Merrick, NY Singing Lessons

is students for competitions, audition preparation and professional concerts. Each year his students have the opportunity to perform at the world-renowned Steinway Hall in New York City. This yearly student recital gives students the opportunity to perform in one of New York City’s most sought after recital Halls located in midtown Manhattan. In July of 2014 Paul became a Steinway Educational partner. In 2008, Paul received a Masters Degree in piano performance from New York University. In 2006, he received a Bachelor Degree of Music from Stony Brook University.
As a Pianist, In 2006 Paul was a prizewinner at the Music Club of Douglaston Piano Competition. For two consecutive years, Paul was awarded The Suffolk County Piano Forum Prize. XLNT Music recently wrote, “Paul is a fine pianist that performs with superb pianism and great sensitivity.”
 His recent public performances include Ecuador South America, Steinway Hall NYC, The United Nations, Faust Harrison Hall, Saint Peters NYC and The Staller Center. Paul has performed with The Stony Brook Symphony Orchestra and The New York University Symphony Orchestra. He has studied with well-known piano teachers including: Martin Canin, Morey Ritt, Tina Dahl, and Anita Gelber. In 2011 he released a record consisting of his performance of original compositions for solo piano that is available in bookstores and on iTunes.
As a composer Paul has composed music for the feature film Documentary Between the Shades, directed by Jill Salvino and premiered at the Soho International Film Festival in 2017. In 2014, Paul was the composer for the radio show Ackerman Associates Meets Dracula written and directed by Peter Stass. In 2014 he wrote the score for, Lies People Tell, a short film that premiered at the san pedro film festival. In 2011, he released his first solo record Succession of images, a song cycle for solo piano. In 2017, he released his second record Hope, a chamber music work recorded with clarinetist Thomas Piercy and Violinist Patrisa Tomassini. Recent public piano performances of his music include Ecuador in South America, Steinway Hall NYC, The United Nations, Spectrum NYC, Faust Harrison Hall, Saint Peters in NYC and The Staller Center in Stony Brook NY.

As an artist, Paul is known for creating large instillations, paintings and live performing art pieces. From 2014-2016, he was the artist in residence at Spectrum Gallery in NYC. In 2014, he completed the Elevator Time Machine, a large instillation made of elevator parts that responds to sound. He also wrote and produced a 20 minute live art piece called Static in Movement for piano and video. His acrylic on canvas works have also been presented at Spectrum NYC, The Art Bar, The Gallery at Logos and Ward-Nasse gallery.

Education New York University
Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development
Piano Performance. M.A. December 2008

Stony Brook University
Music. B.A. 2006

Professional Experience
Private Music Studio: 2004-present
Instructor for piano, voice and composition; working primarily with students K-12.
• Develop individualized music plans that encourages growth and self motivated study.
• Well equipped to prepare students for the New York State Music Association Exam.
• Expertise guiding students to reach their maximum potential by using assignments that are challenging but not impossible.
• Experience preparing students for music college applications and auditions.
• Successfully prepare student recitals on a yearly basis.
• Effectively communicate with parents and engage them in their child’s music education.

Performing Arts Center of New York: 2013
• Developed and delivered a curriculum connecting the major composers and artists of the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionistic and Contemporary Periods.

Cultural House of Ecuador: 2009-2011
• Created and taught classes about the periods in music and art and how they coexist together.
• Created and taught group classes in beginner music theory and composition.

High School students in Quevedo Ecuador: 2012
• Created and taught workshops in music theory and composition.

Adjunct Instructor at New York University: 2007-2009
Instructor for New York University Keyboard Harmony and Improvisation courses.
• Created and taught a curriculum for beginner, intermediate and advanced keyboard classes.
• Created lesson plans to enhance musicality and keyboard skills for university music major and minor students.

Instructor for New York University private piano students
• Instructed music students in beginner, intermediate and advanced piano.

Our Lady of Angelus Catholic School: 2007
• Created and taught a curriculum in beginner piano to elementary school students.

