Mc Kees Rocks, PA Singing Lessons

perform at Duquesne University’s Rome campus, successfully completing their Lirica Roma program.

Bo has had numerous success teaching students of all ages. Whether they aspire to become professionals or just singing as a hobby, her teaching techniques are adaptive to each individual student’s needs. She is also offering reading, speaking, and writing tutoring in Mandarin Chinese.

*** Lesson Details ***
As a voice teacher, I believe that my job is to allow the students to discover their own unique characteristics. I like to teach in an relaxed environment where the student will be able to develop a healthy (learning bad techniques can be harmful to the throat and body) strong techniques. It is important for the students to learn their own bodies and limit, while being taught to use their bodies to help produce beautiful singing.

Singing is more than just about using their voice and achieving proper technique.. It is equally important to learn the music history, theory, acting, etc. appropriate to the piece they are working on. When everything comes together with proper singing and the correct knowledge, students will be able to perform a piece in an intelligent manner.

Finally, something I have learned from my previous teachers, it is important to go beyond being just a teacher, and become a role-model and a mentor to my students.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Music studio of BB

*** Specialties ***
Music performance, Opera Voice, Broadway Singing

ere in Pittsburgh premiering works by local composers and created the role of Pamela in the premiere of TOOWHOPERA by composer Sorrel Hays in Rome, GA. On the concert stage, I have recently appeared with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Orchestra, Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra, Chattanooga Bach Choir and CreateHere'™s Hops and Opera.

Highlights of my performances include Queen of the Night in Die Zauberflote with West Bay Opera, Stockton Opera, Opera San Jose and Pocket Opera, Despina in Cosi fan tutte with Mission City Opera, Blonde in Abduction from the Seraglio and Yvette in La Rondine with Pocket Opera, Cunegonde in Candide with Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. Other roles include Rosa Bud in The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Abigail in The Crucible, Mabel in The Pirates of Penzance, Zerlina in Don Giovanni, Madame Herz in The Impresario, Lucy in Threepenny Opera, Monica in The Medium, and Pamina in The Magic Flute.

I was a featured performer in a series of concerts in Europe, South America, and Australia aboard Cunard'™s Vistafjord and Royal Viking Sun.

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.

, 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.

onderfully packed with performance for Seattle Opera. I just closed out a 78 performance run of CINDERELLA IN SPAIN where I sang the role of CINDERELLA and was even on the poster! I also performed the roles for the Seattle Opera preview performances of GRETEL in HANSEL UND GRETEL, VIOLETTA in LA TRAVIATA, KATYA in KATYA KABANOVA, and QUEEN OF THE NIGHT in MAGIC FLUTE. I made my Seattle Opera debut singing ALITSA and RACCOON in their touring production of "OUR EARTH", as well as performing on the mainstage in many productions. My upcoming performances include singing in the Seattle Opera kick off to the season SUMMERFEST in July; and OLYMPIA in LES CONTES D'HOFFMANN with Pacific Northwest Opera. My other roles include ALKANDRE in PENELOPE with Vespertine Opera in Seattle, WA; FRASQUITA in CARMEN with OperaBend in Bend, Oregon and Pacific Northwest Opera; and SUSANNA in LE NOZZE DI FIGARO with the Seattle Opera Guild. I also made my international debut in December 2014 singing GRETEL in HANSEL UND GRETEL with Opera Mariposa in Vancouver, BC. I have also been the featured soloist as "Christine" in Ten Grand's Phantom of the Opera at Benaroya Hall in Seattle, WA, and many lead roles in both opera and musical theatre: such as Semele (Semele), Marie (La Fille du Regiment), Gretel (Hansel und Gretel), Countess Ceprano and Gilda (Rigoletto), Blondchen (Die Entfuehrung aus dem Serail), Maria (West Side Story), La Fee (Cendrillon), Sarah Brown (Guys and Dolls), Cathy (The Last 5 Years), Rosina (Barber of Seville), and more! I have also been part of jazz ensembles, and won the Battle of the Bands at Indiana University with a rock group! I am proud to have won the Seattle Opera Guild/Opera Plus Young Artist Scholarship Award for the 2015/2016 season, the Encouragement Award in the Metropolitan Opera National Council District Auditions, First Place in the National Classical Singers Competition, the C.M. Gerber Scholarship, Music Dean's Scholarship, Music Faculty Award, First Place at Washington State Solo and Ensemble Competitions, First Place in the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) National Competitions, and many more!

