
Lesson Details
Singing
- Levels Taught:
- Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Marissa teaches

About
- Teaches students:
- Females 5 to 70, males 5 to 65 and special needs
- Teaching since:
- July 2009
My musical journey started in high school when my algebra teacher saw me in the hallway, grabbed my hand and brought me to the choir room to sign up for The Sound of Music auditions. To this day I cannot believe my math teacher unknowingly sent me straight down a path that I would walk the rest of my life. After The Sound Of Music I never left music. I kept singing in high school by participating in the school musicals and different choir ensembles. When it came to college I started taking private lessons and music classes for fun until I realized this is my passion and I wanted to make a life of this. When you wake up everyday and the first thing you do is sing at that point there was no other way to live. There I started my journey with really learning the voice as an instrument and how it works. I found that I am a vocal scientist at heart believing you will go a long way as long as you know how to grow. Being a vocal scientist, I find it so interesting to know what exactly needs to happen when we sing in order sing in a healthy and beautiful manner.
While I was at Moraine Valley after I firmly chose music I felt I needed more of a diverse program so I can answer any possible music based question. I then went on to get my degree at VanderCook College of Music where they teach nothing but music education. Their program intensely teaches all the band and orchestral instruments on top general education classes and your major, mine being voice. While I was there I also took the time to study privately with our percussion professor to learn rhythms and with our sight singing and ear training professor to further develop my ear and knowledge. All in all I have been studying the voice for 13 years and counting. I do all this so that I could pass that experience down to you.
▪Lesson Details▪
In my lessons I like to teach vocal techniques such as raising your soft palate, correct breathing techniques, and a forward placement. These are the tools to help a vocal musician grow for the rest of their lives.
Another part of being a vocal musician that I teach is ear training and or rhythm. These are things I wish I would have learned earlier on and are essential to being an independent musician.
Expression (including body movements, hand gestures, facial expression, and musical expression such as accents and dynamics) are a large part of performing as a vocalist and are definitely things we prepare as well.
I like to keep a more uplifting environment when teaching so although you should expect a push for success, you should always feel comfortable and not afraid to make mistakes.
▪Performance opportunities▪
Studio vocal recitals
▪Studio Equipment▪
Lessons in the studio room, electric piano
▪Travel Equipment▪
I can provide literature and a music stand while the students should have a full length keyboard and or piano.
▪Specialties▪
I teach rhythm, sight singing and ear training, general musical terms, expression, and specific vocal techniques.
Experience
Voice Director
May 2018 - PresentTeach all leads and ensembles their music as well as vocal techniques and expression.
Professional Vocalist
Aug 2008 - PresentHired to sing at various events including weddings, church celebrations, funerals etc.
Assistant Choir Director/ Cantor
Jan 2009 - Jan 2013Voice Teacher
Aug 2011 - Jan 2012Education
Bachelor of Music Education
Aug 2009 - Jun 2011Music Performance/Education
Aug 2005 - Jun 2009Awards
Talent Award & Scholarship
Jun 2009Spirit of New York Award
Dec 2005Gold
Sep 2005Affiliations
National Association for Music Education
Aug 2009Founded in 1907, NAfME is among the world’s largest arts education organizations. NAfME advocates at the local, state, and national levels; provides resources for teachers, parents, and administrators; hosts professional development events; and offers a variety of opportunities for students and teachers.
+ Read MorePhotos & Videos
18 Reviews
Write a ReviewI was surprised at how comfortable I was to sing in front of someone. She made it easy for me.
Glad to pick Ms Marissa as my daughter voice teacher, she's awesome!!!!
Marisa is great! She is a very nice and easy going person. Very happy with my lessons.
Marissa is a wonderful and talented voice instructor! My daughter loves working with her and looks forward to her lesson every week. We are so pleased to have found her!
Marissa is an excellent teacher. My daughter is very pleased with her. Marissa makes her feel comfortable and enthusiastic. Marissa is very patient and makes every lesson fun and productive. We are very glad we found her!
Professional and friendly.
Very happy with Marissa. I have an 8 year old boy who had a hard time with his shyness. Marissa's demeanor and her way with kids helped him come out of his shell. I look forward to his next voice lesson!
Very nice to children
Couldn't be happier my daughter loves it !!!! Glad Marissa is her instructor she truly does care and gives great detailed feedback exceeding my expectations!!!!
Marissa was very helpful. She is helping me get ready for a play at my school. She is getting me to sing notes I never thought I could sing. Can't wait til my next lesson.
Marissa has been great in developing me as a singer and a musician. She's really easy to talk to and really knows what shes talking about! I can tell I'm getting better after each lesson! Marissa makes music fun!!!
She will forever be the greatest teacher I have ever had! She is beyond kind and helpful and very easy to open up to. She cares about her students and creates authentic bonds. I cannot speak highly enough of her.
Marissa is an extremely enjoyable educator. In each of her lessons she takes her time to ensure students learn and retain the material provided. Marissa is driven to ensure students succes and ability to be the best they can be!
Marissa is great! Professional, punctual, positive. She is a pleasure to work with.
My daughter took lessons with her and loved them. Thanks!
Marissa is a great instructor. She is very patience in her teaching giving feedback and great tips on how to improve when practicing at home to continue to grow. She does not hesitate to ask how the lessons are going so, if needed, she is able to adjust accordingly to aid with the learner meeting the learning outcomes to benefit all parties.
+ Read MoreMarissa is awesome! She has taught me a lot of things that I need to learn so that I can sing better.
While my son has only taken a few lessons with Marissa, we highly value her instruction. She's prepared, focused, and personable. My son isn't only learning to sing a song. He's learning the art of vocal training. It's amazing to hear his development in only 3 lessons so far. Marissa is definitely a great teacher.
+ Read MoreExcellent singing teacher
Marissa is an excellent singing teacher. She has a calm and warm approach with her students and is very patient. She loves what she does and it shows!