Awards
• Prize Winner, TMMC Piano Competition, 2007
• Award of Honor, The Suffolk County Piano Teachers Forum Prize In recognition of outstanding achievement in piano performance, 2006
• Award of Honor, The Suffolk County Piano Teachers Forum Prize
In recognition of outstanding achievement in piano performance, 2005
Professional Affiliations
• Suffolk Piano Teacher’s Forum
• College Music Society
• Music Teacher’s National Association
• American Composers Forum
• Steinway and Sons
• American Society of Composers
• Tuesday Morning Music Club

Private Study
• Anita Gelber, 2002-2012
• Martin Canin, New York University, 2006-2008
• Justin Dello Joio, New York University, 2007-2008
• Morey Ritt, Queens College, 2006
• Tina Dahl, Stony Brook University, 2004-2006

Selected Recent Concert Performances
• Westport Library, Connecticut, NY, 2016
• Douglaston Community Church, Douglaston, NY, 2015
• All Saints Memorial Church, NJ, 2014
• Firehouse Space, Brooklyn, NY, 2014
• Spectrum NYC, New York, NY, 2014, 2013
• Steinway Hall, New York, NY, 2014, 2013, 2012
• University of Quevedo, Ecuador, 2013
• Saint Peters Church, New York, NY, 2011

Selected Film and Theater Composer Credits
• Between the Shades – Feature Film Documentary, 2016
• Lies People Tell – Short Film, 2014
• Ackerman and Associates Meet Dracula – Live Radio Show, 2013
• Magical Quark Particle – Science Art Film, 2012

Discography
• Hope, 2017
• Succession of Images, 2011

Recent Art Expositions
• Spectrum NYC, 2014-2016
• Gallery at Logos, 2012-2016
• Port Jefferson Village Center, 2012
• Ward Nasse Gallery, 2011

*** Lesson Details ***
My goal as a teacher is to make students successful in their goals. I work with a variety of people; some of them study music for personal enjoyment and others for their musical career. Everyone responds differently to music, that is why I prepare special lessons for each student. It is important that my students enjoy what they are playing and for that reason I have a variety of repertoire that they can choose from.
From a lot of experience with beginner piano students, both young and adults, I have been able to find a regimen of piano teaching that combines time efficiency with fun. As the lessons continue, I slowly add new tools to each weekly lesson that are exiting and interesting. While working with intermediate to advanced students, I have had coached them to apply and get accepted into some of the top Universities and Conservatories in the country. My students, beginner intermediate and advanced levels, have been awarded for their performances and activities in schools and competitions.
I am also a composition teacher. I work with composition students from beginner to advance. My composition students, over the years, range from all ages starting at 7. My students, after the first year, have been able to write string quartets and piano trios. My advanced students have entered competitions all over the country and are very successful in their composition practice. Some of their compositions have been performed in famous concert halls and schools.
As a vocal coach, I work with students of all ages. The repertoire that I recommend to beginner students includes Disney, Broadway and classical music. For intermediate and advanced vocal student, I have successfully prepared them for competitions, Broadway and University auditions as well as personal enjoyment.
Most recently I held a piano, composition and vocal recital for my students at the world famous Steinway Hall in New York City. I believe that some students work better when there is motivation for performance activities. For that reason I host these type of events. Students that decide they want to take place in these events perform among all levels. I offer these performance opportunities as an invitation. Each student has a choice as to whether they would like to perform.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Yamaha Grand Piano

*** Specialties ***
*Teachers classified as a Student Favorite have taught a minimum of 25
lessons and have received the highest feedback rating from students.Classical, Jazz, Blues, Broadway

merglass Opera and the Aspen Music Festival. I also have undergraduate and master's degrees from Brown University and the Manhattan School of Music.

But don't let the fact that I'm an "opera singer" give you the wrong idea. Yes, strict classical training gives me in-depth understanding of how the human voice works, but I love and teach music of all genres. My students include professional opera singers, yes, but also rock and Broadway-style singers, college and conservatory students, teenagers singing in their school musicals, doing All-State chorus, or preparing for NYSSMA, as well as adults who are taking voice for the love of singing, the fun of the challenge and so they can join their local chorus or sound great on karaoke night.

Above all, the most important qualities I offer as a teacher are the simple human ones: understanding, patience, imagination, kindness, enthusiasm, respectfulness and absolute commitment to helping you meet your vocal goals.

*** Lesson Details ***

I tailor my lessons to each singer's particular interests, goals and challenges. Some students thrive with a highly technical approach; some thrive in a less formal, more supportive environment; most singers do best with an approach that mixes the two. The important thing to know is that you will receive lessons that are specifically tailored to you. There's no single template.

