McKeesport, PA Music Performance Lessons

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.

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.

gh the Ezio Pinza Concil for American Singers of Opera in Italy, the American Singers' Opera Project of North Carolina, and the American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria.
As a teacher, I completed a year-long vocal pedagogy course with Cynthia Bess which provided me with a thorough understanding of the anatomy and psychology of singing, as well as a systematic approach to the correction of vocal faults. One of my students, a teen-aged boy, was selected to attend Eastman's summer program for high school students, and another student received a full college scholarship in music. Several of my students have performed leading roles in school, community, and university musical productions.
I hold a full voting membership in the National Association of Teachers of Singing, am a Licensed Kindermusik Educator, am employed as Director of Music Ministry for a fairly large church, and am a chapter officer for the American Guild of Organists. I was also a teaching artist at Propel East Charter School for Greensburg American Opera and directed the Old Economy Singers (a twenty-voice historical choir) for six years.

*** Lesson Details ***
I provide professional, knowledgeable, and individualized instruction in a supportive and encouraging environment. During the course of study with me, I expect voice students will improve vocal technique and sound quality, alleviate physical tension which may be interfering with phonation, expand their range, learn new repertoire, increase confidence, and grow as performing artists.
My vocal teaching method focuses on correct breathing and resonance; I also incorporate some activities from Barry Green's "Inner Game of Music" technique. Although my teaching is grounded in a scientific approach to the process of phonation, I also believe singing should be a fun experience for the student. We sing to communicate! I believe that a thorough technical foundation is necessary for free and healthy singing in any genre of music. I am willing to work with students in the vocal styles that interest them most; although my professional performance experience is in opera and musical theatre, I have also successfully worked with students whose interests included jazz, pop, rock, folk music, contemporary Christian music, and choral singing.
My piano pedagogical method matches each student with the right curriculum-- Alfred, Schaum, or Piano Adventures-- plus supplemental technical exercises such as scales, arpeggios, and Czerny and Hanon exercises. All students are exposed to theory through worksheets, games, and other applied activities. As soon as possible, I introduce "real" repertoire from master composers.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Grand piano, electronic piano, music library, photo copier for copies of repertoire, music stands, Sing and See software.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide copies of music and exercises. If I am teaching at a student's home, I expect him/her to provide a keyboard instrument.

*** Specialties ***
I believe that a strong technical foundation emphasizing correct breathing and placement will allow voice students to sing in a healthy manner in any style of music. My professional performance credentials are primarily in opera, but I also have musical theatre experience and have successfully worked with students whose interests include opera, musical theatre, jazz, pop, rock, gospel, Irish folk music, and choral singing. In piano lessons, I emphasize technique and musicianship through a balance of exercises, repertoire, and theory activities.

albums with various ensembles and bands. In college I already knew from my previous experience that I wanted to teach and pass on the joy that music brought to my life. I studied Music Theory and Jazz and finished my degree in Music Education. I have been teaching all in all for about 14 yrs. And I have enjoyed every minute I have spent with my students learning as much from them, as them from me. I am looking forward to meeting new and eager students who really want to bring their inner music out to share with the rest of us music aficionados! and develop their skills to the peak of their abilities.

*** Lesson Details ***
My teaching method ranges depending on the student. I believe in my experience that everyone learns differently, therefore everyone develops at their own pace. I try to find key strengths in each student and expose this to their advantage, using their abilities to further develop their skills, this method has shown the most promising results and students usually find themselves playing and performing just a couple of months after their first lessons. Part of my method involves a lot of performance and recital opportunities to help break any fears and inhibitions a student may bring with them. Music is about sharing, so an early exposure to this method helps to strengthen and stabilize a core acceptance of a students style and path, giving them and those close to them a very clear picture of their development and achievements.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Has all instruments at both his home and college studio

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide lesson material, song charts and a progression scale. I require student to have an Instrument and recommended technique literature.

*** Specialties ***
My classical training began in High School with Influences in Segovia, and Romero I studied classical for 4 yrs. and trained in Jazz and Improvisation with performances In Big Band and group ensemble. Also sang and played in the school gospel choir.

****Personal Statement*****

If you needed a reason

There is no question that music touches us instantly and activates images, emotions and memories that linger with us throughout our lives. As a casual listener or an obsessive music elitist, there are times in our lives when we get blown away by a sound so unique our entire body vibrates and resonates with the touch of something out of this world. I can honestly say when this happens to me I feel as close to a spiritual connection than anything I have experienced otherwise. I believe it is these exact events that have triggered my need to be completely involved in the making, performing and consuming of music. The creative process, to me, is the single obvious reason we exist in this world. We create and share, learn and interpret, build on previous ideas and inspire others to perfect upon this process. It is no doubt a very humbling experience to realize you are part of it all. During this process you come to realize how important you are as an Individual, how there is no other vessel like you in this world, nor has there ever been or ever will. You are here now and your voice, your talent, your gift is an instrument to the great choir of the human spirit. No one but you can relate this, a reason to be, to create, to give.

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

. I also train business owners, salespeople and those who are simply terrified to present themselves in the art of public speaking.