Teaching brings me such joy! To share the love of music and to educate the musicians of tomorrow is both gratifying and inspiring. I have been teaching since 2005 and provide a fun and focused learning experience where there are no "wrong" questions, and everybody's unique voice is celebrated! Many of my students have gone on to study music in college, and have landed lead roles in musical theatre, choir solos, All State and All Northwest choirs, and won awards in Classical competitions.

In my spare time, I like to hike, eat good food, and spend time with family and friends!

*** Lesson Details ***
My studio provides musical knowledge through private lessons including healthy vocal technique, basic understanding of music theory, and basic piano skills. I encourage a fun and focused environment. Come ready to learn, and let's make music!

A typical lesson will include vocalises that detail proper technique, some ear training work, some music theory training, and will be followed by repertoire. During this time, students will learn how to produce clear and authentic diction (English and other languages), breath management, phrase shaping, smooth transitions between higher and lower pitches, stylistic ornamentation, as well as dramatic involvement of the piece.

Students will learn the importance of the foundations of breath support, and how to create a healthy sound for any genre while keeping the unique qualities of their own voice-- no cookie-cutter singers here! Students will also learn how to read music, practice effectively, perform authentically, and take care of their delicate instrument for a lifetime of singing!

While Skype is a marvelous tool that has revolutionized the world of teaching, nothing can replicate natural acoustics. In-studio lessons are suggested for a clearer and more personable lesson.
**Skype lessons are reserved for long distance students only**

STUDIO ABSENCE and CANCELLATION POLICIES:
Regularly scheduled and attended lessons are the best way to see positive changes in your voice! The smooth running of the Studio Schedule helps make that happen. Therefore, missing lessons is discouraged and make up lessons/cancellations are not given in the Studio unless:
- I have had a performance or rehearsal that conflicts with our lesson time and cannot have the lesson as scheduled. If this occurs, I will inform you of the event as soon as possible and give you the option of a make up lesson or cancelling the lesson.
- Notices of foreseen cancellations (family vacations, religious holidays, school functions, special occasions etc.) are eligible for rescheduling or cancellation if given before the first lesson of the month.
- Of course, life can throw us for a loop! Illness, emergencies, and unforeseen events may possibly be given make ups or cancellations and will be determined at the Studio's discretion. (In the matter of illness: standard procedure is that if the student can attend work/school, they should come to their lesson. A cold can easily be worked around. If the voice is affected (for singing students), Studio time can still be used to work on ear training, music theory, music history, etc.)

All other absences will result in the lesson being marked as "missed". A hard copy of the Studio Policies and further details will be given to the student at the first lesson. Please feel free to ask any questions or clarifications.

*** Studio Equipment ***
The studio lessons take place in a designated area of my home. The room includes seating for parents to observe lessons as well as a weighted keyboard (88 keys), music stand, desk, and materials. No pets. Lots of street parking is available. Shopping and coffee/food located within walking distance.

*** Specialties ***
Specialties: Classical/Opera
Other styles and genres: Musical Theatre, Jazz, Pop, and Rock.

ttsburgh Threshold Choir, a group of women who sing at the bedsides of people who are very ill or dying.

Lessons with Cindy are self-directed with coaching intended to help the student accomplish his or her personal objectives. She will ask you to provide examples of music that you love so much that you'd be willing to work hard to learn to play it, and you will find yourself working on that music right from the start. Technique is taught in the context of the music: if you need a technique for a particular song, you will learn that technique. And of course once you've mastered a technique it's yours to use on the next song or tune and the next. It's a constant process of enjoying the music and discovering and mastering the technique needed to recreate it in your own playing or singing.

*** Lesson Details ***
Lessons start with a review of the work you've been doing. We might take that song or tune to the next level with a new technique, or we might apply technique you've already learned to a new piece. Every lesson is different, customized to the needs of the student at that moment.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Instruments, audio and video recording equipment

*** Travel Equipment ***
Instruments, audio and video recording equipment as needed

ching in a classroom setting has given me the experience and ability to understand how to scaffold lessons and track progress. Many people have a misconception that a good singing voice is either something 'you have or you don't', but I don't believe that's true! It just takes practice and an open mind!

So whether you are preparing for an audition, looking to improve your vocal technique, or searching for a fun outlet, I would love to work with you!