Las Vegas, NV Speaking Voice Lessons

o become, well… better musicians!

projects. Her song, "The Power of Faith," that she wrote for the Ever Increasing Faith broadcast can be heard all over the world daily on both television and radio. Because of her meticulous instruction, many of her students have gone on to obtain professional careers in the entertainment and music industry. Keisha Renee is currently a The Voice 2017 Team Blake competitor and has been back up singer and opener for the amazing R & B singer, JoJo. Keisha has also sang backups on the P Diddy 2016 Bad Boy reunion tour, she's also a member of Team Minaj as Nicki Minaj's main back up singer as well as numberous others. Julia Michaels, is currently one of America's leading songwriter/vocalist having sold 50 million copies of her songs worldwide and her newest single "Issues" has topped the Billboard chart. Julia was also the first American to ever sing for the closing ceremonies of the 2016 Olympics. Amber Riley, another of her students, was a main cast member playing "Mercedes" on the 10 year Award winning TV show, "Glee" and is currently playing the lead role of "Effie" on the Broadway musical, "Dream Girls".

As a teacher, I get immense satisfaction from seeing my students excel and fly using the techniques and tools that I have taught them," Cyndi says beaming with pride. "My students have done tremendous things in the industry and it is my pleasure to continue to pass down the nuggets of wisdom and skill that I've obtained from over 30 years in the entertainment business."

Cyndi's training began at age 8 where she studied classical piano for 6 years. By age 15, she and her brother released their first independent single which did reasonably well locally. By age 19, while studying music at Ohio University, she along with her brother won "Right On" magazine's nationwide talent search and were offered two major recording contracts. She decided to sign with Philadelphia International Records under the auspices of Grammy Award winning producer, Thom Bell (who was recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame). She studied under Thom Bell and it was there that she learned the art of record production. She also studied vocal production under legendary Grammy Award winning producer, Hal Davis (Jackson five fame). Cyndi was taught proper vocal technique by vocal trainer to the stars, Seth Riggs and continued her private studies learning the vocal techniques of the great Alan Linquist. Her teaching style has subsequently morphed into a combination of all these great inspirational instructors.

As a teacher, Cyndi is kind, patient and extremely enthusiastic when it comes to instructing her students. Her students always see her as their friend and one who they know will bring out the best in them and desires that they grow to their fullest potential.

*** Lesson Details ***
When you come to Cyndi for voice lessons, you can rest assured that your vocals will never be the same. She is as comfortable teaching the beginner as she is instructing the seasoned professional who wants to hone their skills even further. She can always bring something out of you that you didn't know was there. Maybe it's the confidence that she exudes when she instructs, maybe it's her innate ability to know what's needed at any given time to make the student better. But whatever it is, you can rest assured that your lesson will be fun, thorough, and the lesson plan that she devises will cause you to arrive at the musical goals that you've set for yourself. She can help you or your child prepare for upcoming auditions, as well as any other scheduled performance. Cyndi will create a lesson plan that will certainly be tailor-made for your style and needs.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Piano

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can bring my Cd player to play tracks etc....the student should have a recording device to record the lesson, whatever performance tracks we'd be working from, and a keyboard would be helpful but not necessary.

*** Specialties ***
My style of vocal training concentrates on singing in the 'Ng" position and using cuperto as the primary way to produce more tone with less effort. I also train my students to breath properly utilizing the lower lumbar area along with breathing from their diaphragm. I generally train vocal students in all genres of music and I stress stage presence in conjunction with proper vocal technique.

network television variety program, "The Gene Carroll Show", that was a television institution for over 30 years in the Midwest. I was a featured performer on that program for over 7 years, all the while perfecting the art of "playing to a camera." This experience was invaluable, and the knowledge I gathered is now included in my curriculum. I also began performing a solo act in the nightclub circuit at the age of 15, performing up and down the "north coast" from Cleveland, OH, (my home), to Erie. PA. At a very young age, I learned the difficult art of choosing musical material and pacing a show; also adapting to performing under a myriad of conditions with a vast array of musical accompaniment. After graduating college with a degree in Business Administration and Marketing, I assembled my own band, and took to the road. That experience eventually brought the act to Las Vegas in 1982. Over the years my show has been a staple in major casino cabarets in Las Vegas, and all over Nevada. Since my first engagement at The Landmark Hotel in the early 1980's, I have literally been up and down the famed Las Vegas Strip many times over. The Desert Inn, The Dunes, The Stardust, The Maxim, The Tropicana, New York New York, Mandalay Bay, MGM, Bally's, The Flamingo, The Imperial Palace, The Four Queens, The Golden Nugget, The Fremont, The Venetian, The Palazzo, and a three year engagement at The Riviera. My show is truly comprised of musical variety; classics, show tunes, jazz, rock, blues, r&b, country. Even a presentation of "Music of the Night" from Phantom of the Opera, that I perform in full costume. It is this ability to successfully deliver an extensive repertoire that I am enthusiastic about passing along to the next generation of entertainers.