This is NOT your average coaching session! This is for those who are ready to finally overcome the world’s #1 fear: PUBLIC PERFORMANCE.
Get ready to present yourself, business, product or service with confidence, personality and effectiveness.

My lighthearted and humorous approach to seemingly stressful situations, especially in the public performance sector, have made me a highly sought-after coach for one-on-one and group training.

My approach is designed to train and condition the entire body as an instrument, not just the oral portion of the voice. My 5-octave vocal range allows me to easily instruct my students in developing their whistle register (see special pricing for whistle training). I have been trained in (and teach) Classical, Appoggio, jazz/improv, Seth Riggs' speech-level singing and other methodologies of singing and speaking.

My method of assessing and meeting the needs of each student enables me to assist them in bringing out the very best in their capabilities. If you desire quality, effectiveness and noticeable improvement in your singing, writing, public speaking or overall performance, I am the coach for you!
Whether you are a beginner or professional, I make sure that you are comfortable and have a great time while learning. I am flexible with your needs so feel free to let me know what you want from your lessons and we can work towards your goal to your satisfaction.

Not only am I a coach, I’m a professional singer and public speaker, so I utilize and perfect my own techniques on a regular basis. I have the privilege of being a classically-trained pianist and vocalist, having studied at Sherwood Conservatory of Music, Vandercook College of Music, The Second City, University of Chicago, ETA Performing Arts Center and many other fine institutions.

Children love working with me because I make learning fun and they have a high retention rate of the techniques that I teach them. I am easygoing, funny and offer a minimalist, casual and relaxed environment for everyone. My adult students have a blast because our lessons feel more like a friendly visit with lighthearted humor.

*** Specialties ***
Pitch Correction
Whistle Register Development
Vocal Physiology
Overcoming Performance Anxiety
Accent Reduction
Repertoire Selection
Concert and Competition Preparation
Public Speaking
Physical Maintenance of the Vocal Instrument
Overcoming Speech Impediments
Stage Movement
Studio Recording Techniques
Songwriting
Image Development
Vocal Range Enhancement
Post-surgical re-immersion
Students with autism, down syndrome and speech impediments

Group classes are also available.

*** Lesson Details ***
Each lesson is tailor-made to suit the student's individual needs. Custom action plan will be given to each student on a case-by-case basis. No instruments are used in my lessons, as I train the voice to be a standalone instrument. However, if you would like to accompany yourself with a guitar, piano or percussion instrument, you are very welcome to do so.

I am available 24 hours a day for online coaching and as early as 6:00 am CST for in-person sessions.

*Please note that 15-minute sessions are ONLY available online. In-person sessions must be a minimum of 30 minutes. 31 and 61-minute sessions are ONLY for whistle register training.

Online Disclaimer:
When choosing online lessons, please make sure that your system is functioning properly, that you know how to use the platform, that you have a good internet connection and that you are logged in on time, as no concessions will be made for time used due to technical difficulties.

Timing Disclaimer:
Our time together is very valuable. If you are not on time for your session, the missed portion will not be made up at the end of the session. If I am not on time, I will make up the missed portion at the end of the session or alternate agreed-upon time. No exceptions or make-up sessions will be made for illness, weather, transportation issues (including car trouble), or any other short-notice reason. Rescheduled lessons must be made a minimum of 48 hours in advance and must be made up within the calendar week of the original lesson. If it is not made up within that week, it will still count as a paid session and cannot be made up at a later time.

een my salvation! Throughout my life it has been a best friend and constant source of joy, and I share this gift with others so that it might help them to find the same joy. After more than 10 years of teaching, I have so many new experiences to draw from and share with my students. I've spent the last 9 years performing with Disney in California and abroad in their Tokyo Disney cast, and I must say that those experiences, vast and varied as they are, have given the word "performance" a new depth. I'm always excited to dive into every lesson with fresh ideas that will mesh well with many tried and tested teaching techniques.

Originally from Los Angeles, I now reside in Orange County and I'm especially proud to have expanded my studio to serving clients all over the world with online lessons via Skype and FaceTime! I get such joy from sharing my experiences with a diverse group of people from many walks of life.
If you're interested in learning more about my lesson style, feel free to contact me and I'd be happy to talk with you about a plan to help you reach your goals!

For Students of Voice: Teaching Style

Over the past several years I have focused much of my personal growth on developing my ears' ability to pick out and pinpoint vocal “placement”, resonance, subtleties of timbre, changes in pitch, breath support, air speed and flow, pronunciation and diction, and in general, the way in which all of these work together to create style. From these assessments, I work with the student’s particular needs to address each area individually and based on the learning style of each person.
To illustrate to the student their method as I see and hear it, as well as ways in which they might make changes to facilitate the ease of singing --be they changes of tessitura (range), length of phrase, tone color, the release of unnecessary tension etc.-- I make use of vocalise (vocal exercises), simile and metaphor, examples from recorded performances, demonstration, self assessment, and techniques to “trick” the voice into acting in a different way, in addition to videos, diagrams, and texts on anatomy and physiology. I feel that all of these tools provide a unique and personalized learning experience for each student.

cials, movies, and other performing artists. I also co-own and co-operate an independent record label. I live in TN with my wife, a small wire-haired terrier that looks like a cartoon character, and an embarrassingly large collection of books and vinyl records.