Christian Gospel with Courtney B.

I was born in Heidelberg, Germany, but raised in Fayetteville, NC. I started singing at 3, playing the clarinet at 11, writing/composing at 12, recording at 15 and arranging at 16. I attended North Carolina Central University and earned my Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies Vocal Performance in May 2010 and my Master of Music in Jazz Studies Arranging and Composition. During my tenure, I had the opportunity to work with artist such as Branford Marsalis, Joey Calzerrado, Geri Allen, Carmen Lundy, Antonio Hart, and Nnenna Freelon as well as traveled to Toronto, the British Virgin Islands, NY, and Indiana to name a few destinations. I now perform R&B, Jazz, and Hip Hop music locally under the moniker "Coey Rochele" as well as in my group "1801", and write/arrange for special events and other local artist. I focus on giving my student tools that they can use to in real world experiences...whether that is on a larger scale such as a show or small one like in church. We deal heavily with developing proper vocal technique, but I also give much attention to performing techniques and the art of delivering a lyric. *** Lesson Details *** As a teacher, I like to provide a comfortable place to learn, but I do expect my students to do the work that I have assigned them. I like to make sure the lessons are as personalized as possible, so I spend the first lesson getting to know the student a bit personally, their musical aspirations and current musical abilities. For the first 3 lessons, I give special focus to correct breathing. Breathing, when it comes to singing, is fundamental, and for most people quite difficult to pick up on because it requires you to pay attention to an area that you normally do not. We also deal with tone production and vocal health. By the 4th lesson, we add on vowel placement and diction as well as basic music theory ( if the student does not know how to read music.) After the first 3 months, a general concept of proper breathing, diction, and tone production are established firmly. A student will also be aware of basic performance etiquette. *** Studio Equipment *** piano and mirror *** Travel Equipment *** Students must have piano or FULL (88 keys) keyboard if I come to their home. I will provide everything else needed for lesson. *** Specialties *** My degree emphasized jazz, but I have experience and am proficient in classical, gospel, r&b, and Broadway genres as well.