I have been truly blessed in my career to have experienced so many highlights; too many to document. From winning an understudy roll in the Broadway Musical "Platinum" starring Hollywood actress Alexis Smith, to performing our National Anthem at events ranging from Major League Baseball to ESPN Boxing to receptions for major dignitaries, to recording 7 albums and a full-length video, to being asked to perform for Mr. Frank Sinatra at the Frank Sinatra Celebrity Golf Tournament, I have lived a full life on stage, learning and absorbing every bit of knowledge gathered along the way.
Now it is my desire to escalate my status as an educator to a more "one on one" experience; availing myself the opportunity to pass along that wealth of knowledge to individual students who aspire to enjoy the entertainment profession as I have, providing them with the skills needed to successfully compete. Or, should it be their choice not to pursue entertainment as a vocation, to gain a working understanding of all facets of their instrument so as to gain a better appreciation of music. Whatever the goal of the student, I feel that I am equipped to provide them with the tools needed to achieve that goal.

*** Lesson Details ***
Content of Sessions

Generally, the first 10-15 minutes of each lesson will be focused on vocal warm up and exercise. (For guitar students, we will review the previous
week's assignment). For Vocal Students, it is understood that the voice mechanism is made up of muscles, and as an athlete prepares for a sporting event, a singer must prepare to vocalize. It is at this time in our lesson when the student will develop good habits of voice maintenance, which will serve them well throughout their careers. The proper care and preservation of the vocal unit cannot be stressed enough, especially for pubescent and pre-pubescent students. Vocal chords in a developmental stage are most susceptible to damage, and because they are particularly sensitive, they must be handled with care. Our warm up regimen is designed to strengthen as well as preserve the singing voice.

I am not an advocate of getting too involved and "bogged down" in the technical aspects of singing, especially with the young students, and
especially early in our program. This is not to say that breath control, tonality, pitch, etc. are not vital to good singing, because these workings are ESSENTIAL, and their application will certainly be incorporated into our studies. Some instructors, on occasion, have a tendency to lose sight of the fact that much to do with singing happens "naturally", and too much focus on the "technical" can actually be inhibiting. This can alter a beautiful, natural tone into one that is unnatural and contrived.

I adhere to the philosophy that above all else, SINGERS WANT TO SING SONGS, and musicians-in-training want to play music. That is our focus, and all of our training is conceived with that objective in mind. All the technical knowledge and coaching serves no purpose without practical application. It is my belief that the most significant progress occurs when a vocalist is singing a song.

Nearly every element of instruction can be utilized in the performance of one song. This is why the majority of our session time will be spent "in song". For the very young student, we will concentrate our efforts with the students choices of favorite and familiar songs. The older students will undoubtedly have favorite songs, styles and artists. Special attention will be paid to the genre most enjoyed by the student, but diversity will be emphasized as well, and a variety of genres will be unpacked and explored. I believe that whatever a student's musical goals and aspirations, it is in their best interest to gain knowledge and insight in all facets of music, singing, and performance.

The most vital pre-requisite for any student is their enthusiasm. My ambition will be to harness that enthusiasm and channel it productively through stimulating instruction. Our sessions will be informative and educational, but always predicated upon "having fun with music".

I am proud to feature a curriculum that emphasizes the entertainment aspect of singing as well as the technical; created to benefit all ages and experience levels, from beginner to seasoned professional. After just weeks of my "Triple Threat Training" a student will begin to see astounding results: vocally, musically, and in the art of performance. I am excited to share my knowledge with you. Let's get started!

*** Studio Equipment ***
My studio is equipped with a full vocal sound system with microphones that I utilize to teach the valuable art of mic technique. Young students enjoy using the mics and hearing themselves sing and perform. Since our lessons are predicated on enjoying the art of singing, this opportunity has proven invaluable. For the advanced performer, studying all aspects of amplification and what a singer should know about their stage sound is a part of our educational curriculum. My studio is furnished with the equipment that is essential to mastering that knowledge.
Since the practical aspect of my course is based on singing songs, I provide all the latest technology required to allow my students the opportunity to sing the songs of their choosing, with and without the lead vocal tracks. I feel that when students are singing their favorite songs, it offers me the greatest teaching opportunities. I make certain the every musical genre can be represented, and feel I have the knowledge and ability to guide the student is whatever their musical tastes. My studio is also equipped with piano (for vocal exercises), and guitars, which gives me opportunity to accompany my students when the musical moment is appropriate. Be assured that all the technology I need to fulfill the educational needs of my students is but a step away!!

