Top Singing & Voice Lessons in Scotch Plains, NJ

ts will learn Basic Components of Singing:
Pitch, Rhythm, Breath Control and Diction

Students will learn vital techniques to create a connected voice blending head, chest, and diaphragm. Students will learn warm-up exercises that strengthen vocal cords and loosen the muscles needed to produce a professional sound and the importance of singing exercises to achieve this objective.

Students will learn how to avoid the most common singing mistakes that prevent singers from producing a clean and professional vocal tone.
For the purpose of voice projection, students will learn to use the diaphragm, the muscles beneath the ribcage;
how to use emotions, enunciation, and clarity.
Students will learn to sing a favorite song with the focus on elements of singing.
Each lesson to begin with a brief review of previous.
*** Studio Equipment ***
CD Burner/SURE Microphone/Charts in various keys/Speaker System/Pitch Pipe/Recorder/keyboard/Metronome/Video Camera

which encompasses the vocal onset and the closure of the vocal folds. Students realize that proper breath management and producing tone go hand in hand. The ideal that the student and I work towards is a balance between superfluous air flow and and pressed pressure. This concept leads to a clean onset in which the edges of the vocal folds cleanly come together and stay closed during singing.

Students also learn how to negotiate and coordinate the vocal registers. This means that every student who walks into my studio learns where and what the larynx is. It is my job to be a second set of ears to help the student optimize his or her tone quality by maximizing vocal resonance. This concept may be different across genres, however every student learns how to begin coordinating the vocal process.

HOW I TEACH
My aim as a teacher of voice is to be flexible and innovative, and provide students with a clear and honest assessment. I strive to explain to each singer exactly how to complete a task, whether maintaining the position of inhalation or correcting posture. In lessons, I refrain from being demonstrative so that the student can find his or her own unique sound without attempting to copy my sound. I use this method so that the student learns how to be her own teacher. This way, the student will be able to identify and correct her own vocal problems. When I am not present, the student will have confidence in her skills and can make educated corrections in practice, rehearsals, and in performances.

TECHNIQUE
Throughout the course of lessons, it is my job to identify the most effective resonating space for the student and give her the skills to maintain that space. It is through the combination of effective breath management using appoggio and flow-phonation that the student becomes most efficient. Finding the most efficient technique for the student involves discovering the proper laryngeal position for the student’s voice type and by practicing continuity through all of the registers.

As all of the aspects of technique are being built in the studio, it is my job to ensure that I am building a musician. This means that I go over how the student needs to learn a piece and how to perform a piece. Often times with young students, they do not have the musical skills to teach themselves the pieces assigned. Sometimes the voice teacher’s job is to “plunk out the notes.” I highly encourage my students to take piano lessons and to use technology resources to aid them in building musicianship so they feel confident reading music. This process takes time, but it is the first step in building a competent performer.

MY GOALS
I always cater to the students tastes while still meeting requirements, if any. I believe that this fosters joy and excitement in music. My goal as a voice teacher not only involves building a good singer, but creating a performer. I make sure that I not only find performing opportunities for my students, but also I create them. Every semester I hold a studio recital for my students to perform their repertoire in front of an audience. In the Fall of 2015 I founded a local opera company in order to bring classical music to the community. My students made up the chorus of Handel’s Messiah that we performed that December. In addition, I have invited my students to participate in the church choir I direct every week. I believe that learning how to sing must take place in the studio, but the most important thing that I can do as a teacher is to make sure that the student knows how to transfer the skills learned in the classroom to real-world performing experiences.

APPROACH
I believe in a holistic approach to teaching, which involves connection to the text and acting. Though I cover many of these aspects in the studio, it is extremely beneficial for students to go outside of the studio and engage in physical courses such as yoga, Alexander technique, acting and dance. I personally engage in these activities to relate to my students and to be able to explain how we need to engage the body in singing. I also encourage my students to have coachings with other professionals to gain more insight into their repertoire.

