Opera Voice with Anne G.

Anne received her Bachelor's Degree in Music Education with a Vocal Emphasis from Oakland University in Rochester, MI in 2008. She has taught privately since 2006. Anne uses her experience with performing solos and singing in a variety of ensembles and well as her knowledge of vocal technique, music theory, music history, ear training and piano to best aid her students in improving their voices or beginning their piano studies. She also uses her experience as a voice coach and her understanding of learning theories, specifically Constructivism, to best teach each individual. Anne has trained under some of the most prominent names in the metro-Detroit area, many of whom have performed around the world in opera and musical theatre productions. Anne has also performed in productions throughout the metro-Detroit area. She uses many of the same methods that her voice teachers used on her, and that have allowed her to grow into a professional singer. Anne teaches a classical method of vocal technique. The classical method is the foundation. It is up to the individual just how he or she would like to build on it. However, Anne has experience with a wide variety of genres, besides classical, and would be happy to impart this knowledge to her students. Anne's goal is to provide high quality instruction to students of all ages in order to help them express themselves musically to the best of their combined ability, in time allowed to teach them, in order for them to become independent musicians. *** Lesson Details *** Voice: I am a kind and welcoming teacher! I understand that everyone's voice is personal and unique. I strive to bring out the best that your voice has to offer. I like to create a comfortable, but on task environment for my students. I understand that students of voice need continued support to develop the vocal mechanism. The first lesson is not an audition, but a 'getting to know you' session. On this first lesson we simply do a few vocal warm up exercises. This is so that I can get a feel for your voice and so that I will be able to create a personalized program adapted to your vocal needs. I may also ask you to sing a song that you already know- such as Jingle Bells- in both high and low keys so that I can get a sense of what songs would best suit your voice. Following this, if there is a song that you have worked on in your past singing experience, I would encourage you to bring it to this first lesson so that I can get even more of an understanding of where you are at vocally. Aside from the first day, the usual curriculum consists of theory, warm-ups, sight-reading, and repertoire. Music Theory is the study of music notation and the rules which govern composer techniques. Depending on the age and experience of the student, they will receive a theory book from which they will do lessons independently. We check these pages together and go over any questions the student has at the beginning of the lesson. Warm-ups are simple vocal exercises that serve multiple purposes. The first is what the name implies: to warm up your voice. Much like when you warm up your muscles before exercising, your voice also needs some time to prepare itself. Second, this is a perfect opportunity to work on breathing, posture, tone and resonance, that you can then apply to all music you sing. Warm-ups will bring your voice into peak performance mode and you will be ready to succeed on your repertoire. Sight-reading is learning how to read music through the vocal instrument. With my help, I will teach you to sing music on a page just by looking at and understanding the notation. This helps to develop the ear and also allows you to understand the notes that are above the words that you are singing. My goal with this is that you will come to not need me at all - that you will be able to look at a piece of music and be able to sing it, with out any professional having to play or sing it for you. That being said, the majority of your lesson will be spent on learning actual music! As stated before, I teach a classical foundation. Many students find classical music to be more taxing when it comes to technique, which is what makes these songs perfect for improving technique. For those who wish to concentrate on musical theatre, pop, jazz, or other genres, we often concentrate our efforts equally on what the student wishes to focus on and classical. As you progress we will move to more challenging or unfamiliar repertoire. It is through new, interesting repertoire, that you will not only improve your voice, but also expand your horizons as you explore and perform new genres that you may not be familiar with. Piano: I typically use the Faber method books for both adults and children. I will insure that you get experience with composition, improvisation and listening along with theory, technique and performance training. I will also give you ample opportunities to perform through contests and community events, if you chose to do so. I hope that you will consider voice or piano lessons for yourself or for a family member or friend. I tailor lessons to individual students and will make them fun and worthwhile. *** Studio Equipment *** Maniaci Music School: Upright piano, audio cassette recorder, computer and internet, microphone and pa system, copy machine Home Studio: New studio piano, computer and internet, speakers. ***I have 2 cats at my home studio*** If you are allergic I will not be able to teach you at that location. Maniaci Music School is pet free. *** Travel Equipment *** The student must provide a piano or keyboard *** Specialties *** Voice, Beginning Piano I teach a classical method of singing which gives a wonderful foundation for vocal technique. However, it is up to the student how they would like to build on this foundation. After classical, I am most qualified in musical theater, though I also have experience in pop, jazz, rock, country, and R & B. I also am available to teach beginning piano as I have experience accompanying my voice students.