Leonia Performing Arts Classes

ays on Broadway, writing your own songs, and developing show-biz career strategy, (headshots, meeting agents/managers, etc) I help TIYA members every day achieve their artistic dreams.

MORE INFO:
I have been singing since I was 3, anything and everything from Michael Jackson to Elvis Presley to Luciano Pavarotti. Originally from Colorado, I studied music/theatre, as well as vocal pedagogy at The University of Colorado at Boulder, where I graduated with highest honors. I made my Broadway debut in "The Phantom of the Opera" at age 24. I also performed in "Chess in concert" as a featured rock tenor soloist at the New Amsterdam Theatre on Broadway with Josh Groban. I have understudied and performed lead roles in the first AEA National Tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s "Whistle Down the Wind." Regionally, I have played many lead roles all over the United States in productions including "Les Miserables," "Miss Saigon," "The Wild Party," and "She Loves Me."

As an ASCAP recording artist, currently I am working in the studio with a full production team on my first pop/rock album. I also often sing on demos for producers and write songs for other artists in many different genres.

As a TV/Film actor, most recently I was on set with Marvel's "Luke Cage" on Netflix, and I played the lead role of (Abraham) Lincoln in the digital series pilot, "These Honored Dead." I also have played lead roles in 4 SAG-AFTRA short films, as well as the comedic lead in a SAG-AFTRA Web-series pilot, "Bodega Nights." I was called back for producers as a Series Regular for "The Knick," an episodic series produced and directed by Steven Soderbergh on Cinemax. Check out: stephenhorst.com.

My audition prep will help you master your sides for any playing space; Broadway plays/musicals and especially on camera.

TIYA clients include (aspiring) Broadway performers, Film and TV actors, singer-songwriters, voice-over artists, news anchors, dancers, comedians, CEO's all over the world, as well as karaoke enthusiasts, and songwriting hobbyists.

My TIYA members have performed on television in Smash, Glee, and venues around NYC ranging from The Underground, Le Poisson Rouge, Drom, Cornelia Street Cafe, Arlene’s Grocery, to the Broadway productions of Ghost, Sister Act, Evita, Wicked, West Side Story, South Pacific, The Phantom of the Opera, and Rent to name a few.

*** Lesson Details ***
We will always work on whatever you want.

For Singing, as a vocal technician/trainer I am like going to the gym for your voice. My exercises are safe, simple, and most importantly, I teach you how to practice correctly.

For ACTing, we can explore both the foundation itself with monologues and scenes, as well as the tricks of the trade mastering the camera frame and how to create memorable auditions for TV/Film.

For Songwriting, we can explore the fundamentals of both lyrics and music, as well as catchy hooks, production, and song structure.

You may use my time however you wish (Voice, Acting, Songwriting, or Artistic/Career guidance).

Most vocal sessions will usually be a combination of strengthening/ conditioning exercises, and then exploring/performing a song.

Most ACTing sessions will be theatre monologues, TV/Film sides and/or On camera auditioning craft.

Career consultations usually include how to get an agent, headshots, branding, and marketing to align your artistic dreams with a strategy for success.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Yamaha PSR 950 61-key arranger keyboard
Sony Handycam DCR-SR 100
Fovitec Studio PRO - 5' x 6.5' Gray/Blue screen
MacBook Pro 13-inch: 2.4GHz
with Retina display
Yamaha FG700S Acoustic Guitar
Bose Wave Music System
iPhone 6S plus

*** Specialties ***
SINGING, ACTING, SONGWRITING, CONSULTING

The TIYA vocal training method is uniquely my own as it combines both Bel Canto and Speech Level Singing. Emphasis is on developing a relaxed, released, authentic vocal timbre to sing in any style. Concepts explored include: Coordination, Registration, and Intonation. Chest, Head, Edge, and Pharyngel registration, 2 instruments in 1, posture, breath management, vocal cord adduction, trigger phrases, ring, consistency, and more. 

Music Theory, Sight Singing, and Songwriting. I also specialize in the following instruments: Trumpet and Piano/Keyboards. As a trumpeter, I have competed twice in international competitions presented by the International Trumpet Guild, and have participated in two audition based international intensive programs: at the School for Improvisational Music, and at the Banff Center in Alberta Canada. I was one of only two jazz trumpeters in the world to receive an audition for the 2014 Juilliard Artist Diploma Program in Jazz Trumpet, and besides touring as a musician in over 5 countries, I have served as an educator for the Afro-Latin Jazz Alliance created by GRAMMY-winning pianist Arturo O'Farrill, as well as the Gramercy Brass Orchestra of New York City.

I have also been practicing various forms of meditation practices and Yoga practices for the past 3 years. My influences span from Astral Projection to Reiki, to Vipassana Meditation, to Visualization Techniques, and much more. I believe and live by the idea that creativity is an energy that flows through us, and one's creative abilities can be improved and expanded, through the emotional body, which is influenced by one's perceptions. Throughout my training in music and the arts, I have realized that creative flow and love for what one is and does can be applied to anything in life.

Because of my 9+ years experience as a professional artist living in New York City, my students receive both guidance in discovering their own voice and comfort within their desired field of practice, and also practical approaches to retain and utilize their training and pre-ordained skill sets, with self-application and diligence. Through study with me, my students enable themselves to swiftly make progress and move toward a life of renewed purpose and fulfilment. Through specific assignments, exercises, and practices my students foster a real relationship with their instruments, and themselves, thus unlocking their creative minds, for usage in all aspects of their lives.

I teach out of a my home apartment studio on the upper east side, complete with weighted 88-key digital piano, Bose high quality speakers, recording equipment, as well as musical media, and tablature spanning many musical genres, cultures and time periods. I also am equipped with a spacious floor space for Yoga, Pilates, Weight Lifting, Meditation, and more. Additionally, I am able to travel to any location within the five boroughs for an additional travel fee (TBD based on location).

I look forward to helping you realize your potential! Let's get started...

grams and high school and college preparation workshops throughout the New York and New Jersey areas.

lude your area and availability in your messages!

I would prefer to teach students with professional or aerobic goals. Social dancing is not one of my subjects.

ofessional opera and musical theatre companies, in additional to large choral works as a soloist, and have a private studio in Washington Heights.

Prior to NYC I taught middle school choir for 200+ students, of which I received teacher of the year in 2012. I also still hold a valid teaching license in the state of Indiana and currently applying toward my NYS teaching certification.

I look forward to hearing your beautiful voice and helping you to embrace music. Feel free to check out my website for any further information!