Franklin, TN Singing Lessons

ichard Miller, world-class early music expert Nancy Zylstra and twentieth-century vocal music expert Sharon Mabry. He has had masterclasses with the Metropolitan Opera's Bodo Igesz, Metropolitan Opera Singers Daniel Taylor, Jennifer Lane (with whom he still studies), French-diction coach Elvia Pucinelli, vocal pedagogue Richard Miller, and Thomas King, director of the AIMS Gratz program. As a violinist and violist, James has studied with music-education specialist Sara Johnson, Francis Elliot, Nashville Recording-Artist Randall Olson, and concert violinist Stefan Petrescu.

As an educator, he has served on the faculties of the Cumberland Arts Institute, W.O. Smith School of Music, Murfreesboro City School System, School of the Arts at Austin Peay State University, Allegro School of Music and the East Nashville School of Music. He has taught hundreds of students in various formats ranging from one-on-one studio settings to entire youth symphony orchestras and choirs. He has been active as an adjudicator, participant, and member of various competitions and education-related conventions. He also maintains membership with various educational organizations such as the American String Teacher's Association, Music Educator'€™s National Conference, and Early Music America.

In addition to working with and coaching Grammy award-winning and nominated artists, Mr. W's students have auditioned, been selected and have performed in the Tennessee Mid-State and All-State Choir (principal positions) and Orchestra Festivals (violin and cello, in addition to being members of the Curb Youth Orchestra and Philharmonia at the Blair School of Music.

His students have also performed in several professional and amateur performances across the Southeast. They have also gone on to major in music earning tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships from prestigious conservatories and colleges across the country. Many of his students have become professional musicians across many genres, educators themselves, or satisfied amateur hobbyists.

*** Lesson Details ***
As a teacher many have described my style as nurturing-but-firm. When I see a student's potential, I make sure that student can attain it. I expect a willingness to learn, a desire to succeed, and a want for excellence. In return, I offer the tools to get the student there!

I know that not every student benefits best from only one method. As such, I employ a variety of teaching tools and methods to best suit each student. Strings students can expect to see a little bit of traditional training, a little bit of Suzuki and little bit of contemporary training. Voice students can see some Sieber vocalizes, some Vaccai, classical, jazz, and musical theater training built on an old-world teaching technique. It's all about giving the student the tools to do whatever he/she wants with his/her music of choice!

On your first lesson, I'll go over the materials needed, what you need to work on, and the very basics so you can immediately get to enjoying your new craft. In a few months, you'll be confident making new music or making better music. Within a year, you should be well prepared for one of my studio recitals!

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have a commercial music teaching studio used solely for the purposes of teaching. In the studio there is a piano, my music library, photo copier, computer, audio equipment, stereo, music stands, standing mirror, and various teaching tools. There is a waiting area for parents, siblings and other visitors.

*** Specialties ***
Voice: All Genres -- child-adult, all levels (beginning through advanced).
Violin: All Styles -- all levels (beginning through advanced).
Viola: All Styles -- all levels (beginning through advanced).
Cello: All Styles -- beginning through intermediate.

record what you need to work on. It doesn't stop with technique, you will learn performance and songwriting as well. A singer will have the tools to create their own custom warmup routines. Music is supposed to be fun and expressive. Let me help you do this at the best level you can!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Studio room, guitar, recording equipment, seating for parents.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide a guitar

*** Specialties ***
Hard Rock, Blues, Country, Metal, and R&B.
I have played 1,000 shows over the years and using the skills I've learned and developed I've only had to cancel 2 shows because of losing my voice.

specifically for each students need. I have experience with instructing for pop, rock, indie, country, musical theater, and contemporary christian genres. I have worked with choir pieces as well as solos and duets, and have spent some time in recording studios, Coaching vocalists as well as doing some recording of my own. My desire is that every student would feel comfortable sing/performing
in front of an audience while having fun, because that's what it's
about, after all, that feeling of accomplishment after you've worked so
hard. So let me help you to feel confident while performing and have a great time!

