Singing with Laura S.

As a graduate of the University of Toledo with a Master of Music Education, I believe I have the valuable training and educational background to help you achieve your musical goals in the areas of voice and guitar. During the course of my education, I was responsible for singing a wide range of parts in sacred and secular groups; from Soprano I down to Alto II. I was often recognized by the directors as an informal section leader, who was relied upon to take the lead. In addition, I gained solo experience as a Music Education student with a vocal concentration at the University of Toledo. I performed for the recital class each semester as well as for juries, and was also a member of Opera Workshop, where I performed opera pieces as a soloist as well as in ensemble. I have been playing guitar for 14 years; 4 of them professionally as a singer/guitarist at local events. I have also recorded 2 cds of original music. I have experience teaching both voice and guitar to adults and children. My main occupation currently is as an elementary music teacher. Before this, I was a social worker (my Bachelor's degree is in Sociology). Now, I get to put my education, background and experiences to work teaching young children how to sing, play instruments, and read music in fun and engaging ways. I joined Take Lessons to supplement my income as a teacher while continuing to do what I love! It is important to note I have two cats. If you have an allergy or an aversion to animals, you may want to consider a different teacher. *** Lesson Details *** I am pretty strict in requiring students to practice at minimum twice a week. My job is to help students through stumbling blocks and teach them HOW to practice. I understand busy schedules, but it will be difficult to improve without practice. If a student is frustrated during a lesson, however, I will advise them to take a break and possibly approach the lesson task in a different way. I also try to make small talk with students; especially at first, so that they can get comfortable with my personality and teaching style. Please let me know at least 24 hours in advance if you need to reschedule; otherwise, I will need to mark the lesson as missed (no make-up). Also, I follow the Take Lessons policy of only one re-schedule allowed per month. I have 21 private students from three different places, so please respect the time slot I have reserved for you. I use very basic guitar and voice books that I have in my own collection at first, until the student is comfortable with the basic foundations and mechanics of their instrument (voice is considered an instrument as well!) I may ask the student to purchase some of their own materials as they become more advanced. After 3-6 months, a guitar student will have learned notes in first position on 3 of the 6 strings and be comfortable playing them without looking. This student will also be able to read and play simple music pieces using these notes. Depending on the student, we may discuss chords and try to play one- or two-finger chords just to get used to the feel. A voice student will learn the fundamentals of breathing, relaxation during singing, and the three different voice registers it is necessary to manipulate to sing successfully. We will focus on warm-ups and very simple pieces at first, of course depending on the student's level. More advanced students will likely begin advanced repertoire from the first lesson, and vice versa. *** Studio Equipment *** Living room w/ guitars, piano, pa system, mic, seating for parents *** Specialties *** I specialize in folk guitar and performance, and also operatic voice. These are the areas in which I have had the most experience.