*** Specialties ***

For advanced classical singers I have a great depth of experience and wide knowledge of oratorio, opera, German lied and French, English and American art songs. I also have a specialized background in "performance practice" baroque and classical vocal ornamentation.

For all singers, I am also a superb acting coach!

er of Music in Vocal Performance where I maintained a full studio of undergraduate voice minors as a Graduate Teaching assistant.

I took my first pedagogy class at UD and began teaching voice lessons at the Community Music School during my junior year. My experience as a teaching assistant shaped me into the teacher that I am today. I love teaching and helping students reach goals! With my thorough pedagogical training and varied performance experience, I have a great deal to offer my students.

*** Lesson Details ***
During my time with you, I strive to assist you in taking risks, discovering the joy of music, and making progress with your singing. No matter what your goals are - All-State Choir, opera, musical theatre, or just having fun, I love helping you reach them. By looking at different genres of vocal music, we will focus on many different aspects of singing, from music theory, to expressive performance, to the foundation of healthy singing.

I believe that every student is unique and learns in his or her own way. Therefore, I tailor the pace and focus of lessons on your interests and abilities. I believe it is integral for all students to have an understanding of music theory and therefore, work on theory and sight-reading. In addition, I think a well-rounded musical education is key, and will work on an array of genres with you including folk songs, art songs, and musical theatre. We will work on 2-5 songs at once, and will consider a song "learned" once you can perform a song from memory.

Words are what separate the voice from any other instrument. Therefore, I will work with you on ways to examine the poetry and lyrics of each song in order to portray the message of the words.

*** Specialties ***
I feel equally at home working on musical theatre and classical styles with students. I have experience working on both with students.

tarist & songwriter for a well-known touring rock band with a worldwide fan base and nearly 4 million You Tube views. I graduated from New York University with Bachelor's of Music in Jazz guitar and trained with the most highly respected rock/pop vocal coaches in the world. In 2015, I signed a major label publishing deal with Fieldhouse Music/BMG played throughout Europe (and taught online lessons while away). My songs have been licensed for national/international TV (E!, MTV, VH1, Oxygen, TBS and more), commercials for CBS, Nike, Coca-Cola, Samsung and in video games. I actively perform/record and tour with my (3) bands, and produce/cowrite with artists for their own projects.

I’m endorsed by PRS guitars, Elixir Strings, Godin Guitars/Bass Guitars, & Metaldozer Mic Stands.

Styles I regularly teach include: Rock (Classic Rock, Indie Rock, Alternative Rock, Hard Rock), Metal, Punk, Pop, Jazz, R&B, Blues, Funk, Soul, Classical, Folk.
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Lesson Details

My students gain expertise in the following techniques and more...

Voice:

∙ intonation / resonance
∙ proper breathing & breath support
∙ diction
∙ vocal placement
∙ understanding chest / head voice
∙ bridging registers & 'the high note'
∙ vowels and modification techniques
∙ mixed voice
∙ edgy/bright
∙ clean/distorted
∙ vibrato
∙ screaming
∙ rhythmic singing
∙ vocal health/maintaining your voice
∙ touring, recording, performing
∙ writing songs/melodies/lyrics to suit your vocal strengths
and personality

Lead and Rhythm Guitar:

I've developed a step-by-step approach to learning to solo and improvise.
Using simple, "guitarist-friendly” techniques you will quickly learn and begin to apply major/minor scales/modes, blues/pentatonic scales and “licks.” You will learn triads, arpeggios, interval studies, and extensions and how to use them to create interesting and melodic solos. With my line development/phrasing techniques, you will have your own library of “licks” that will help you navigate both simple and sophisticated harmonic progressions. I will help you to become a become a well-rounded, three-dimensional guitarist with a unique voice!

A few of techniques I teach:

∙ triads / arpeggios
∙ strumming
∙ alternate/sweep picking
∙ tremolo picking
∙ hybrid picking
∙ scales/modes
∙ slide guitar
∙ hammer on/pull off
∙ (up to 8 finger) tapping
∙ bending / double stops / unison bends
∙ whammy bar techniques
∙ diagonal scales,
∙ arpeggios & note groupings
∙ 3 and 4 finger per string scales
∙ fingerstyle
∙ Jazz scales, chords including
4 note open/closed voicing
7th, 9th, 11th, 13th chords
∙ chord melodies
∙ rhythm and grooves of various styles

Bass Guitar:

Right hand:
∙ finger style, pick
∙ slapping/popping
∙ groove, rhythms and playing time
∙ time signatures, walking bass lines,
∙ arpeggios, double stops,
∙ chords & improvising
∙ writing bass lines.

