East Pittsburgh, PA Songwriting Lessons

asing a CD that represents who you are at your best. I love what I do whether you have aspirations to be a professional musician or simply want you or your child to enjoy playing an instrument for yourself or friends and family.

*** Lesson Details ***
From the first lesson, my students learn, they grow, they feel good about themselves - and they get results. Whether adult, teenager or child, I find out what music inspires and I use this music to give access to learning regardless of level. Whether a Disney song, the Doors, or Debussy, I fuel your lesson with what lights you up. I am positive, attentive and also discerning. Quickly, I find out what learning style works best for my student; by ear, visually, or intellectually, and I spend the time to customize their materials and lesson plans to an extraordinary degree. If a student thrives with me being highly energized, or with me being more mellow, or if they have special needs, I'm able to adapt to what works best for my student. It is a joy and privilege to be a teacher, but especially a music teacher!

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have instruments, amps, laptop, mics...anything we need.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I often allow new students to use a loaner guitar of mine until they feel comfortable committing to purchasing their own. I help them find the right guitar for themselves by searching for used gear and accompanying them to the store. I provide all audio files and written materials.

*** Specialties ***
I teach ALL styles. I most often teach students wanting to play and sing songs from pop, show tunes, alternative, country, rock, singer/songwriter and jazz standards. I specialize in songwriting and often my students create their own compositions regardless of level. Improvisation (just playing!) is also a key part of my teaching.

joy teaching and want to help you explore your hidden talents and reach your fullest potential. With that in mind, the learning environment in my studio is relaxed and fun. I never condescend or put pressure on a student who makes mistakes. I encourage students to try new techniques and make mistakes along the way. I also work very closely with my students to achieve their own personal goals. I know that there are many different types of learners who all have different aspirations and I feel it is my job to ensure that my students are satisfied with their progress. I understand that someone hoping to attend a conservatory will have different needs than a small child. I promise to give nothing less than the highest quality teaching in an environment conducive to learning.

For piano students, I will spend much time on proper technique and making sure the student does not compromise the wrist, fingers, arms, or back which may create discomfort later. In the first 3-6 months a student can expect to learn technique, repertoire, and basic musicianship skills such as sight reading and transposition.

Composition/ Songwriting students will be coached according to what their specific goals and interests are. I incorporate the technical aspects of writing music along with music business which will help students get their music played and recorded.

Music theory students will practice skills such as four part writing, melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic dictation, modulation, roman numeral analysis, sight singing, and score analysis.

I do encourage the use of specific curricula but I am always willing to explore something new if you have a preference or have found success with something else. I hope that music will give my students lifelong enjoyment and I encourage you to come make music with me.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Aeolian Baby Grand Piano

*** Travel Equipment ***
I expect piano students to have their own piano but beginning students can start out on a keyboard if need be. Also, students are responsible for purchasing all books and materials for lessons.

*** 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 classical piano in all eras from baroque through twenty-first century music. I also am trained in various compositional styles including baroque through twentieth century harmony as well as jazz, pop, and songwriting.

, and Steve Mortier.

Melody has been a professional musician, vocalist, and actress since she was 16 years old. She began her career in musical theatre and graduated to film and television, starring in the independent hit "Down and Out with the Dolls." Her rolls in theatrical productions include Ti Moune in Once on This Island, Rizzo in Grease and numerable others. She has enjoyed a career as a professional vocalist performing in nightclubs, music festivals, casino's, and as an opening act for many national and touring performers. As a teacher, Melody draws from her experiences on the road, in front of the camera, and in the studio. She currently holds a Bachelor's of Music Degree from San Diego State University's Don Powell school of Music and Dance, and is a Certified SLS Vocal Technique Instructor. She teaches all ages, from young children to seasoned adults.

Personal Message: "Learning how to sing is fun!! It is also a lot of work. =) My goal for each student in every lesson is that they EXPERIENCE something new and better when it comes to vocal technique, and that they EXPERIENCE what I like to call the "happy music feeling." The perfect hybrid is when vocal technique is no longer an issue, and singing songs becomes effortless, joyful, and ripe for self expression and passion. This does not happen overnight, but with practice, dedication, and a patient impatience that keeps the student striving for perfection while simultaneously enjoying the process.

