Singing with Kirk G.

I have performed as an actor and a singer throughout Southern California, and also in France. I have extensive training in vocal pedagogy and opera, and also more than 15 years of experience playing guitar. I am currently pursuing a Master's degree in vocal performance and Opera, and it will be my second Master's, the first one being in audio engineering and music composition. *** Lesson Details *** I like to have fun during lessons, but I also like to get things done. I focus on my students' weakest areas, on challenging them as much as they can handle, pushing them to grow; but I always do it by keeping things positive and up-beat. I hate negative lessons that are all about what the student is NOT doing, and I hate boring lessons. I focus on unique learning devices including humor, mnemonics, multi-layered drills, and other "tricks" for learning as quickly and efficiently as possible. In general, after a few months my students can expect to be thinking about their craft in a new way, from a new angle, with the tools and the foundation to grow toward excellence. *** Studio Equipment *** Lessons at the music office or additional room in building next to the sanctuary, parking lot. *** Travel Equipment *** I provide repertoire books to read from, photocopies of music to be learned and of exercises to perform, a digital keyboard for teaching vocalises, a low quality guitar for the student to play if they do not have their own (I strongly encourage them to acquire one if they plan on continuing to learn), a guitar for myself to instruct on, a basic microphone, mixer, and recorder set to learn with, and a mirror for singers to watch themselves. I expect students to provide staff paper, pencils, music stands if desired, and water to keep their voices hydrated. *** Specialties *** I specialize in classical music, opera, musical theater, and healthy vocal production for voice; and classical and singer-songwriter music for guitar. For audio engineering, I specialize in live mixing and recording of musical theater and classical music, and in sound processing, editing, and mastering.