Chester Springs, PA Singing Lessons

se who are practicing regularly and did a great job in their lesson. Lessons are a time where children can feel like music really is fun and enjoyable to learn and experience!

In addition to being a teacher, I am also a singer/songwriter, and performed for 6 years at local coffee shops and outdoor events within Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey. I am also a member of a local professional caroling group called Yuletide Singers which performs seasonally in places like Longwood Gardens and corporate functions. My history for performing stretches back, though, to my years as a puppeteer/children's performer, touring with a team doing school assemblies and evening family performances. I'm always excited to bring my understanding and experience with performance to my students!

**And, with excitement, I must add that TakeLessons named me "Teacher of the Week" on October 4, 2010! What a great honor! Thank you TakeLessons!!**

*** Lesson Details ***
Our time spent together will be filled with many smiles & laughs because that is probably why you want to take lessons -- because it makes you feel wonderful inside!

Within 3-6 months, we'll begin discovering how to read music and understand the language of it. We'll learn how to play/sing some of your favorite songs and learn some that you might not know. We'll discover what you really want to learn and achieve through taking lessons, and we'll work toward those goals!

For the intermediate piano student, we will begin understanding basic Music Theory and scales and will even take a look at how chord symbols work. Soon, you'll be learning how to accompany yourself and others as you sing! For singers, we'll learn about vocal techniques, breathing, getting your best vocal sound and discovering how to take a song to its potential! We'll also learn performance techniques, how to work with a microphone, have a great stage presence in front of a live audience and begin learning how to read music and even get familiar with the piano keyboard! For all my students, it's a journey that is exciting, unique to each individual, and one we will embark on together!

Because music is a performing art, I coordinate two music recitals each school year for students who are interested. This is an optional event, but is encouraged as part of the learning experience. It is usually held at a local firehall and presented in a low-stress and fun way with refreshments that follow!

*My studio is in a safe, family-friendly home & smoke-free environment. We also having a loving canine member in our family... a Yellow Labrador Retriever named Maximus. He is energetic and friendly. You may or may not see him since the entrance to my studio is through our back door, off the main house.

So! What do you say? Shall we START THE MUSIC? :)

*** Studio Equipment ***
Lessons are enjoyed in a dedicated music room; keyboard (full-size with weighted keys and sustain pedal)

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

I specialize in music education for all children, including ones with special needs. I feel it is so important for a child to start out with a fun and wonderful experience with music and performing. My approach is simple and fun and understandable for the young mind.

For my more intermediate students, I enjoy taking them to the next level of understanding in their instrument as well as music theory.

Because music is a performing art, I coordinate two music recitals each year for students who are interested. This is an optional event and presented in a low-stress and fun way!

both), I tailor lessons to suit each student's needs. I would like to enable you to meet your musical goals, whatever they may be.

***Lesson Details and Recommendations***

Singing voice: I teach classical vocal technique with an emphasis on the body-mind connection. Through the course of my training, I have studied the Alexander Technique, which is a method that has been used by actors, musicians, and athletes to find optimal body-mind coordination to achieve better results. The voice is the only instrument that is literally your body, so we will be using these tools to improve posture, breathing, and resonance. By learning a healthy vocal technique, you can expect improved tone quality, an expanded vocal and dynamic range, greater resonance, increased agility, improved diction, and more. Healthy vocal technique can be applied to any genre, and I teach students who are studying a wide variety of music, but classical and musical theater repertoire is my area of expertise.

Speaking voice: I have had great success helping students who come to me for help with their speaking voices. As the speaking voice and singing voice use the same set of muscles, the same set of functional principles apply. I work with students to improve their posture, breathing, and breath support when speaking, as well as clear diction, better pacing, and conveying emotion and meaning. These tools also lead to increased confidence when speaking.

Piano: I am also an established piano teacher and have had much success teaching beginning and intermediate students from ages 4 to 91 in various styles of music. I believe it is important for students to learn how to read and interpret written music as well as understand the structure behind it, so in addition to learning musical basics, I incorporate music theory into lessons. I encourage my piano students to learn how to read lead sheets and create chord accompaniments as well, which opens the door for comfortably playing in all sorts of styles sooner than would be possible by classical approaches alone. I also work on improvisation and songwriting with my piano students, if desired.

***Lesson Recommendations***
I offer lessons in 30, 45, and 60 minute increments. These are the *minimum* lesson lengths recommended. Longer lessons are more beneficial, except in the case of children with smaller attention spans. A 60 minute lesson is the best choice for serious students (teenagers or adults).