I teach all ages and I don't require an audition like many other highly trained teachers. I understand that you are coming to me to learn HOW to sing, and this is why I love beginners so much! I have spent many years studying to become the best voice teacher I can because I find teaching others the joy of singing incredibly rewarding. I understand the demands of a rigorous performance schedule, and I love the opportunity to help fine tune a working singer's vocal technique. Whether you are a beginner, a professional, or somewhere in between, I can teach you to sing higher, stronger, and faster with more ease than you probably thought possible. I look forward to working with you and your voice!"

Here are some nice things people have said about her:

"A rock chanteuse with a bold attitude and a set of seductive, versatile pipes. . "
-Anthony Davis Texarkana Gazette

The Forum Newsweekly
"Melody stands poised to take the national stage with a unique style and dynamic performing presence."

The Shreveport times
"She sat in for a set at the Noble Savage Tavern and as soon as she hit
that first chord and that first note, everybody stopped talking and
faces were pointed to the stage."

Dan Garner
Tipitina's

The Shreveport Times
"Whether she's playing solo shows or gigs with her band, [Melody] has a
keen ability to translate her emotions about dreams lost and chased
into bluesy, heartfelt, tumultuous vocals."

Michael Pickett
"Hey Melody! Thanks so much for jumping into the 2007 Lake Roosevelt
Musicfest. You were a huge hit up here!! The mayor was sitting around
with some of her volunteers and told me 'we think Melody takes
the prize this year'. It was just a great addition the event and you
made me look really good by just knocking everybody out like that! "

Personal thank you letter from Michael Pickett, promoter of annual Musicfest in Marcus, Washington.

*** Lesson Details ***

SKYPE LESSONS: Since I moved to Pennsylvania from San Diego, I have begun taking all of my lessons from Seth Riggs via Skype. I also maintained almost my entire San Diego student base by teaching via Skype, and in addition starting accepting students from all over the country and the world. I now have a very busy studio with an over 70% Skype student base due to the high demand for SLS technique and a balanced approach to singing instruction.
My youngest Skype student is 4 years old, and I recently held my first Skype Student integrated recital where online students performed live on a big screen from the comfort of their own homes! I'm constantly thinking of new ways to engage students from all corners of the world, create an online studio community, and offer performance and learning opportunities. Skype lessons are a great option for those without access to good vocal technique instructors or those who have tight schedules and prefer not to battle traffic on the way to the voice studio.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Keyboard, piano, microphone,
Guitars.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Will travel for:
Studio coaching for artist recording.

*** Specialties ***
Voice: I teach pop, musical theatre, Jazz, rock and blues styles.

urriculum based on students needs, wants and aspirations. We will focus on proper technique, theory, musicianship and sightreading to become a better all around musician. After a few months of lessons, you will have the proper fundamentals to grow as a musician and discover the art of music.

*** Studio Equipment ***
All necessities on site.

*** Specialties ***
I am well versed in many styles, I have played professionally and teach, ALL forms of Rock, Jazz, Blues, World (ethnic musics), Pop, Acoustic, Folk, and most other styles.

network television variety program, "The Gene Carroll Show", that was a television institution for over 30 years in the Midwest. I was a featured performer on that program for over 7 years, all the while perfecting the art of "playing to a camera." This experience was invaluable, and the knowledge I gathered is now included in my curriculum. I also began performing a solo act in the nightclub circuit at the age of 15, performing up and down the "north coast" from Cleveland, OH, (my home), to Erie. PA. At a very young age, I learned the difficult art of choosing musical material and pacing a show; also adapting to performing under a myriad of conditions with a vast array of musical accompaniment. After graduating college with a degree in Business Administration and Marketing, I assembled my own band, and took to the road. That experience eventually brought the act to Las Vegas in 1982. Over the years my show has been a staple in major casino cabarets in Las Vegas, and all over Nevada. Since my first engagement at The Landmark Hotel in the early 1980's, I have literally been up and down the famed Las Vegas Strip many times over. The Desert Inn, The Dunes, The Stardust, The Maxim, The Tropicana, New York New York, Mandalay Bay, MGM, Bally's, The Flamingo, The Imperial Palace, The Four Queens, The Golden Nugget, The Fremont, The Venetian, The Palazzo, and a three year engagement at The Riviera. My show is truly comprised of musical variety; classics, show tunes, jazz, rock, blues, r&b, country. Even a presentation of "Music of the Night" from Phantom of the Opera, that I perform in full costume. It is this ability to successfully deliver an extensive repertoire that I am enthusiastic about passing along to the next generation of entertainers.

