I've always loved to sing from my earliest remembrance along with a love for the piano and a desire to play. I attended Academy of Our Lady - High School where I took four years of piano as well as vocal instruction. I performed with a group called The Madrigals as a 'high soprano' during those years. I further attended Wheaton College, attained a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in music. I was educated musically through Wheaton's Conservatory of Music. I studied piano, voice, theory, music history, music appreciation,and sight singing to name a few. I auditioned, performed, and traveled with the Women's Glee Club.
Since then, I served as the worship leader in church setting. I was responsible for music selection, accompaniment, and vocal coaching for our worship team. I've also worked as a facilitator in an after school program. There, I worked with students on an individual as well as group basis. I led a youth choir that traveled and performed for local nursing home residents. I also taught music appreciation and a fitness/movement class incorporating various genres of music.
Throughout the years I've had may opportunities to work with students one-on-one in piano and vocal instruction and performance. Overall, I am very passionate about music. Whether its listening, singing, playing or helping someone develop or grow in their talent, I simply love it!
Now, I'd be honored to work with you. I am comfortable working with beginners to intermediate in both piano and voice, ages 5 and up. As partners, this is a dual effort. I will do my best to find and utilize the most effective ways/methods to coach and assist you in reaching your piano or vocal goals. I will expect you to give your best effort consistently to get there one step at a time.
*** Lesson Details ***
When it comes to lessons, I am a pleasant, approachable person. I enjoy laughter and believe it is a healthy response even when things are difficult.
In piano, I can help you learn the basics of playing such as note recognition, scales, chord formation, ear development and form a foundation that you can build upon progressively. In voice, I can help you develop good breathing, posture, tone, diction and expression. I am excited to work with whatever singing style that interests you most. Opera is my only exception at this point.
I offer training in classical music to use as a foundation for any other genre of music that interests you.
In general, I prefer to use well-balanced methods that incorporate theory along with the mechanics of learning. I believe in using tools, games,or aids that make learning fun, especially for the young beginner. The method used will depend upon the goals and needs of the student.
*** Studio Equipment ***
The In-Studio lessons are taught in the living room with a piano and seating. No pets. Parking in driveway or on street.
*** Travel Equipment ***
I do not travel with any equipment - except books/curriculum as needed.
I expect my student to provide a lesson notebook, and equipment, piano, microphone, amplifier as required.
*** Specialties ***
Genres - Classical, Contemporary Christian
Led Sunday morning worship with small team. Responsible for music selection and weekly rehearsals. Provided vocal coaching and piano accompaniment.
Facilitated classes in music appreciation and led traveling youth choir in afterschool program.