All of my students learn:

Sight reading (standard notation/tablature)
∙ music theory & ear training
∙ rhythm / timing (including reading rhythms)
∙ composition/songwriting

We will focus 1/2 of the lesson on repertoire and 1/2 the lesson on technique. Many of my students text/email me a few days prior to our scheduled lesson with a song selection for the week. I focus our lesson's technical study with the song in mind. It has proven to be very effective and makes the technique and theory are less "boring."

Studio Equipment
I have (7) guitars: including (4) electric, (2) acoustic/electric, & (3) electric bass
(2) tube guitar amplifiers, and various guitar effects pedals.

(1) full-size 88-key MIDI keyboard, (1) 61-key USB keyboard controller, and (1) Arturia MINILAB MIDI controller.

Also, I have an assortment of industry standard dynamic & condenser microphones for live performance and recording applications.

DAW recording software (Pro Tools 12.x, Logic 10.x, Ableton Live)
software synthesizers by Arturia, Fabfilter, Native Instruments, Spectrasonics, Steven Slate, Toontrack and more. I use plugin effects by Izotope, Fabfilter, Plugin Alliance and Universal Audio and Waves for many of my lessons and recording projects.

Travel Equipment
I can provide a guitar, videos, music recording, music workbooks and everything else a student may need. Students are only expected to bring a desire to learn. :)

Specialties

I am a performer with a ton of touring/stage experience, a composer who understands the art of writing and a producer who is fluent in the latest recording technology. In addition to technical studies, my students receive performance coaching/career development. I will help you to find your unique voice, a polished and distinct sound, and your true personality as an artist. I am 100% committed to making you a success!

I will ignite a new, or recharge/rekindle your passion for music, and to sing/play the music you love a lot better!

then moved to Sydney, Australia after high school to study music. I ran a vocal studio in San Diego for a few years and now live in NYC.

I teach online and in my downtown NYC studio.

If you don't see a time available in my schedule that works for you please feel free to contact me. Things are always moving and changing!

(PS: If you read reviews and notice every one was calling me Rachel, don't be confused! That is my middle name, I now go by my first name, Luca.)

and survive a career in the world of performing arts.

With a kind and compassionate, yet stern and strong tone, Gabriel will work with you to develop the focus and dedication necessary to get your voice beyond what you even knew was possible.

*** Lesson Details ***
Regardless of the genre you sing, developing your voice with Gabriel's help will improve your tone, range, power and overall ability. You can expect to become a much better singer without losing any of your personal and unique traits.

His approach isn't a technical or mysterious one. It's all about re-learning the facts about how the voice functions best.

You can expect to clear away a lot of confusions regarding how the voice works and to take away the guesswork from the vocal development process.

If you want to improve your voice quickly, being guided by someone who understands how it all works and by someone who was where you are today and is now closer to where you want to be in the future is the best way to go. And Gabriel is that guy!

Gabriel's approach is quite simple, yet very effective at developing the entire voice.

"There are two basic levels that every singer must address. The first one is addressing the condition of the body and voice and the second one is addressing the functioning of the voice and body."

I - Silent Foundation

The silent foundation refers to the condition of your instrument as it is silent. If we are looking at the body as an instrument that sings, we first have to make sure that our instrument is in good condition. How healthy is your instrument? Is it well rested, well hydrated and loose? Or is it tired, dehydrated and tense? As you could guess, the condition of your instrument will have a significant impact on the quality of the sounds you make. So the first thing to be addressed is how your instrument is before it starts making sound.

II - Conditioning of Singing Behaviors

This is when we get busy. Once we have a well rested, healthy, hydrated and relaxed instrument we can start working it out. The goal is to condition our singing behaviors to be reflexive, reliable and strong. The way to do this is through a series of vocal exercises that will condition your voice to respond to the desires of your heart. Whatever it is that you want to express will be possible once your instrument is conditioned to the point where there is no gap between what you want to express and your ability to do so. Learning to sing is all about learning how to express yourself without barriers. You should be able to develop enough range, power, control and skill so that you can express your heart without feeling like you'™re incapable of achieving what you pursue. To achieve these abilities training is often necessary.