Voice:
Ages <12 years: 30 minutes
Ages 12 and up: 45 minutes

Piano:
Ages <7 years: 30 minutes
Ages 7 and up: 45 minutes

Combination Lesson:
Ages <12 years: 45 minutes
Ages 12 and up: 60 minutes

*Please note: I do not reserve regular lesson times in my schedule for students who cannot commit to weekly lessons. With students who wish to take less frequent lessons, I recommend the flex plan, with lessons to be scheduled as we go at our mutual convenience.

***Educational Background***
Elizabeth holds an M.M. in vocal performance from West Virginia University, where she was featured in numerous WVU Opera Theatre productions and was the soprano soloist with WVU Choirs in Faure's Requiem and Handel's Lord Nelson Mass. While at WVU, Elizabeth resumed taking lessons at the piano, which she had previously studied for many years, and exceeded the piano proficiency level required by the university. She also holds a B.A. in music and international studies from Emory University. Elizabeth has studied and performed internationally, both at the American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria, where she was the recipient of the Lemmonds Scholarship, and at the Bel Canto program in conjunction with L'Arena di Verona opera company in Verona, Italy.

As a graduate assistant at WVU, Elizabeth taught voice lessons to music education and performance majors as well as a course on vocal pedagogy. After graduating, she served as adjunct faculty, in which capacity she taught vocal repertoire and opera theater. She has maintained a private studio since 2005, in which she instructs students in voice and piano. She has also held past teaching positions with the Meridee Winters School of Music and Woodland Country Day School.

***Active, Professional Singer/ Actress***
Elizabeth was most recently seen as Joanie in The Full Monty at Candlelight Theatre in Delaware. Other recent performances include June in Musical of Musicals: The Musical and Peaches/ Baby Jane in Jerry Springer: The Opera with Bootless Stageworks in Wilmington, DE, solo performances with the New Voices Cabaret at the Society Hill Playhouse in Center City, and Woman 2 in My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra with Mainstage Center for the Arts in Blackwood, NJ. She has performed numerous leading roles with Philadelphia area Gilbert and Sullivan companies, most notably appearing as Angelina in Trial by Jury with The Savoy Company, winning Best American Production at the 2011 International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival. Her G &S performance credits include the roles of Patience (Patience), Yum-Yum (The Mikado), Rose Maybud (Ruddigore), Phyllis (Iolanthe), and Fiammetta (Gondoliers). Additionally, she has pioneered roles in new operas, including Gwendolyn in The Crowded House at the 2010 Philly Fringe Festival and Zelda in Black Horses with OperaDelaware at the 2009 Wilmington Fringe Festival.

s in Early Childhood and Elementary Education at West Chester University.

I served on the faculty of Suburban Music School for 17 years where I taught voice, piano and recorder lessons. I also directed the Children’s Choir and the Women’s Choir. I was formerly on the faculty of Delaware County Community College where I taught courses in the Music Department; and of Temple Music Prep where I instituted, developed and maintained a vocal program at Temple University’s Ambler Campus.

In addition to teaching I was employed for eleven years as a chorister at Christ Church Christiana Hundred in Greenville, DE where I have had the opportunity to sing for such notable conductors as John Rutter, Sir David Wilcox, Sir Philip Ledger, Stephen Cleobury, and James O’Donnell. Previous choral work has included singing for Dr. Ifor Jones and for Michael Korn. I perform in solo and chamber music recitals throughout the Philadelphia area and in Cape May, NJ and with a Celtic group called Celtic Women and Friends.

*** Lesson Details ***
Voice Lessons

When you study voice with me, you will start with the basics - posture, breathing and tone production. If you have studied before, we will review these areas and brush up on anything that needs work. The next step is to learn some vocal exercises to warm up and develop your voice. When the exercises are going well, we will begin to work on songs. You will need to learn some classical songs because they help to develop your voice, but we will also work on the kind of music you like best. In addition to songs, we will work on solfege (do, re, mi, etc.) which helps to train your ear and to improve your sightreading ability. If you don't know how to read music I will teach you that. If you read music but have some gaps in your knowledge, we will fill those in.

I teach what is called bel canto (beautiful singing). It is a healthy vocal technique that will help you avoid vocal problems. When you learn to sing with this technique, you can sing any style of music you want. After a few months of study, you should be able to tell that your voice is growing stronger, that you have better breath control, and that your range is increasing.

Although I have high expectations of my students, I am relaxed and friendly. If you love to laugh, we will enjoy that together!

Piano Lessons

When you study piano with me you will enjoy playing a variety of songs from your lesson book. As you advance, we may add a repertoire book which increases the number and variety of songs you play. There are many excellent piano methods. I use different methods for different students, depending on their needs.

Lessons will include posture and proper hand position, warm-ups, songs and music theory. Music theory is the study of notation and how music is put together. You will have a workbook with exercises for this study. If there is a particular style of music you would like to play, we will look for music at your level to add to your lesson. After a few months of study, you should know how to read basic notation and be able to play a number of songs. You will also have increased your knowledge of musical notation and harmony.

