Piano with Rachelle G.

Hello! My name is Rachelle and I'm a professional singer, songwriter and pianist from Victoria, BC, Canada. My background in music is a blend of Pop, Rock, Jazz Classical, Blues and R&B. I was featured in Keyboard Magazine’s November 2012 Issue as one of the 6 Best Keyboard Heroes to watch out for. Some of my performance highlights have been opening up for Nelly Furtado in 2001 in our hometown Victoria BC, and again on her "Loose" tour in 2007 at Roger's Arena in Vancouver, BC for an audience of 15,000. I've taught for six years helping foster my student’s talents and reach their musical goals. Past students have attained lead roles in high school musicals, toured in professional bands locally and internationally. When it comes to teaching music a “cookie cutter" approach is never used. I understand everyone has a unique learning style and I try my best to cater my lessons around each student's individual needs and goals. I was fortunate enough to grow up in an incredibly musical household. My dad toured with Bryan Adams as his guitarist and my mom’s worked with heavy weights such as David Foster as a professional vocalist. I was mentored by some of the best in the music business since childhood. I started learning piano at the age of four and started recording vocals for radio commercials at the age of six. The experience I've acquired over the years from recording in world class studios and touring internationally I believe has given me invaluable insight to impart with my students. I’m very passionate about teaching. Whether you want to learn how to play your favorite song on the piano or polish your vocal skills to sing professionally on a big stage in front of a large crowd, I’m your gal! *** Lesson Details *** I understand that starting lessons can feel a bit scary and outside of ones comfort zone. It takes courage to try something new! I take pride in creating a fun, stress free learning environment, as I know it's incredibly important. I like to encourage having the best of both worlds when it comes to learning voice and piano. That means introducing some sight-reading as well as how to play freestyle, or without sheet music. What to expect upon your first lesson would be an easygoing assessment as well as something to take home and practice. I want to find out what your music tastes and background are and your personal goals, what you would like to get out of lessons. I tailor lessons around each student and their personal learning style. Piano students: The following is an example of what students can expect to learn, proper technique, sight reading, chords and popular song progressions, how to develop a piece of music, rhythmic training, ear training, how to play their favorite song(s). I use a combo of music books, Alfred Series, Bastien and Dozen a Day for technique and finger exercises as well write out music for students too on the song they would like to learn. I make a list of songs you would like to learn and also suggest some too that I think you would like and can also further develop your piano playing skills. Voice Lessons: I’m a firm believer that we can learn a lot from hearing ourselves back on recordings. We are our own toughest critic. Recording ourselves singing helps us hear where our strengths and weaknesses are. It might seem a little uncomfortable at first listening back, I know! However, it offers fresh perspective for us to able to take our voices to the next level. I record using an app on my iPhone or iPad and encourage my students to record as well. If they do not have a recording device I email the recording to them to study along with the notes and exercises they are given to work on. This enables the students to witness their personal progress from lesson to lesson! It’s a great learning tool! The following is an example of what voice students can expect to learn: proper breathing techniques, how improve tone and extend their range, how to develop agility, pop riffs, and dynamic control, how to prepare for auditions, live shows and studio recording and much more! What I expect from my students: To come to lessons with an open mind, a readiness to learn, to try new things and to apply what they learn each lesson to continue making weekly steady progress ☺ We only get out of something what we put into it right? I like to be as flexible as possible, I understand that often times students have many other things going on in their lives whether it be sports, school or work etc. We go at a pace you feel comfortable with but enough where you feel you are getting a bit of a challenge each week to be growing. Let’s make some beautiful music together! *** Studio Equipment *** Yamaha Mox8 (88 weighted keys). Acoustic Guitar, Sound System, Allen & Heath Mixing board, SM58 Mic, Mic Stand, Music Stand, Shecter Electric Guitar, Pro Tools 9, Duet Apogee *** Travel Equipment *** I expect my student to provide a keyboard at least 77-88keys or piano. i can provide a powered speaker, sm58 mic, mic stand for practicing voice and performance. *** Specialties *** Pop, Rock, Blues, Jazz, R&B, Classical