I have been truly blessed in my career to have experienced so many highlights; too many to document. From winning an understudy roll in the Broadway Musical "Platinum" starring Hollywood actress Alexis Smith, to performing our National Anthem at events ranging from Major League Baseball to ESPN Boxing to receptions for major dignitaries, to recording 7 albums and a full-length video, to being asked to perform for Mr. Frank Sinatra at the Frank Sinatra Celebrity Golf Tournament, I have lived a full life on stage, learning and absorbing every bit of knowledge gathered along the way.
Now it is my desire to escalate my status as an educator to a more "one on one" experience; availing myself the opportunity to pass along that wealth of knowledge to individual students who aspire to enjoy the entertainment profession as I have, providing them with the skills needed to successfully compete. Or, should it be their choice not to pursue entertainment as a vocation, to gain a working understanding of all facets of their instrument so as to gain a better appreciation of music. Whatever the goal of the student, I feel that I am equipped to provide them with the tools needed to achieve that goal.

*** Lesson Details ***
Content of Sessions

Generally, the first 10-15 minutes of each lesson will be focused on vocal warm up and exercise. (For guitar students, we will review the previous
week's assignment). For Vocal Students, it is understood that the voice mechanism is made up of muscles, and as an athlete prepares for a sporting event, a singer must prepare to vocalize. It is at this time in our lesson when the student will develop good habits of voice maintenance, which will serve them well throughout their careers. The proper care and preservation of the vocal unit cannot be stressed enough, especially for pubescent and pre-pubescent students. Vocal chords in a developmental stage are most susceptible to damage, and because they are particularly sensitive, they must be handled with care. Our warm up regimen is designed to strengthen as well as preserve the singing voice.

I am not an advocate of getting too involved and "bogged down" in the technical aspects of singing, especially with the young students, and
especially early in our program. This is not to say that breath control, tonality, pitch, etc. are not vital to good singing, because these workings are ESSENTIAL, and their application will certainly be incorporated into our studies. Some instructors, on occasion, have a tendency to lose sight of the fact that much to do with singing happens "naturally", and too much focus on the "technical" can actually be inhibiting. This can alter a beautiful, natural tone into one that is unnatural and contrived.

I adhere to the philosophy that above all else, SINGERS WANT TO SING SONGS, and musicians-in-training want to play music. That is our focus, and all of our training is conceived with that objective in mind. All the technical knowledge and coaching serves no purpose without practical application. It is my belief that the most significant progress occurs when a vocalist is singing a song.

Nearly every element of instruction can be utilized in the performance of one song. This is why the majority of our session time will be spent "in song". For the very young student, we will concentrate our efforts with the students choices of favorite and familiar songs. The older students will undoubtedly have favorite songs, styles and artists. Special attention will be paid to the genre most enjoyed by the student, but diversity will be emphasized as well, and a variety of genres will be unpacked and explored. I believe that whatever a student's musical goals and aspirations, it is in their best interest to gain knowledge and insight in all facets of music, singing, and performance.

The most vital pre-requisite for any student is their enthusiasm. My ambition will be to harness that enthusiasm and channel it productively through stimulating instruction. Our sessions will be informative and educational, but always predicated upon "having fun with music".

I am proud to feature a curriculum that emphasizes the entertainment aspect of singing as well as the technical; created to benefit all ages and experience levels, from beginner to seasoned professional. After just weeks of my "Triple Threat Training" a student will begin to see astounding results: vocally, musically, and in the art of performance. I am excited to share my knowledge with you. Let's get started!

*** Studio Equipment ***
My studio is equipped with a full vocal sound system with microphones that I utilize to teach the valuable art of mic technique. Young students enjoy using the mics and hearing themselves sing and perform. Since our lessons are predicated on enjoying the art of singing, this opportunity has proven invaluable. For the advanced performer, studying all aspects of amplification and what a singer should know about their stage sound is a part of our educational curriculum. My studio is furnished with the equipment that is essential to mastering that knowledge.
Since the practical aspect of my course is based on singing songs, I provide all the latest technology required to allow my students the opportunity to sing the songs of their choosing, with and without the lead vocal tracks. I feel that when students are singing their favorite songs, it offers me the greatest teaching opportunities. I make certain the every musical genre can be represented, and feel I have the knowledge and ability to guide the student is whatever their musical tastes. My studio is also equipped with piano (for vocal exercises), and guitars, which gives me opportunity to accompany my students when the musical moment is appropriate. Be assured that all the technology I need to fulfill the educational needs of my students is but a step away!!