang in the choir (including the California All State Honor Choir and Jazz Choir). I played guitar in the school Jazz Band and participated in many jam sessions out of school. I also participated in many piano competitions, including ones for my own composition (I received an honorable mention for one of my own piano works). In college, I received a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Redlands. I have recently completed my Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Redlands. I have performed many opera roles including Suor Angelica in Puccini's Suor Angelica, Violetta in Verdi's La Traviata, the Queen of the Night in Mozart's The Magic Flute, and Fiordiligi in Mozart's Cosi Fan Tutte, and Najade in Strauss' Ariadne auf Naxos. I was also in the University Chapel Singers Choir, Madrigals Choir, and Treblemakers a Capella Jazz choir. I currently reside in Germany where I am teaching online lessons to students all over the world, teaching English, and pursuing an opera career. So far I have sung the role of the Queen of the Night in Weimar, Germany and have done a few concerts singing Christine from the Phantom of the Opera.

"Hard work beats talent if talent does not work hard." This is my favorite quote. I truly believe that hard work will take you anywhere, no matter where your starting point is. With hard work and determination, you can be anything you want to be. With motivation, anyone can be a beautiful singer, guitarist, and pianist. If I did not believe this with all my heart, I would not be where I am today. To me, every student has great potential. It is my job and joy to bring out that potential and cultivate it into talent, love, and passion.

LESSON DETAILS

My lessons are fun and rewarding. I do not believe that a critical environment is one that is healthy or pleasant to learn in. Therefore, I am a very encouraging, patient, and supportive teacher, and I will praise you for your improvements, as well as help you correct your difficulties. I like to think of my lessons as a team effort, with more emphasis on working together and having fun. With that being said, I believe that you get what you put in out of our lessons. The more you practice and the more you show me determination and motivation, the more we can have fun, improve technique, and really make music in our lessons.

I customize each lesson to my student, so you tell me what you want to sing or play and what your goals as a musician are, and I will instruct you (or your child) in the exact way that fits your goals and interests. After a couple months with me, you will have a new found passion for music, knowledge of proper technique, reading and diction, and the skills to perform and communicate pieces of music. Most importantly, you will have the time of your life!

My voice lessons consist of vocal warm-ups where you learn proper technique and posture, breathing exercises to expand your diaphragm and support when you sing, and Repertoire work where you apply the technique you learned, practice performance skills, and learn diction of English, Italian, German, Hebrew, or French.

My guitar and piano lessons start with learning how to read music (if you do not know already) and being familiar with the keys or frets and the notes on the staff. Then we work on pieces of music, paying attention to the key factors of musicianship including rhythm, interpretation, dynamics, composition, musicality, and performance practice. My music theory lessons are based on whatever the student wants to learn or needs instruction on. I teach anywhere from basic music notation to advanced harmonic and formal analysis.

My speaking and lessons are similar to my voice lessons, minus the singing aspect-the same technique we use for singing is the technique we must use for speaking if we want to be heard, be healthy, and not get tired or worse - lose our voice. We work on breathing and projection techniques and then practice on a reading sample or presentation.

My acting lessons consist of different improv-acting games, projection techniques, and monologue and role studies. You will learn how to communicate a message to the audience clearly and effectively while having a wonderful time!

My language and tutoring classes are focused on fluency-getting comfortable speaking in the target language. We go through chapters of a lesson plan I created myself-learning vocabulary and grammar by learning the functions of them and completing speaking goals. After just a few lessons, you will find that you will be able to converse in your target language. Your individual pace is the most important to me, so we learn at the speed that you are the most comfortable with.

All I expect from you is to bring a pencil, a good attitude, and the willingness to practice and work hard in our lessons, and I will supply the rest! Looking forward to hearing your beautiful music or voice!

with two parents who were professional musicians (mom is a concert pianist) and I also raised 3 children who are professional musicians. We made music our native language in our home. We all have the ability to speak music when it is spoken to us. I don’t ever remember not playing the piano. I started winning piano competitions in high school. I minored in piano, and then did additional post graduate work in piano. I “speak” piano. It has served me so well as a teacher, composer, opera coach. It is really a gateway to understanding all other instruments. The same scenario with my singing.

I began my professional career as an opera singer which has taken me around the world. I have premiered works by Leonard Bernstein and Samuel Adler in addition to principal roles and concert work with Pittsburgh Opera, The Pittsburgh Symphony, Dayton Opera, the Tuscia Opera Festival and hundreds of professional engagements. I have also had the wonderful opportunity to belt the National Anthem for several major league teams in a television appearance- and has done so on multiple occasions. (Pittsburgh Pirates, Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati Reds) I am passionate about vocal jazz and musical theater and am frequently found as a performer in various national and regional venues. Feature concert works include PBS (Gershwin in Concert) as well as featured solo concert works (Pergolesi Stabat Mater) on Italian Public TV.