Not every student who comes to my studio wants to sing opera. Many students want to sing in choir, in church, or just for fun. Overall, I always come from a place of acceptance and non judgement. Every voice is unique and I strive to help my students not only reach their goals, but surpass them.

San Francisco Bay Area native, Dr. Melissa McCann has been teaching voice and piano since 2010. Not only an avid teacher, Dr. McCann has performed in music festivals all over the world including The American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria, Accademia Europa dell’Opera in Lucca, Italy, Angel Vocal Art in Los Angeles, CA, Russian Opera Workshop in Philadelphia, PA, and Highlands Opera Studio in Haliburton, Ontario. Melissa has also performed with companies including Opera San Jose, The Napa Valley Music Association, The San Francisco Youth Chamber Orchestra, Opera on the Spot, and The Solano Chamber Society.
Melissa earned her Doctorate of Musical Arts in Vocal Performance, Pedagogy, and Literature from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA with Kevin McMillan. During her time in Harrisonburg, Melissa founded Harrisonburg Opera Theatre and was the church choir director at Sunnyside Retirement Community Meredith Chapel.
Dr. McCann completed her Post-Graduate Artist Diploma in Voice at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music under the tutelage of acclaimed opera singer, Deborah Voigt. While in San Francisco, Melissa interned in the Education Department of San Francisco Opera and taught Kindergarten and First grade music with the San Francisco Conservatory in the Schools mentor-ship program. She also received a full scholarship to attend the Rubin Institute for Music Criticism.

Melissa earned her Masters of Fine Arts in Vocal Performance from the University of California, Irvine at the Claire Trevor School of the Arts where she sang the National Anthem for President Barack Obama at the school’s 50thAnniversary Celebration. At UC Irvine, Dr. McCann received critical acclaim for her portrayal of Euridice in Gluck's Orfeo ed Euridice, and as the Soprano in Pergolesi's Stabat Mater.

Melissa specializes in the Alfred Series for piano and My First Piano Adventure for young students. This approach focuses on ear training and reading music. Custom exercises and choice of material is based on the student's level and field of study. Lessons are scheduled at the student's convenience as per availability. Frequency and length of lessons is based on the students needs.

Young voice students are taught general concepts, music theory, and ear training. After the voice is more mature, advanced and serious vocal study can be pursued. Melissa's students receive a well-rounded training in the style of their choice: Classical, Popular, Musical Theatre, and Jazz.

Melissa emphasizes on solid technique, posture, breathing, and control, in addition to music fundamentals.

Hotel, Richmond County Opera, The Cotton Club, Iridium Jazz Club, and for TOHO Entertainment in Japan. Arlette’s album credits include: “Love Again” released in 2001, and soon to be released “Windmills” both on the Renesants Records label.

Subjects Taught:
Broadway, Pop, Jazz, Gospel, R&B, Belting, Performance, vocal anatomy, coaching for local competitions, and upcoming events and auditions, guided repertoire coaching, Psychology of the voice..

LESSON STRUCTURE
Every week. I do not teach bi-monthly lessons.

A NOTE TO THE STUDENT
I am so glad that you are looking into finding a voice teacher who fits your unique style, personality, and being. I love teaching voice. I love seeing my students go from where they are when they first arrive in my studio to auditioning with confidence, or singing in Broadway shows and bands, recording albums, and participating in open mics with ease and grace. It is my sincere hope to create a singer in every family! Maybe if we have a singer in every family, there will be less violence in our sometimes turbulent world. If it is your dream to be a singer, I encourage you to pursue it with abandon!

rs!

Academie Internationale D’Été Nice in France where he will work under the guidance of Lorraine Nubar and Dalton Baldwin. He has also studied with Terence Goff, Catherine Green, and Sandia Ang. He currently teaches at The Great Neck Summer School Musical Theatre Program where he assists Dr. Pamela Levy. He has performed in masterclasses with Jane Marsh (Metropolitan Opera Guild) and Donata D’Annunzio Lombardi (CLA). He is a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing.

He recently joined the Music Faculty at Joyce Music Center. Gio X maintains a private studio in NYC/Long Island.