East Pittsburgh, PA Music Performance Lessons

ines, San José, and Chattanooga.

Currently, I can be seen performing the first Tuesday of each month with Aria412 at Wallace's at Hotel Indigo. I especially enjoy new music and have premiered new works with Pittsburgh Festival Opera, Alia Musica and the New Dischord Festival. The most exciting premiere was the title role in Eve Apart by composer Tim Hinck and my husband, which was produced both in Chattanooga and Pittsburgh. My favorite operatic role is Queen of the Night in The Magic Flute and I have had the pleasure of singing it with Undercroft Opera, Opera San Jose, West Bay Opera, Stockton Opera, Pocket Opera and as a Resident Artist at Portland Opera.

I premiered the role of Flora Dart in A New Kind of Fallout by composer Gilda Lyons and playwright Tammy Ryan with the Pittsburgh Festival Opera. That same season I portrayed Joe Boyd in PFO's gender bending Damn Yankees. Other theatrical performances include Roselinda in Die Fledermaus with Undercroft Opera, Despina in Cosi fan tutte with Mission City Opera, Blonde in Abduction from the Seraglio with Pocket Opera, Cunegonde in Candide with Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., and Rosa Bud in The Mystery of Edwin Drood with Chattanooga Theater Center. I have appeared as Abigail in The Crucible, Mabel in The Pirates of Penzance, Zerlina in Don Giovanni, Lucy in Threepenny Opera and Celeste #1 in Sunday in the Park with George.

As a soloist with Pittsburgh's new music ensemble Alia Musica, I premiered Kierkegaard's Pantoum by composer David Lidov, was soprano soloist in Shadow in the Hot Sun by Paris-based composer Nissim Schaul and Al Vacio by composer Federico Garcia, a work she premiered at the inaugural New Dischord Festival in Chattanooga. I created the role of Pamela in the premier of TOOWHOPERA by composer Sorrel Hays in Rome, GA.

I was named a world finalist in the Luciano Pavarotti International Voice Competition, a regional finalist in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, a semi-finalist in the Jenny Lind Competition and a regional winner in the MacAllister Competition.

*** Lesson Details ***

Whether it is preparing for a competition, an audition or a role for the school play, I enjoy helping students of all ages reach their goals. I structure the curriculum to the individual needs of my students, focusing on healthy vocal technique, musicianship, stage presence, and joy in music.

During your first lesson, you will sing various vocalises to determine how you negotiate the changes in registration, what your vocal range is, and what you have to work on to improve your vocal quality, stamina, and flexibility.

If you do not see an available time, please call Takelessons. I sometimes have availability that is not visible on my calendar.

*** Studio Equipment ***

Living Room: baby grand, couch, chair, bench, small table, adjoining dining room where parents can wait.

l, country, folk, jazz, metal and rock n' roll. Everyday as I continue to grow as a teacher and musician, so does my love for the guitar. I very much enjoy sharing my knowledge and seeing each of my students progress and grow as musicians.

*** Lesson Details ***
Every lesson will be tailored exactly to what you want to learn. We can cover specific topics such as music theory, harmony and improvisation, but if you would prefer to just work on learning your favorite songs, that's precisely what we'll do. Let me know what you want to learn and it will be done. We'll monitor your progress to help reach your goals. Most importantly, we will have fun while learning!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Acoustic and electric guitars and basses, amps, cables, music stands, PC with recording software

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide my own equipment. Guitar, amp, and cables. Students should have their own guitar and amp.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in rock and metal, but I love to teach other styles like classical guitar, blues, jazz, and country.