My approach to music has always been to do what you love. I have never limited myself as a performer to a genre or an instrument. I have explored, applied myself to and enjoyed a very diverse musical career. If you have a passion for an instrument or style of music let's start there first... and then let's discover together all the things you do that uniquely define your musicianship style.

*** Lesson Details ***
Your lessons will always be engaging, challenging and fun!

I am very consistent in my approach to technique, my focus on goals and my demand for excellence. I constantly am working to access with you what your goals are and to provide feedback and support to help you achieve them.

I am very flexible in utilizing a wide variety of repertoire, resources etc. Your lessons are personalized to your skill set and your musical interests. I utilize audio and video recordings almost every week for all my students. I routinely promote and encourage my students to participate in a wide variety of competitions, recitals, workshops and master classes.

I have a very low turnover rate for students and a very high rate of students who have progressed to professional full time careers in music. Students like being a part of my studio and really like the confidence they have in their music abilities in a very short period of time.

I do not use the same curriculum for all students, in face, each curriculum is customized for that student. The components are similar: technique, repertoire, theory, listening, composing, recording and performing.

You can expect the following:You will feel very encouraged and supported in your talent. You will have measurable improvement in your skills. You will have a personal advocate to encourage and direct you in finding and creating opportunities to succeed in your music personally, academically and professionally.

I can't wait to get started!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Professional studio with 6' Pramberger Grand Piano, recording and video equipment, and a music library including instruments and books w/ seating for parents

*** Travel Equipment ***
Digital music library, digital recorder, iPad

*** Specialties ***
Classical, musical theater, jazz and pop.

Currently Offering Group Master Classes for Vocal Training.

~2 hour group class for $40.00~

Feel free to reach out regarding dates and give Takelessons a call to book the lessons.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can travel with a sax, flute, guitar, electric bass, and a didgeridoo....

*** Specialties ***
I'm a jazz musician! But I listen to and perform all styles of music. I have written string quartets, been the front man for a funk band, and recorded every style of music under the sun. I can teach Bach and the Beatles and explain how/ and why they intersect and are similar musically.

ed violin teachers who have sought me out to improve their techniques for best teaching practices. From my 30+ years of private violin teaching and observing how children learn, I developed a super fun groundbreaking class in New York City for 2.5 to 5 year old beginners called Crackerjack Kidz! And a few years ago, I wrote a text to accompany young students and their families.

I continuously work to be a master teacher dedicated to the very best methods, using a variety and combination of techniques and strategies tailored to the student's musical success and enjoyment.

My specialties include music-based early childhood development, adult beginners and continuing learners, intermediate and advanced players, and chamber music coaching.

I welcome you to start your family's musical journey with me!

*** Lesson Details ***
While each lesson is different, we always try to spend a little time warming up, making sure we're comfortable and free of tension, reviewing what we've worked on, and layering in new concepts each time. We also learn age appropriate music theory (the "why's" of how music works), we exercise our imaginations, and we learn how to effectively practice.

We learn to think, solve problems, hear the music in our minds, and coordinate our bodies to play beautifully! Along the way we learn skills for life, the joy of accomplishment, and love of ourselves and others!

Whether you're a toddler or a senior, violin can always teach new things and help students appreciate more about themselves and the world!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Music room with keyboard and computer. Parents can sit it on lessons, and are enouraged to do so with young students.

*** Specialties ***
I'm a classically trained violinist and a master teacher with over 30 years of experience. I've been teaching Suzuki violin to children ages 3 and up for my whole career, and I'm also extremely comfortable with traditional methods for beginner, intermediate, and advanced students of any age.

My specialties include:
music-based early childhood development
adult beginners and continuing learners
intermediate and advanced players
chamber music coaching.

al needs of each music student. I am well versed at solving problems and helping students thrive and reach their full potential. I think that I do this best by personalizing the instruction experience for each unique situation. I love to encourage students and help them discover the music in them.

*** Lesson Details ***
Like me, students can expect to enjoy the process. Students will discover that I am very encouraging during lessons. I keep everything upbeat and positive. I will help you come up with goals musically. I am very patient, all while coaching you so that you get positive results.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Upright Baldwin piano, electronic keyboard 88 keys, music stands, sitting area for parent, CD/iPod stereo.

*** Specialties ***
Jazz, Gospel, Pop, Classical, Various styles

that it should always be fun!

he highest level (and of course, have a blast doing it!) I have a passion for teaching, and would love to have you as my student!

more. Lessons with me will be built around your own unique personal goals and are scheduled to best fit to the student’s schedule when possible.