Verona, PA Songwriting Lessons

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.

ter performing group and spends most of its time performing in and around the Pacific Northwest. When not leading his own group Kareem can be seen and heard performing as a sideman with many other top notch musical acts and projects, most notably The Paperboys from Vancouver BC.

As an educator Kareem divides his time teaching jazz improvisation as an artist in residence at The Tacoma School of the Arts, directing the award winning student jazz ensemble at Pierce College, conducting masterclasses and workshops at schools around the Puget Sound area, and maintaining a full load of private students. Along with his teaching duties Kareem is the director or The Tacoma Jazz Association, serves on the Tacoma Arts Commission, and is a D'Addario Woodwinds performing artist.

Kareem holds a Bachelors Degree of Music from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle Washington which he attended after receiving a full scholarship.

Throughout his years of teaching Kareem has worked with students of all ages and abilities, from beginners just getting started, to advanced players who simply want new ideas and direction.

*** Lesson Details ***
Lessons are relaxed and are focused on what you would like to learn.

I usually begin with assessing where students are in their abilities and then come up with a lesson plan based on what they already know and what they would like to accomplish.
They can be geared towards a 5 year old with no musical training whatsoever, or to an advanced musician who wants to further develop their skills.

Topics that I cover in lessons throughout a typical day of teaching include: Instrument technique, sight reading skills ( note and rhythm recognition ), memorization skills, music theory, ear training, improvising, and composing.

After 3 to 6 months of lessons and regular practice a beginning student should have a good command of their instrument and a strong foundation of sight reading. At this point we normally will also have started some music theory as well. For students wanting to focus on jazz we will have already begun improvising as well.

*** Studio Equipment ***
5x10 room w/ piano and seating for parents

*** Specialties ***
I focus on the basics of learning to read music and basic technique on the instruments that I teach. From there I proceed with theory, ear training, improvising, composition etc. It all depends on what the students want to learn. I am comfortable teaching classical music as well as jazz, rock, composition, and improvisation.

ecessary skills that demonstrate learning.

I'm excited to help you incorporate new skills into your life!

chnique to build a strong foundation. Thank you for perusing my profile- I hope to hear from you soon!