I expect my students to practice in preparation for their lesson every week. I am relaxed and friendly, so that should help to put you at your ease.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Piano, music stand, stereo equip, seating for parents

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in teaching the bel canto style singing. With this technique, a person can sing any style of music she or he chooses.

Bachelor of Arts in Music, State University of New York at Potsdam

Master of Music Therapy, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA

Training

Dena began playing piano at the age of four, she participated regularly in piano guild competitions and performances. She began voice lessons at the age of 13, she has traveled with performance choirs to Germany, Austria and Poland. She was a regular participant in All State Choirs and was chosen to perform for the American Choral Director's Association Choir while in college.

As a performer, Dena has appeared professionally with the Opera Theatre of Rochester and the Gilbert and Sullivan Players. She has performed at jazz clubs and as the lead singer of the classic rock band "No Mules," a popular local group featured at numerous fundraisers, First Night festivals and civic club events. She has played roles in numerous local theatre productions such as "Sweeney Todd," "Kiss Me Kate," "Company," and "Cinderella." She looks forward to opening up performance possibilities to her students and building their skills for a lifetime of musical memories.

As a teacher, Dena has taught for over 25 years; her students have included local DJ's, college students, 'Tweens,' young and 'not so young' adults as well as children and adults with learning differences.

*** Lesson Details ***
Dena approaches lessons with a sense of humor and fun; her ability to be flexible allows her to shape the curriculum according to the student. She uses several of the well respected piano curricula (Bastien, Alfred, etc.), tailoring lessons to students specific skills and challenges. Students should expect to play their instrument from the first lesson, building their reading skills, eye hand coordination, playing or singing skills and understanding of music theory gradually and confidently.

Subjects:

Piano- Lessons tailored to individual students, can include music reading, skill building and improvisation. Lessons are drawn from a variety of teaching sources including standard piano method books, music of interest to individual students and adapted music (e.g. simplified).

Voice- Lessons are tailored to individual students, can include introductory vocal technic, coaching for experienced students, vocal improvisation and singing for stage. Music is drawn from teacher recommendations and student preference.

Studio:

Suburban Philadelphia (Northeast, Montgomery and Bucks County)

*** Studio Equipment ***
Keyboard with weighted keys

*** Specialties ***
Musical theatre, Adaptive music lessons (for learning differences).

and New Jersey and has taught at the secondary level in both states. In addition to both instrumental and choral ensembles at Penn State, Thomas was a student leader in the Penn State Blue Band and a member of the brass section of the Cadets of Bergen County Drum and Bugle Corps in 1993 and 1994. He served as an Associate Director of the Warren Junior Military Band of Youngstown, Ohio from 1995 to 2005. He also served as a visual staff member for the renowned North Penn Marching Knights of Lansdale, PA for one season in 2004.

He is a current adjudicator with Drum Corps International and Cavalcade of Bands. He is a member of MENC, PMEA, NJMEA, ASCAP, CASA, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and the National Band Association. He appeared in the Marquis Who's Who Among American Educators in 2004 and 2005, an honor rarely bestowed upon teachers, as students who appear in the Who's Who Among American High School Students must nominate them. He currently is a music teacher at the Center for Performing and Fine Arts of the PA Leadership Charter School in West Chester, PA and resides in Downingtown, PA with his wife and two sons.

Thomas will happily work with students on the autism spectrum or students with ADD.

*** Lesson Details ***
My lessons are tailored to the needs and interests of each student. If a student is involved in school music ensembles, we will work with their lesson books from school in addition to material outside of the books, including SmartMusic, Noteflight, and teacher-created materials. We will focus on building proper tone production and individual technique - something that often is difficult to learn in a large ensemble setting.

I am capable of starting a beginner student on any band instrument including percussion, any classical string instrument (violin, viola, cello, string bass), and piano. I can begin a student on drum set and work with them through their first method book, but I would then recommend they find a specialized drum set teacher after a period of six to twelve months.

For advanced students, I work from selected conservatory etude books on developing advanced skills and can work with students on audition pieces for honors bands/orchestras or college auditions.

My lessons are a half-hour once a week, with the option of working for 45 minutes or 60 minutes.

*** Specialties ***
music, band, orchestra, flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, french horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, violin, viola, cello, string bass, piano, Percussion
classical, jazz improvisation

s and vocalists. He is comfortable in all musical styles and genres, and has an extensive knowledge of music history and theory. Erik is currently on staff at New York University.

Students of Erik have the opportunities to perform in studio recitals and workshops.

i also have years of experience drawing and various techniques. I am a voice teacher, but am able to teach other topics as well

Geo