Piano with LeAnna S.

Hello, welcome to my profile and thank you for taking the time to check it out. I am happy to introduce myself to you and share that teaching the performing arts is one of the greatest joys of my life. I am a performing artist and teacher in Los Angeles, teaching a variety of classes from music, dance and theatre. I graduated from San Francisco State University in 2009 where I received a BA in Classical Music, a BA in Dance with a focus in choreography, and a minor in Multi-Cultural Theatre. I have such a strong, well-rounded background in many styles because I value creative exploration. As a vocalist, I studied classical voice since I was 16 years old, trained at SFSU and La Universidad de Catolica in Santiago, Chile and consider that as strong foundation, but always explored other styles. I loved singing with the SFSU Gospel Choir and the SFSU Afro-Cuban Jazz Ensemble, playing a mix of Latin folkloric music, Salsa and jazz. Currently I am focused on musical theatre and my own compositions. As a pianist, I began playing piano when I was 7 years old and basically self taught. I received more formal training at SFSU and in music education classes, yet I credit my skills more to my own exploration. I approach my lessons with more creativity and patience, allowing students to discover how they best learn music. I consider the same with trombone. I feel in love with it one day hearing Dixieland jazz when I was 16 and haven’t stopped playing since. I have been teaching private and group piano, trombone, voice, theatre and dance lessons for the past 8 years. I have taught from my private home studio, private music studios, community centers and public and private schools. I have worked with children as young as 5 years to adults in their 60s. I have also worked in after school programs for many years and supervised and designed music, dance and musical theatre programs for children K-8th. *** Lesson Details *** Considering taking lessons with me? Great! I am very insightful, sensitive, flexible, patient and focused. I like to have fun with lessons and I laugh a lot. Joy is key and I enjoy seeing my students learn and improve. With my training as a musician, I always make sure that there is good technique and good practice habits. I wouldn't consider myself totally laid back because I do expect students to practice, (otherwise, how do you expect to get better?) yet my expectations depend on the personal goals and level of the students. I am here to teach you what YOU want to learn and tailor my lessons to that. This includes teaching whatever style you want to learn, be it pop, classical, musical theatre or R&B. It's all good to me. As for the lessons, I start with fundamental techniques that are then later applied to songs. My intention is to assist students in reaching their personal music goals, which could range from wanting to feel good about their voice to preparing for a talent show or professional audition. I always encourage students to learn how to read music and basic theory as well performance techniques. Lessons times: In home lessons (at students home) 45 mins 60 mins *Please note I do not do 30 mins due to cost of commute. If you are within a mile of my residency, it is possible. Please email to discuss. Thank you. In studio lessons (at my private residence) 30 mins 45 mins 60 mins How I structure lessons: Voice 1) body awareness and warm-ups 2) breathing exercises 3) vocalizes 4) focus on one or two vocal techniques for the lesson 5) ear training with solfeggio 6) song and performance Piano 1) body awareness and warm-ups (especially hands) 2) finger coordination exercises 3) scales and arpeggios 4) ear training with solfeggio 5) improvisation 6) song and performance Trombone 1) body awareness and posture 2) breathing exercises and warm-ups 3) scales, slides and arpeggios 4) ear training with solfeggio 5) song and performance Dance (depending on style) 1) warm-ups and isolations 2) dance material STYLES Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Cha Cha, Waltz, East Coast Swing *** Studio Equipment *** electric piano and trombone wood floors for dance *** Travel Equipment *** I bring a small keyboard for vocal students with no piano, though I'd prefer if students have their own keyboard. Please email if you need information on purchasing a keyboard. Students are expected to purchase all necessary books and sheet music. *** Specialties *** beginners (piano, trombone and voice) intermediate and advanced voice Thank you for taking the time to check out my profile. I look forward to working with you on reaching your goals!