*** Specialties ***
ALL CONTEMPORARY GENRES!
Confidence Building, Warming-Up, Releasing Tension and Strain, Eliminating Stage Fright, Expanding Range, Improving Tone, Developing Vocal Power and Presence, Eliminating Doubt, Simplifying Singing, Strengthening The Voice, Improving Pitch, Building Stamina, Increasing Creativity, Performance Tips, Artist Development, Acting and Songwriting.

Once we have a good foundation any contemporary genre or style can be improved.

musical theater, jazz, pop, and R&B. I am so excited to share my knowledge and passion for singing with you, as well as any other subject we find to explore! As of February 2013, I am also available through TakeLessons' online instruction program! Please find more information below and I hope to hear from you soon!

Thanks!

Zachary B.

A native of Charlotte, NC, Zachary began his musical career as a tuba player and jazz bass guitarist. While attending The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Zachary began singing in various vocal groups on campus and developed his love for the singing voice. With encouragement from the music faculty, Zachary began training as an operatic baritone while at UNC. While attending UNC, Zachary was awarded both the Fischer Scholarship in Voice and the Tony McDowell Voice Scholarship. His singing brought him to Boston in the summer of 2010 to begin study at The Boston Conservatory. While performing various opera roles and attending summer programs, Zachary also opened his private studio and taught at a local music academy.

Baritone Zachary B. is quickly establishing himself as an active operatic performer. Equally at home on the recital stage, his versatile lyric baritone voice fits a wide range of repertoire and styles. A graduate of The Boston Conservatory, Zachary has performed roles like the titular role in Don Giovanni, Ramiro in L'Heure Espagnole, L'horloge comtoise in L'Enfant et les sortileges, Pooh-Bah in The Mikado, and Bob in The Old Maid and the Thief.

Starting in February 2013, Zachary will also be available through TakeLessons for online instruction. Lessons will still focus on energy, breath, and solid technique, so please contact him if you think this venue of instruction will be a good fit!

*** Lesson Details ***
Regardless of your background, I believe in making lessons fun, encouraging, and accessible. This means that my work with you will, by nature, be incredibly personal and always formulated for your specific musical goals. I will constantly strive to make sure you are comfortable in our work together as we explore singing, speaking, and music theory.

I believe every singing or speaking voice can benefit from a foundation in classical vocal technique. Whether you prefer to learn through singing songs or through various exercises, I can customize our lesson plan to fit your needs. Therefore, I provide a fun and engaging lesson atmosphere, but you need to bring your best as well! We will both be happier with the process if we are equally invested in your growth. We will start with something you already know (an aria, vocal exercise, or excerpt from a song) and work toward singing in your preferred vocal style. For example, classical singers will build their knowledge of English, German, Italian, and French diction and song styles. Additionally, I will always respect and include my student's musical interests.

Along the way, I am happy to address basic music theory ideas. If you prefer, we can also spend additional time reviewing and learning those principles to enrich your musical experience. I will always provide different exercises and ideas to keep your brain active in the singing process.

I believe in whole body, whole spirit singing. As a performer, I employ a variety of holistic exercises and theories to develop my own voice, such as basic Alexander Technique principles, voice therapy techniques, a variety of pedagogical palates, and energy work. If these sorts of things interest you, I am more than happy to incorporate them into our lessons. My personal results with those practices have been incredible, so I am always eager to share.

My personality is outgoing and energetic, so I bring that sort of atmosphere to a lesson. I expect preparedness and readiness on your part to maximize our work together. My greatest desire in teaching is to see you grow! So, if a challenging, yet comforting, work environment sounds like something you would like to try, consider scheduling a trial lesson with me. I am always happy to hear from new students!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Open area between the living room and the dining room, seating available, piano to accompany the voice lesson, garage/driveway/street parking.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I prefer for my students to have a keyboard or piano, and if possible, a music stand. We can always make a situation work if the student does not have access to these tools. I provide music, pencils, etc.

*** Specialties ***
I am an opera singer, and specialize in classical singing. However, I apply similar vocal technique to all genres of music, and focus on breathing technique, body and energy awareness, and discuss a holistic approach to singing with all students.

ach person's lesson. I base my lesson plan off of your goals, strengths, and weaknesses. I would provide reading material, sheet music, and music(mp3) to strengthen you in this endeavor that we call music. I charge 25$ an hour (1) and anything over three (3) hours in a session will be discussed in private, and I am willing to travel to you.