Music Therapy with Melissa J.

Melissa has been singing all of her life. She began her vocal training at a very cute age, learning every song she heard, and passionately performing them for friends and family. She later went on to pursue a formal education in Classical Vocal Performance and Jazz technique from California State University, Los Angeles. While completing her Bachelors degree, Melissa was fortunate to have worked with many established artists, bands and producers of various styles, including jazz, blues, rock, pop, soul and funk. These collaborations have allowed her to hone her own voice and successfully pursue professional work. Melissa has enjoyed the opportunity of lead local elementary school music programs, and has most recently expanded her private vocal studio Sing Your BEST Self to include skills training in piano, music theory and ear training. Melissa specializes in LIVE improvisational performance, and can be seen performing under a stage name around the Ventura County and Los Angeles areas. Additionally, She is an accomplished songwriter, and has lent her voice to many recording projects, art collaborations, as well as, T.V. and Film. *** Lesson Details *** I thoroughly enjoy sharing what I've learned about music. In my voice studio, students will master the fundamentals of the voice to ensure natural, healthy singing. In my teaching approach, I seek to provide a complete experience, in which, standard vocal technique is taught with the whole singer in mind, with specific attention to the individual students needs and goals. Singing should be enjoyable for the singer as well as the listener. Helping students to experience that joy is my intention. Music lessons are fun, energetic, and productive. You will become an empowered musician and learn to Sing Your BEST Self! *** Studio Equipment *** recording studio/performance space: students of all ages, keyboard, mirror, stools, dry erase board *** Travel Equipment *** Onsight lessons are at teacher's discretion and are reserved for advanced students, and pre-arranged coaching sessions related to student learning goals. *** Specialties *** I am classically trained singer and teach from that method. I perform Jazz/ blues, soul/ funk and can teach these styles with applied pedagogy. I perform often and would also enjoy coaching in more modern styles of music that require microphone and stage technique. Additionally, hands on vocal recording technique would be of interest to me.