New York, NY Music Theory Lessons

irection of world-renowned jazz bassist and composer, Rodney Whitaker.

While studying at Michigan State University, I toured with the MSU Jazz Orchestra and performed at prestigious events such as the Detroit International Jazz Festival; the Midwest Clinic in Chicago, IL; the East Lansing Summer Solstice Jazz Festival; the Lansing Jazz Festival; and the 2011 Elmhurst Collegiate Jazz Festival in Elmhurst, IL, where I was honored with an "Outstanding Soloist" award for Jazz Vocal Performance.

In 2011, I was also featured in I AM ENTERTAINMENT magazine where my music was described as "...sheer and unexpected delight! Her music takes you to another place. That is what great music is supposed to do." In May of 2011, I was also featured on the cover of REVUE Mid-Michigan magazine.

After receiving my Masters Degree from MSU, I moved to New Jersey to pursue my teaching and performing career. I currently teach private lessons and am the Founder and Director of Music Beyond Measure, which creates music recovery programs for trauma survivors. Formerly, I was the Vocal Jazz Ensemble Director for Jazz House Kids in Montclair, NJ. In addition to teaching, I also perform with different bands in the NY metro area.

I have been fortunate to perform with an elite list of jazz musicians, such as Sean Jones, Tia Fuller, Rodney Whitaker, Sean Dobbins, Perry Hughes, Wes Anderson, Ron Blake, Jim Alfredson, Etienne Charles, Diego Rivera, Steve Ritchko, Paul Keller, and many more throughout my jazz career. I also had the honor of being chosen to perform for a master class with Grammy Award-winning artist, Esperanza Spalding.

Although I am mostly trained in jazz voice, I work with singers in various styles, such as pop, R&B, gospel, and musical theater. Whatever style you are interested in singing, I know that I can help you to approach singing in a way that will maximize your vocal potential.

*** Lesson Details ***
I believe that music is for everyone! Whether you are a beginner or a professional, I want to help develop your voice in the healthiest and the best way possible. Whatever your goals are for taking private singing lessons, I will be happy to customize a program according to what it is that you would like to accomplish.

It is extremely important for my students to be well-rounded musicians. Whether you are a country or Broadway singer, you will learn how to sing using classical technique. Aside from technique, you will learn everything from how songs are constructed to how to lead a band and everything in between. No matter what it is that you want to learn, I guarantee that you will have fun while doing it and you will learn how to fall in love with your voice!

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have an in-home studio with a keyboard, keyboard stand, digital recorder, microphone, professional amplifier, sheet music, binders, and pencils. Students don't have to bring anything.

*** Travel Equipment ***
When providing in-home lessons, I would prefer if the family provided a piano or a keyboard. However, if none of these are available, I will be happy to bring any equipment needed.

*** Specialties ***
Even though I am a jazz vocalist, I am happy to teach various styles, such as pop, R&B, gospel, musical theater, etc.

of seconds, or minutes.

FRIENDLINESS
I respect others and what they feel and have to say. I treat others as I would want to be treated and lessons are always a pleasure to my students, because it is a pleasure for me to teach them.

EXPERIENCE
I have been playing for over 26 years. I have played with a multitude of local orchestras and bands and have done countless studio recording sessions and live shows. All of this experience comes through in my teaching either directly (when it comes time for you to perform) or incrementally.

When you are learning, there is a vast sea of information. Not all of that knowledge is equal in importance. It is incredibly important to be able to distinguish what is important and what is not very important. All of my real-life experience, and continuing experience reveals itself in the form of ensuring my students know what is truly important.

Lest you get the idea that I am a wishy-washy, undemanding teacher, I can assure you this is not the case. Lessons are fun, but that is because they are productive. You will walk away being able to do something, and that requires hard work, and practice.

WHAT I EXPECT FROM MY STUDENTS
Practice.
Practice.
Practice.
And a winning attitude.

I can even work with you if you don't have a winning attitude, but it makes it more fun when you do!

HOW FAST CAN I EXPECT RESULTS?
Some students who were musicians previously leave the first lesson being able to play their first song. Most students however, who have never played an instrument before, can expect to be comfortable bowing (a huge part of the process - half the sound!) within the first few weeks, and will then move on to learning songs. We will be learning sheet music as well, on a very, very easy gradient. After the first couple months, I expect you to tell me which song it is you might like to learn most so that we can start working on it.

RENTALS
I rent out violins of all sizes.
I sell the book that I teach out of (or you can obtain it online or from Sam Ash).

If you have any questions, I am happy to answer them. You can use the contact button on this website and I will gladly answer you in return.

years. I've played trombone in quite a variety of ensembles, including brass choirs, trombone choirs, wind ensembles, jazz bands, and brass quintets. I've spent four summers touring with a World Class Drum and Bugle Corps playing baritone and honing the fundamentals of great brass playing.

and your family to achieve your music education goals!

ng programs such as Paper Mill Playhouse and AMDA Summer Conservatories

Both voice and piano lessons are based on a foundation of healthy technique while incorporating musicianship skills and encouraging the student to develop their own creativity. I am experienced in teaching many genres and styles including Broadway/musical theater, classical/opera, pop, rock, R&B, country, and folk. I encourage my students to explore new styles and apply good technique to any style they may choose to sing or play.

I love helping my students prepare for auditions. As an active performer myself I have auditioned many, MANY times for different organizations, and I have also been on "the other side of the table" and I know what qualities audition panels are looking for. Let me help you show your best qualities at your audition!

As a member of both NATS (National Association for Teachers of Singing) and ACDA (American Choral Directors Association) I am constantly working to improve my teaching skills by keeping up with the latest pedagogical research. I love sharing new tips and techniques with my students!

I strive to create a lesson environment that is open and honest, where my students are never afraid to ask questions or try something new. I am always happy to explain concepts in a different way and I encourage improvisation and creativity in addition to healthy technique and strong musicianship.

If you have any questions for me, please don’t hesitate to send me a message by clicking “Ask Barbee a Question” at the top of the page.

In-studio equipment: Yamaha P-115 digital piano with 3-pedal unit and bench, music stands, large library of scores and anthologies for repertoire exploration

Please note that you MUST have an acoustic or digital piano with weighted keys for in-home piano lessons. You MUST have a piano or keyboard for in-home voice lessons. If you are looking to purchase an instrument I am happy to provide recommendations.

Please note that students are expected to purchase all music, curriculum, and other materials as appropriate.

m a fish, and every student, regardless of age or experience will be taught to understand, first and foremost, how music works, so that he or she comes away, not only with the skills to play the material covered in the lessons, but, eventually, the ability to teach themselves any other material they're interested in.

With an emphasis on ear training, her natural approach to learning theory, makes even the most wary or challenged student understand with ease, and find pleasure in the process of learning. Rote memorization is eliminated and replaced by a deep understanding, which grows naturally, while technique improves alongside it. Students quickly find themselves able to play, sing and understand things previously only dreamed of.

These universal building blocks of music apply across all genres. Technique will be tailored to your specific interests, and from the start, a portion of each lesson will be devoted to learning the material of your choice.

Indigo also specializes in coaching songwriters, and can, in a gentle and non-invasive way, help to guide you through the process of both mastering craft, and establishing your own individual voice as a writer.

of Music Degree in Performance with a Concentration in Jazz as a Fulbright scholarship recipient.

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.

Within my voice studio I teach in person and online lessons. While online lessons can be beneficial for students wishing to study with me that are not in the immediate vicinity, I recommend in person lessons

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!
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