Atkinson, NH Singing Lessons

guitar, voice training and live performance.

Along with his own private teaching practice Billy also has taught at Governor’s Academy (Byfield), Music Makers (Hampton NH) and is current the guitar and voice teacher at National Music (Woburn).

*** Lesson Details ***
Identify your goals and take over the world! Educate and motivate!

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have a recording studio in my home.

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

youth productions, or teaching the next generation of music lovers how to navigate the keys. And while I perform mostly Broadway-style music now, my classical training continues to serve me well; using good technique not only allows me to play more accurately and expressively, it also protects me from injuries that might otherwise arise from long rehearsals and a busy performance schedule.

I'm excited about where my musical journey has taken me, and I look forward to helping you start or continue yours.

*** Lesson Details ***
I'm serious about making sure my students learn basic skills, like reading notes and rhythms and learning to interpret music artistically, that will serve them not only as developing pianists but in any future musical endeavors. To that end, I choose method books (such as the Faber Piano Adventures series) and supporting materials that build a strong foundation of musical knowledge, and I help each student construct a practice schedule that's appropriate to his or her level.

However, although I do maintain a certain amount of structure, I am very patient and relaxed in my approach to each individual student. I recognize that not everyone learns at the same speed or in the same way, so as long as I can tell you're putting in the effort, I will also try my hardest to find what works for you! And I know it's easiest to stay motivated when working on music you love, so I like to supplement the regular lesson materials with music of the student's choice, whether that means offering a selection of level-appropriate classical pieces, helping locate an arrangement of a favorite song, or coming up with our own arrangement if a good one doesn't already exist. And while my own background is strongest in classical and Broadway styles, I'm happy to have students work on music from any genre. One of the best parts of teaching is when I get to learn something new as well.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Malden studio: Dedicated studio with 88-key weighted keyboard, recording equipment, and large collection of sheet music. Parents can sit in on lessons or wait downstairs. Parking in driveway or on street. We have cats.

Bedford studio: Front room setup for lessons with upright piano and stereo. Laptop available to record lessons. Parents can sit in on lessons. Parking available in driveway and street.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I would expect the student to provide a piano or suitable keyboard (88 keys, weighted keys or at least somewhat touch-sensitive, with a clear piano sound). For vocal students, it would be helpful for them to have a separate music stand as well.

*** Specialties ***
In terms of vocal music, I am definitely most comfortable with Broadway-style repertoire, but I have experience with some of the classical repertoire as well. As a pianist I have a solid classical background but am also very familiar with Broadway playing styles; I think I've done a little of everything at this point, so I could adapt to any interests my students might have. I am trained in the Taubman piano technique, which focuses on healthy, effective motions, so I try to incorporate some elements of that in my teaching, to the extent
that I think a particular student will benefit from it.

As for methods: for beginning and intermediate piano students I tend to use the Faber Piano Adventures series, supplemented by additional exercise books (Dozen a Day, for example), simple classical pieces (Bastien publishes a book that I like), or other materials depending on the student's interest and level of achievement (pop, Broadway, etc.). For advanced students I would use different exercise books (Hanon, Czerny, etc.) and focus more on repertoire than method, continuing to teach theory and technique as it comes up.

For vocal students I have mostly stuck to whatever materials/repertoire the student was most interested in, plus vocal exercises to support any problems or challenges they might be working on (e.g., range, vowel formation, learning a healthy mix/belt technique).

nterested in exploring. I am also able to provide a solid foundation of proper breath management, vocal exercises focusing on pitch and technique, and sight-reading. My goal is for you to be able to thoroughly develop your skills as a singer and performer!

*** Lesson Details ***
I am laid-back but hardworking and expect an equal level of commitment from my students. I am primarily interested in teaching beginner-intermediate level pupils. Prospective students can expect to start each lesson with vocal exercises focusing on breath support, posture and pitch. Any professional performer understands the importance of warming up prior to performing! Once properly warmed up, you give your voice the range and flexibility it needs to sing beautifully and effectively! I encourage note-taking as well as recording the lessons either on cassette or even your cellphone to assist in practicing on your own between lessons. Depending on my students level of experience, I will then decide which songs to work on that would best fit your range and area of interest. Once a certain amount of progress has been made I will open the doors to my students deciding on songs they'd like to work on specifically as well. After 3-6 months, I would anticipate my students to be able to effectively warm-up their voices on their own through exercises we will have covered, at least a basic understanding of how to sight-read your melody and certainly have a handful of songs memorized and ready to add to your repertoire!

*** Studio Equipment ***
living room portable keyboard seating for parents

*** Travel Equipment ***
I would bring my keyboard to each lesson unless one was provided (tuned pianos are okay as well). I would also bring music and texts that I would find beneficial to each particular student. I would expect my student to provide a journal to take notes and track progress. Also, though not necessary in all cases, I would expect my student to have sheet music for songs they're interested in learning as well as CD/cassette/MP3/etc. of songs they're interested in learning.

*** Specialties ***
I would start with a foundation of proper warm-ups, breathing techniques, and vocal exercises with me accompanying on piano. We would then spend the second half of the lesson working on songs primarily of my students choosing. I would be comfortable with just about any genre thus being able to cater to each one of my student's unique areas of interest.

I have taught voice on faculty at Camp Encore/Coda, music composition with Classroom Cantatas, and private voice lessons out of my home studio, currently in Somerville. I've also taught for 2 after school programs and 3 summer camps. I've studied piano, both classical and jazz, for a total of 15 years. I have studied a variety of musical topics at college, from theory and composition to singing and conducting, to music technology, recording and engineering. I've performed and directed in diverse styles ranging from early music to broadway musicals, jazz to classic rock, American to Swedish.

*** Lesson Details ***
Your voice is simultaneously the most natural, intuitive instrument we know, and among the most complex. Every person's voice is unique, so lessons are not about fitting your voice to some imagined ideal. Rather, lessons are an opportunity to learn how to utilize your strengths, minimize your weaknesses, while maintaining your own unique sound.

You'll learn how to:
- Use your breath effectively to support your voice.
- Reduce tension, to keep your voice healthy and help your voice last longer.
- Make more sound with less muscle work, through resonance.
- Involve your whole body, to produce a fuller sound.
- Make good artistic choices, which reflect your own unique perspective.
...and much more, according to your goals.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Studio room with full weighted keyboard and seating for parents.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can reliably reach students 5 miles away, traveling by bike or public transit depending on the student's location.

I prefer students to have a piano or keyboard, though we can work without one if necessary. My keyboard is too bulky to be carried around for each lesson. If a keyboard is not available, we can work without one, and I will bring a tuning fork for starting pitches.

*** Specialties ***
I sing in a variety of styles, including classical, broadway, and jazz, both sacred and secular, from around the world. I have extensive knowledge of music theory, and 15 years experience as a pianist. Although I do not currently teach piano, my ability to accompany vocalists during lessons is very helpful for students.

al needs and goals. Always an emphasis on FUN! My philosophy as a teacher is to give you the tools and help you develop skills with them so that you can learn and grow musically on your own! I look forward to helping you reach and achieve all your goals!

that all individuals learn and grow at their own pace.