which include my S.T.O.M.P method-Slap Tone Open Muffle Palm
Rudimentary hand drumming and approaches on Conga drum
One conga drum, 2 conga drums, 3 conga drums
Styles in Mambo, Rumba, Salsa, Son, Latin Jazz and Folkloric
Counting and keeping time
Stick control for timbales
Baqueteo patterns -Cascara(shell)of the timbal and cowbell patterns in clave
Abanico- 7 stroke and 9 stroke rolls
Styles on timbales-Danzon, Son, Mambo, Rumba, Salsa, Cha Cha Cha, Bolero
Reading and writing for Latin percussion
Latin Rhythm Theory
Ensemble performance
The Clave & pulse
6/8 Clave
Son Clave
Rumba Clave
The Clave today
Phrasing with the Clave
Variations on the Clave
Polyrhythms in Cuban Music

Cuban and Caribbean Rhythms taught are:

Bolero-5 variations
Caballo(Horse rhythm)-with variations
Danzon
Yambu
Guaguanco-6 variations
Rumba-with variations-columbia/abierto(open) 2Conga drums/one drum/New York street style rumba
Abakua-one drum pattern to 3 drum patterns
Plena(Puerto Rico)
Bomba
Bomba Sica
Bomba Yuba
Bambiche
Merengue(Domincan Republic)
Mozambique-old school/new school variations
Cumbia(Columbia)-with variations on one drum to 3 drums
Bembe(Afro) variations
Conga Comparsa(Carnival drumming) with variations
Changui
Calypso(Trinidad) one to 3 conga drums with variations
Bossa Nova(Brasil) with variations from one to 3 conga drums
Afro-Samba(Brasil)
Baion(Brasil)
Samba on 2 to 3 conga drums
Songo with 9 variations
Pilon on 3 congas
Iyesa with variations
6/8 basic one conga drum to 3 conga drums
Guarapachangeo with variations from 2 drums to 5
Ritmo Pa Ca
Dengue
Jala Jala
Tumbaos(basic rhythmic conga patterns for Latin Dance music) with many variations
Chaonda-
6/8 Bell patterns on conga drum with variations
Mongo Santamarias tumbaos and rhythmic approaches
Mongos Merengue
Mongos Afro Blue with variations

*** Studio Equipment ***
Congas/bongos/timbales/perc.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Congas/bongos/timbales/hand percussion

*** Specialties ***
I teach Latin percussion, conga drums, timbales, bongos and assorted African and Brazilian percussion as well.
I teach what is called the "Cuban" method of learning how to play as it is taught in Cuba today, along with my own developed methods. Yes I teach online. 

tarting from the beginning of what a student knows and moving forward step by step will only lead to perfection in their lessons. Having fun doing this, is the only way to keep a student focused and progressing. Enjoyment is the number one focus of Damien's lessons. If a student isn't enjoying and having fun with their lessons then they will not progress.
Damien teaches ages of 5-99. You are never too young or old to learn. Damien's main focus is guitar and music theory

*** Travel Equipment ***
I would expect the student to provide their own guitar (if necessary) and a notebook
I have private parking for my students, so they don't have to worry about parking, ever !
*** Specialties ***
I have been taught, on a college level, of classical, jazz, ethnic musics. I specialize in guitar, theory, composition.

gree in flute performance from Duquesne University, where she studied under Damian Bursill-Hall of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

ions that are placed on students in order for them to succeed. In college, I was the head student researcher on a two-year lab project. I took several upper level science courses including: biochemistry, calculus, organic chemistry, calculus based physics, cell biology, anatomy, and physiology. I studied marine biology in the Virgin Islands and am CPR certified.

*** Lesson Details ***
Voice lessons with me are fun and effective. You can expect to hear improved technique from day one, eventually reaching your long term goals. I begin every lesson aligning the students voice through various vocal warm ups and exercises. We then work together to pick repertoire that will suit the singer'€™s voice and they will enjoy singing. During a lesson we will also cover performance presentation, acting, diction, rhythm, musicality, style, and interpretation.