*** Lesson Details ***
My teaching style is somewhat laid back. I always tell my students, "You will get out of these lessons only as much as you are willing to put in." I can be strict if that helps a student, but I try to work with each individual at a pace that works best for them. I do challenge my students to reach and push themselves to what I know they are capable of. One of the first things I will do in a lesson is to set a personal goal with the student. This helps to have something to work towards. In lessons I will focus on areas like correct breathing, posture, relaxing tension, vowels, pitch, pronunciation, performance, and others. These are some of the areas that should definitely show noticeable improvement after 3-6 months. Other things like vocal physiology and ear training will be implemented as well as some sight reading. In the end it's really all about what you want to learn. I don't claim to know it all, but I am a life long learner and am continuing to better myself through further education.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Keyboard, Mirror, Recorder, Music stand. The student needs to provide their own flash drive to download lessons.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I have a keyboard and a recorder, but I need to be informed as to whether I need these items or not. The student needs to provide his or her own flash drive to download lessons.

*** Specialties ***
I mainly teach Pop, Country-pop, pop-rock, Musical theater, Christian and contemporary genres.

of 1983 to 1997. I taught private students after school in my classroom while I was a public school teacher, and from my home since 1997. My post-graduate continuing professional education includes Tennessee Arts Academy at Belmont University, Kodaly Pedagogy and Solfege Level 1 (vocal teaching techniques, do-re-mi, ear training), Orff-Schulwerk Music for Children Level 1 certification, Yamaha M.I.E. (Music In Education) Piano Lab certification. My professionalism and expertise are at your service. I will work together with you to insure an enjoyable and informative learning experience.

*** Lesson Details ***
A typical lesson in my studio would begin with a brief question/answer time with the student to learn how their week has gone, and how their music practice is progressing.

For PIANO LESSONS we begin with Technique including scales and dexterity exercises, then we play from the Lesson book and a Recital selection. I typically let the student play through the pieces they have prepared without interruption, then I call attention to corrections that need to be made, I demonstrate the correction, and then ask the student to play the piece again. After that we go over the Theory assignments, and do Ear Training exercises. I am comfortable teaching from a variety of different methods courses. The methods course is chosen according to the student's interest. I never require a piano student to continue using books that are not inspiring. There so many methods courses available, that a student may always be able to have methods books they LOVE.

In my SINGING LESSONS we also begin with a recap of the student's week. Then we continue with Warm Up exercises to prepare the student's voice for the lesson. Then we study Sight Singing and Solfege Singing (do-re-mi-fa-sol-la-ti-do) to increase the student's listening skills. After that the student sings their selections. Like I do in Piano lessons, I listen to the pieces they have prepared without interruption, then I call attention to corrections that need to be made, I demonstrate the correction, and then ask the student to sing the piece again. I am comfortable teaching many styles of vocal music including classical, Broadway, pop, rock, and Christian.

For MUSIC THEORY lessons, the study material is chosen according to the student's interest and age. Topics include notation, chord structure, chord progression, melodic structure, and harmony. I also incorporate Music Listening in the Music Theory lesson in order to learn from the masters in many styles of music. My Music Theory students will also have the opportunity to develop composition and songwriting skills if they desire.

My teaching style is structured and friendly, keeping the student's goals and interests at the forefront. I enjoy motivating students to reach their highest potential.
After 3 to 6 months in my studio my students will see improvement in their musical technique, ear training, music reading, notation, and knowledge. They will be preparing recital pieces for an upcoming performance. I provide three Studio Class performances (February, June, October) and one recital opportunity (December) a year. Most importantly, the student's love and appreciation of music will be growing.

*** Studio Equipment ***
PIANO lessons in Living Room: piano near front entryway, couch, loveseat, over-sized chair, dining room table, open space, end table with chair, parents may sit in on lesson.

SINGING lessons in Recording Studio: keyboard, recording equipment, desk, 2 chairs, music stand, microphone, private room. Parents may wait in adjacent rec room or sit in on lesson.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide lesson books, the students should provide their instrument.

I do have a mobile keyboard to bring for SINGING lessons.

*** Specialties ***
Kodaly Pedagogy and Solfege Level 1

Orff-Schulwerk Music for Children Level 1 certification

Yamaha M.I.E. (Music In Education) Lab certified instructor

and other public venues, singing country and pop music; she has also performed as a soloist in classical settings, as part of a duo in a wedding band, as a member of several choirs and ensembles, including a capella groups; she has also been cast in several lead roles and ensemble roles in countless musicals.

For the same price as your average voice lesson, you will gain so much more knowledge in the field of music while you sharpen your skills with Brittany! Each student is different, so Brittany clearly identifies each student's specific goals and designs a unique lesson plan to achieve them.

rmance.

urches as Minister to Students and Minister of Worship.

My experience, love and enjoyment of many styles of music will help you become a more rounded and confident vocalist.