Singing with Brenda I.

As a choral and solo singer, instrumentalist, conductor, private instructor, worship music leader, parent/child class instructor, classroom music teacher, vocal coach for auditions and performances, instructor of adult learners, I have many experiences to draw from when I teach. My early childhood training has given me insight into how children learn music, which can be applied to all music students of all ages and stages. My years of singing in many different groups and many different styles, gives me the ability to guide students with practical instruction that works for each individual voice. Growing up in a musical family, I sang in choir at church, took up guitar, recorder and later the flute. I sang church, folk and pop music, took dance lessons for many years and listen to loads of records. In college, I studied classical voice technique, instrumental technique, took piano and flute lessons. After college I took the Orff Schulwerk certification program and taught in public and private schools. I later trained in early childhood music with Music Together and have extensive knowledge of musical development in children. I have been an active member of The American Choral Directors Association and am a member of NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing). I also have experiences in many kinds of singing and many music styles including: folk, classical, Renaissance, contemporary, Broadway, pop, jazz and foreign language. I have an excellent ear for diagnosing vocal issues and try to keep current on vocal techniques by attending workshops and master's classes. I love figuring out how you learn best (kinesthetic, aural, visual) and try to do it with a sense of humor, imagination and practicality. I ask lots of questions and use your feedback to find the best learning paths for you! I am open to learning any style of music you prefer and am really patience. *** Lesson Details *** Voice lessons are 45 - 60 minutes long and begin with physical warm ups for the first few minutes. Then we do vocal exercises where the voice is stretched high and low. We work on tongue, jaw position, vowel shapes and modification, vowel unification, articulation, breath support, phrasing, word placement, dynamics, music theory as needed. This often includes sight singing using The Fundamentals of Sight Singing and Ear Training by Arnold Fish and Norman Lloyd, using the Vaccai Practical Method of Italian Singing exercises, musical and lyrical interpretation of repertoire, choosing new and contrasting styles of music to support techniques learned in the warm up. We also analyze the music, lyrics and interpretation. Students use a recording device to record their lesson which promotes at home learning and proper practice. Students also hear their own voice and can hear when a correction is made or needed. This allows the students to become their own best instructor, which is my goal. All levels of learning are included in my studio from beginner to adult. I also help students prepare for auditions for choirs or shows. We have a recital in the spring to share our music for our families and to see a finished product from other musicians. We often prepare a group number for the final musical selection on the program. I also prepare 2-3 pieces to sing at the recital as an example for my students and families. *** Studio Equipment *** Piano, music stand, mirror, pencil & paper for note taking, seating for parent or guest. Additional seating in living room for parents not attending the lesson. Songbooks to use as reference and instruction. I can provide names of providers of songbooks available to purchase. *** Specialties *** Broadway, Classical, Folk, Jazz