for excellence in all that I do. This mentality has undoubtedly motivated my teaching career. My students can count on a teacher who is prepared and creative in developing a learning experience that will exponentially €œgrow€ them in their creative field.
I inherited my love for singing from my Mum -- as a child I watched her perform and wished that I could one day do the same. At the age of 16, after auditioning, I was selected to be a part of the New South Wales Senior (High School) State Choir and as a result, I toured the USA in 1999 representing the Australian Embassy in the United States. This was around the same time that I caught €œthe bug€ and decided to pursue music as a career. I then went on to study music, first briefly at the Music Conservatorium in Sydney and then finishing my Bachelor's degree in Music at the University of Western Sydney. I was first classically trained vocally and with that background, moved onto more contemporary vocal styles. After marrying my husband, I moved to Las Vegas and began to study Counseling/Psychology at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Music and Counseling, to me, made the perfect marriage as I love music and love people equally. Needless to say, teaching music and helping people has made my life very fulfilling.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Recording Equipment
Intelligent Piano
Sitting area for Parents/Guardian
I will provide students with the necessary materials needed for instruction for e.g. Books, CDs, DVDs...etc

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in vocal techniques, and diaphragm/breathing techniques.
As far as style or genre are concerned, I use both, my experience in classical voice training and contemporary voice training, to keep my students engaged in their craft. I listen well to my student's needs and meet them where they are at, ensuring that I meet their creative goals and not my own.

//takelessons.com/blog/study-skills-for-high-school
http://takelessons.com/blog/literature-study-guides
http://takelessons.com/blog/kinesthetic-learning-strategies

Acting
http://takelessons.com/blog/first-lesson-acting-exercises
http://takelessons.com/blog/becoming-an-actor-no-experience

Foreign Language
http://takelessons.com/blog/learning-a-new-language
http://takelessons.com/blog/best-language-learning-software

Miscellaneous
http://takelessons.com/blog/how-to-request-a-letter-of-recommendation
http://takelessons.com/blog/tutors-for-special-needs-students

Let's learn and grow together!

*** Lesson Details ***
Lessons with me are structured, yet flexible, centering around your specific strengths and weaknesses. Since everything is catered around your individual needs, no two students share the same exact experience. I learn what works best for you based on your study habits, interests, and personality and implement any necessary assignments to help you achieve the best possible results. I adopt a very hands-on approach and provide you with additional information and avenues (both creative and technological) to continue learning beyond our sessions in a fun way.

*** Studio Equipment ***
MacBook Pro with necessary Office Suite, PRAAT software, Skype and additional recording material; keyboard and amps; free weights and resistance bands.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Same as above: MacBook Pro with software; recording equipment as necessary.

*** Specialties ***
Languages- English, Spanish, Greek, Portuguese, Turkish, Aramaic.

Knowledge of historical and cultural elements of different groups of people.

Detail-oriented; strong analytical skills.

18 years experience as a vocalist, 9 Bel Canto technique (Full Lyric Tenor)

15 years of physical fitness training (strength, HIIT, cardio, etc.)

w music thoroughly, not just to “play.” I desire my students to comprehend elements of the score, to use their bodies effectively to make good sound, and to interpret music creatively and according to historical performance practices across all genres of music. Thus, I give students a purposeful education in technique, quality literature, performance and artistry, music theory, and music history.

Although students differ in ability and development, I maintain high expectations for our students. I expect attention and respect in lessons, faithful and diligent practice, careful adherence to instructions, and an “I’ll-do-my-best” attitude. If students regularly meet these expectations, then they will excel to the level that they are able. It is my joy to help students master their music, to do the best they can, and to strive for and achieve excellence.

Lastly, I want students to enjoy and appreciate their instrument, music, and music-making; and I know as as a teacher, I am very influential in making this happen. Students develop enjoyment of music by understanding music, experiencing success in music, being exposed to good and varied genres of music, and receiving instruction from a teacher who is enthusiastic and encouraging. It is my goal to provide all of these opportunities for students, and as a result their lives will be enriched as they enjoy their instrument.

Grammys.........

I play and teach all styles; Classical, rock, Broadway, jazz,pop, etc.....

I have performed at the world class, A-list level in all the above mentioned styles as well.

I believe it is critical to be humble, down to earth and easy to work with, no matter how accomplished, student, teacher, or parent. :)..................