Roslyn Heights, NY Singing Lessons

artistic expression, interpretation, breathing, and finger and pitch placement techniques are incorporated into my music instruction. Cold reading, audition preparation and technique, Shakespeare, scene analysis, and business strategies are examples of topics that may be covered in acting instruction. Linklater (voice), Alexander, Williamson (movement), and Art of Practicing (piano) methods are also employed.

What are the profiles of my students?
My students come from different walks of life: children coming from school who bound excitedly to my lesson door; teenage artists who have the passion and vision but lack the technique; working adults who seek reprieve from the stress of work by singing/ learning an instrument that they've always wanted to play; and seniors who want a fun hobby to keep active. I enjoy teaching them and watching them master the fundamentals while developing their own performance style (or even composing their own music)!

What is my teaching style?
Based on feedback, students appreciate that I am a teacher with a warm personality whose supportive, passionate, and fun approach and effective techniques help them attain the following: 1) a firm understanding of the fundamentals of music theory or acting technique; 2) an ability to effectively learn how to perform and practice singing/playing/acting a piece; and 3) a style of performing that minimizes tension, produces beautiful sound or a dynamic character, and/or allows them to fully express themselves. After a few months, students should have sound knowledge of all three.

My students and I connect, in part, because I remember being like them. On stage, I started out dancing and acting; I delved into singing and songwriting and then fell in love with playing the piano. The day that I learned how to merge those passions (i.e. singing while playing the piano) was one of the happiest days of my life! Now, whether I'm performing Shakespeare on stage, playing Chopin and Beethoven, or singing while playing tunes by Whitney Houston, I still get excited. Hopefully, I fuel that excitement in you, too!

What is the lesson structure?
Due to the comprehensive nature of my teaching style and structure, students above the age of 6 take lessons for 60 minutes; 30-minute lessons are only available for children aged 5-6. If a student wants to learn how to play while singing, I am happy to help him/her do so!

*** Studio Equipment ***
My studio location in Manhattan is conveniently near Midtown, Chelsea, Flat Iron, Murray Hill, Union Square, Tribeca, and the Financial District in particular and is easily accessible via public transportation. It houses an upright piano and seating for parents.

*** Specialties ***
Acting: Meisner Acting; Theater Acting; Shakespearean Acting
Music: Classical Piano; Contemporary R&B & Pop Piano; Singing; Theory; Playing Whie Singing; Songwriting

it greatly from them
in so many ways.

*** Lesson Details ***
I customize the lessons to fit the level of proficiency of my students,and to fit to their schedule of practicing.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Guitars,Bass,Amps,recording equipment

*** Specialties ***
Guitar,Bass,Ukulele,Bouzouki & Music Theory teacher.
Blues/Rock/Jazz & Greek Music

que was not something that came easy for me, and was something I had to really work on. This work on technique has made me a stronger teacher. I know how many different approaches it can take to make something click, so I use the diverse experiences of my own studies to find what works best for each student. While I am classically trained, I am comfortable teaching all types of singers, because I believe that at its core, what makes a singer great is the same between all genres. My number one goal in teaching is to help my students use their voice in a way that is healthy and allows them the greatest ability for expression, because ultimately, I believe that is what music is about.

Although singing has been a big part of my professional work in the past few years, I have also been playing classical piano since I was four and still love to play and share this love with my students. Most of my students are piano students, and I love seeing the progress they've made over the years. Students that started with me as beginners a few years ago are now reading music with confidence and playing works by Mozart and Beethoven.

I am an active performer and am able to draw upon this experience in my teaching. This summer I performed in Manhattan with dell'Arte Opera Ensemble and won 2nd prize in their dell'Arte/Jeiven Awards. Past roles include Gretel in Hansel and Gretel at Brooklyn College and Zerlina in Mozart's Don Giovanni with Connecticut Lyric Opera. Other roles include April in Company with Westport Community Theatre, Despina (cover) in Mozart's Così fan tutte for Connecticut Lyric Opera, the messenger in Monteverdi's L'Orfeo at DePaul University, and Maria in West Side Story with the McLeod Summer Playhouse. I have a special love for early music and have performed oratorio by Bach with the DePaul Baroque Ensemble and as part of the Bethesda Music Series in New Haven. I also participated in the prestigious Amherst Early Music Festival for two years. I have performed abroad in Austria and Italy, and speak French, Italian, and some German. Because of my experience on stage in opera , music theatre, and recitals, I understand the skills it takes to engage an audience and create a well-rounded performance. I am thus an asset to any student preparing for a contest, audition, or stage appearance.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Living room: Piano, keyboard (close to full) weighted, music stand, seating for parents.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide some music. You would have to have a piano or keyboard in your home.

*** Specialties ***
Opera, early music, new/contemporary music, French melodie, German lieder, art song, Classical Music Theatre, Oratorio. Diction coaching in French, Italian, German, English.

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.

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.

jean in Les Miserables and John Wilkes Booth in Assassins, as well played in orchestras across the county. I performed as both a bass player and a vocalist in the Massachusetts All-State Jazz Ensemble at Symphony Hall in Boston.

I moved to New York to get a degree in Theater as a singer and actor in 2004. Since then I've been fortunate enough to work in NY orchestras, cabarets, theater and national TV, tour the world with a variety of musical artists, work as a studio musician recording albums for songwriters, and develop musical education programs. Most recently I curated and taught the bass guitar curriculum for Yousician, a Helsinki-based music app with 25 million users in 154 countries worldwide. That has been an invaluable experience, working alongside educators and programmers in one of the world's leading countries in both education and technology.

Music has been a life-directing guide for me; from the wonder of discovery to the mastery of new and exciting techniques, music has always been a sort of way for us to communicate intimately, yet on a universal scale. To pass the same experience on to others is such a gift, and one I value greatly.

"When words fail, music speaks."

So, let's start talking!

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With me, you can expect to make weekly progress in your instrument of choice. I am a dedicated performer and an even more dedicated teacher. To me, the two go hand in hand.

Please allow me the opportunity in teaching you and in turn I will give you all the knowledge I possess.

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