During tutoring you can expect a personalized plan based on your goals and aspirations. Since every student is different you can be assured we will come up with a plan that is designed just for you. I am a laid back tutor but will be sure to get the most out of you after our time together. Most students see at least a one letter grade improvement. My main goal for every tutoring session is student learning and comprehension.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Piano, recording equipment, large collection of sheet music

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in helping students find their true singing voice.

of Brazil,  receiving TV and radio coverage. He has also done workshops and performed at the Conservatory of the state of Pernambuco. In August 2004 he performed weekly at Rio Scenarium in Rio de Janeiro. His Band Brooklyn Brazil Bop has played at Joe's Pub as well as Central Park Festival. His band the Brazilian Acoustic ensemble performs periodically at 'Barbes' an important performance space in Brooklyn NY. In 2007 he gave a successful jazz workshop and concert in the city of Florianopolis Brazil. Billy has been awarded 3 prestigious composer's residencies 2006 - Yaddo and 2007 - The MacDowell Colony. He was featured on the PBS news hour during his residence at MacDowell. In 2008 he was awarded another MacDowell residency and followed this with a 3 hour appearance presenting his compositions live on WKCR Jazz Radio and another live radio appearance with band in 2010. Billy regularly plays in many venues around NY in Jazz trio settings as well as with Brazilian vocalists and instrumentalists. Most Recently his groups have been performing at the famed Cornelia Street Cafe in New York City. He also specializes in solo guitar and can double on percussion (Pandeiro) and Cavaquinho. Billy has completed two CD's of his original music and an EP of his original Choro music. He has a BFA in Jazz Performance from CCNY.

Testimonials:
From Coda Magazine August 2012: by Seton Hawkins

Through outstanding collaborations like the Brazilian Acoustic Ensemble, guitarist and composer Billy N has emerged as a leading exponent of the music of Brazil. Exploring far beyond the well-trodden bossa nova path. Billy unearths the full range of styles the country offers, including choro, baiào, valsa and samba, and gives American audiences a rich panoramic glimpse into Brazilian art, highlighting its parallels with progressive jazz.

A recipient of composers residencies at Yaddo and MacDowell Colony, he is the curator of a three-day series at the club dedicated to the country's music. Billy will showcase his own group—a sextet with drummer Matt Kane, bassist Leco Reis, saxophonists Michael Attias and Eric Schugren and trumpeter Ben Holmes—in a concert primarily featuring his original works. SH

Reviews of my Book on Alfred Brazil: Guitar Atlas,  I love this series and this is the best of the six titles I have. Billy really knows his stuff; the analysis of time at the beginning is superb: something I now use in my teaching. This is definitely for intermediate and higher guitarists, but the pieces are worth the effort to get right, and the accompanying CD shows you what you are aiming for. This is as good as my other Brazilian guitar book (by Nelson Faria) and much more compact and easier to follow. Highly recommended!

#2

This book is essential homework for students of Brazilian guitar. It is one of the best resources out there, along with Nelson Faria's "The Brazilian Guitar Book." The original etudes are not only instructional, but are nice pieces in their own right. An excellent value.

*** Lesson Details ***
I've taught all levels over 20 years both in NYC and Brazil. I work with the material that the student wants and also through recordings and charts introduce much music that the student might have been unfamiliar with. My lessons are catered to the individual. There is no obstacle anyone has that is too great to work through. My approach to rhythmic training has helped many. I have simple way of breaking down the guitar fingerboard which can used as a guide to learn harmony. I'll get you into the horizontal aspects of guitar, traveling across the neck, making music across one string as well, mastering the guitar in a small fret range - " vertical position playing".

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have guitar for the student, either electric or nylon. Cavaquinho students bring their instrument. First time students must bring their instrument so I can see what they are playing on.

*** Specialties ***
Brazilian Fingerstyle - Choro, Samba, Baiao Solo
Jazz Guitar - Pick or Fingers
Beginning Flamenco
Cavaquinho
Improvisation for any instrument
Harmony and Theory

ng Indian Music all over India, USA, Canada and Europe and has worked as a faculty for Indian Music for various schools and organizations like Center for World Music(USA), Harvard University(USA), Brandeis University(USA) to name a few. His pursuit of excellent has been revered in several publications.

Official Website: http://sitarrajib.com/
Skype: sitarrajib
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sitarrajib