Singing with Toni K.

All of my lessons will now be offered virtually. I use FaceTime. So easy, so fun! Chris Carrabba from Dashboard confessional winding up his national stadium tour sad:"...may have been the first time in my life that I enjoyed listening to myself sing. Full credit to you for that. Thank you Toni!' Kid Bloom said: "I hear your voice in my ears every night before I play. Love u soooo much." Two of my students were recently on tour with Sting. The Signal published an article on Oct.26, 2018: "Local musician Liza Donihue Signs Development Deal". Liza started studying with me through Takelessons in 2016. Several seasons ago one of my amazing students, Juliana Chahayed, made top 40 on American Idol! She's just released her new single, "Yellow". 2 of my students recently made it through two rounds of The Voice. 12 of my students sang on the Grammy Award nominated "Hurry Up, We're Dreaming" by M83. My students have also gotten into top music programs at Berklee College of Music, NYU, USC, Brandeis and Cal State University Northridge; won 1st prize in the high school talent show and money prizes in community singing contests. My singers have sung the Star Spangle Banner at Staples Center for a Clipper's game and produced successful showcases in the LA area. That said, most of my students just want to become better singers, whether it's for fun or fortune. My story starts a while back: As a singer/songwriter my experiences singing live from Bud Friedman's Improv to the Disneyland Hotel and recording studios all across Los Angeles eventually took me to Europe where I landed in Brussels and recorded an album for Sony Records/Belgium which produced three radio hits in the 90's. I also recorded and/or wrote jingles for Coca Cola, Fanta, Schwepes, Fisher Price and more! Fluent in French, when I moved back to the states I taught at Lycee International de Los Angeles for 12 years where I developed a music program for their 4 campuses, teaching all levels from K through 12. I received commendations from everyone from French President Sarkozy to Los Angeles Councilman Tom LeBonge. I've recorded 6 children's CD's and directed and arranged background vocals for renown French singer and actress Charlotte Gainsbourg. In my private practice I have prepared and developed singers for live performance, personal development and for the rigors of the auditioning process. We work hard, but always have fun!! *** Lesson Details *** Learn to play the voice! I have developed my own special brand of singing lessons using breathing and placement techniques to provide the tools you need to develop as a vocalist and help you make the choices of an artist. How do you want to tell your story? My lessons will help you build confidence and every lesson will bring you a new piece of understanding and practical know-how. You will work hard, play hard, build a repertoire, and make tangible improvements in every single lesson! Success breeds success. If you want to audition for The Voice or simply enjoy the applause at karaoke night, I can bring you closer to your goal. I can also include beginning piano which can only add to your skills including an understanding of music vocabulary and the basic mechanics of music theory. *** Studio Equipment *** Music Room, with access to a recording studio on site, piano, guitars, computer and cd, ipod docs. Parents are welcome to stay for lessons or run to close-by Starbucks, Costco or Home Depot! *** Travel Equipment *** I use a piano to teach both voice and beginning piano. *** Specialties *** I use solfege, breathing and placement techniques filtered through an emphasis on real world performance skills. Helping the student build confidence is probably one of the teachers' most important roles. Creating a safe environment is key to keeping the lesson fun, productive and challenging. Every single student should leave every single lesson with a tangible feeling of progress.