Singing with Carolyn R.

I am an experienced voice and piano teacher with 25 + years of teaching experience. I am passionate about teaching, and my experience includes teaching voice and piano to elementary through college students, in academic settings and in my home. I love working with people of all ages. As a soprano, I have performed as soloist in recitals and concerts throughout the US, and have sung professionally with many choral ensembles. I have appeared in musical theater and opera productions in leading roles. I have also been a college choir director and voice teacher. In addition, I have performed as piano soloist in various settings, and piano accompanist for choirs, singers and instrumentalists in church, contest and concerts. Recently, I earned my Doctorate in Music from Arizona State University. My studio is where I share my expertise and passion for music with private voice and piano students. My approach is that music should be fun and satisfying. I want students to have the enjoyment of accomplishing great things, and build on their natural abilities and love of music. I look forward to meeting you, and seeing where your musical talents can take you! *** Lesson Details *** Each voice lesson begins with a warm up: movement, stretches, relaxation and breathing exercises while focusing on good posture and support. Following that we continue warming up the voice with appropriate vocal exercises. If desired, we can spend time sight singing (reading music). Then we will turn to your chosen piece(s) of music. You could bring in a song or aria of your interest, or I could suggest pieces that I feel suit your voice. Some areas that I like to focus on in are relaxation, posture, breathing, support, use of registers, placement, growing your voice in size and range, intonation (pitch), tone color, clarity and consistency. My ultimate goal is to help students sing with musicality and expressiveness. For piano, we may begin by working on things like hand position, posture, relaxation of the body and then exercises, including scales and chords. We may also incorporate music theory. After a warm-up, we will focus on chosen music. I like to use music literature that is appropriate to the student's level, which gives enjoyment, and also increases breadth of knowledge and expertise. For beginning students, there are many good series available that I like to use, such as Bastian or Alfred. Its very important that students feel comfortable in their lessons. I am sensitive, flexible and open to individual likes and dislikes, and any thoughts or concerns you have. These are your lessons and I am committed to helping you get the most out of them! *** Studio Equipment *** lessons in large living room with upright or grand piano, mirrors; space for parents to sit/wait; repertoire *** Specialties *** Opera, classical, musical theater