Bellaire Music Lessons

sounds of Peabo Bryson, Wintley Phipps, Luther Vandross, Jeffrey Osborne.

He is in his element singing as a soloist for spiritual ceremonies, concerts, conferences, services and related events. His musical accomplishments extend to include performances at the Carlyle Hotel in New York City, The Jazz and Blues Company in Carmel, California, Houston Grand Opera, Opera Omaha, and the Houston Symphony as well as roles in musical theater with "Showboat" and "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat". Most recently, he performed for former first lady, Laura Bush and Peter Buffett, son of investment mogul, Warren Buffett.

As a singing teacher, Charles has taught voice both privately and within the public school sector for over 18 years. He received his Bachelor's Degree from the University of Houston System and has studied extensively with operatic tenor, Joseph Frank and well known Houston vocal coach, Tom Mckinney. He has also taken masterclasses with world renowned teachers including Hollywood vocal coach, Seth Riggs.

Charles has served as a preliminary vocal judge for the popular "Gimme the Mike" singing talent TV show on NBC Houston, 97.9 The Box "Hatta's Idol", coached 2 American Idol Finalists, one Xfactor top 10 contestant season 1, and 2 semifinalists for the "Voice". He also served as a vocal coach for Beyonce's Music World Entertainment's Project Popstar, under the direction of Matthew Knowles.

As a life coach, I provide personal coaching for singers and musicians. This process involves helping a singer to first and foremost identify and understand why he/she sings, and what is the message they want to deliver when they walk on stage. In other words, what do they have to say?? From this viewpoint, they can create educational and professional goals based on their highest truth and life purpose. and address any issues that might be blocking them from achieving those goals. One of the major challenges that singers face are making career and life choices that will balance with their artistic or musical goals. In addition, it is very important to know your true gifts, passions, motivations and intentions. Moreover, having a realistic view and understanding of the recording business vs. the music playing business is essential to your overall business plan and success. You must also find the time and energy to pursue your art while making a stable and rewarding living. Lastly, if you are a creative type who is struggling with two common life dilemmas: the "starving artist" who is tired of panicking every time the rent is due, and the " well paid professional" desiring the time to devote to his or her art, then life coaching is for you

*** Lesson Details ***
I teach a vocal technique which is called singing on the speaking level, or "Singing with the ease of Speech". It provides the student with a systematic approach to link together all the registers of the voice-chest and head. The student and I work together to build a bridge between the low voice and high voice, (through the break) combining those parts in the middle creating "the mix" ( a blend of chest and head voice), that most singers struggle to master and the vast majority of teachers don't know how to teach or identify. This allows the singer to access all of his or her range without strain. A student would begin to experience positive results within a few weeks of study, both in the studio and with practice between lessons.

One of the best things about this technique is that it allows you to sing any style of music. Whether you sing Pop/R&B, Rock, country, musical theater, gospel, or opera, you can experience vocal freedom and confidence that every singer wants to have. As a singer, I have had much success with this method, and as a vocal coach, I have found that this technique meets the needs of any kind of vocalist and/or style.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Superscope Recording System, Microphones, keyboard, large CD collection

*** Travel Equipment ***
portable keyboard

*** Specialties ***
*Teachers
marked as a Student Favorite have taught a minimum of 25 lessons and
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I specialize in teaching the "Sing with the Ease of Speech" vocal technique which provides the students with a systematic approach to link together all registers of the voice-chest and head. Therefore, the students and I work together to build a bridge between the low and high voice, (through the break) combining those parts in the middle creating "the mix" that most singers struggle to master. This allows the singer to access all of his or her range without strain. The method can be applied to Pop/R&B, musical theater, opera, gospel, and any other contemporary singing style.

In addition, I provide life coaching for singers and musicians. This process involves helping you to identify your overall life goals and what might be blocking you from achieving those goals. Some of the major issues that singers face is making career and life choices that will balance with their artistic or musical goals, understanding their true motivations and intentions, having a realistic view and understanding of the recording business vs. the music playing business, and finding the time and energy to pursue your art while making a stable and rewarding living.

eater works in our lessons. I have been described by my students as funny, strict, nice, and patient. I am not afraid to tell my students they need to step up the effort if I see potential in them to do well. I also know when to give them the support when they feel frustrated. Students' interests will be taken into consideration for the pieces chosen and the style of lessons given. Teaching has always been my passion. I get to know the personality of my students so we can work together to bring out the musical talent in each of them. Student recital is held at least once every year. I encourage all students to participate in the recital.

*** Studio Equipment ***
One Yamaha upright piano and one Yamaha grand piano (for advanced students)

Dedicated chair for parents who choose to wait or observe during the lesson.

*** Travel Equipment ***
N/A

*** Specialties ***
I am a classical musician by training, although I do play other styles as well.

er Institute for Piano teaching courses in Form & Analysis for pre-college students.

Troy also has maintained a private studio, tutoring and teaching private lessons in composition, ear training, voice, piano, literature, and history for over ten years. Students who have studied with him come from a wide range of backgrounds with different goals. Those who have continued with musical studies in college have consistently placed out of at least the first two semesters of music theory and achieved advanced placement in their chosen fields of study. Those who chose a different path continue to benefit from the education and training they received from taking music lessons.

*** Lesson Details ***
There is no "standard formula" to lessons. Each student has their own unique background, needs, and goals. Lessons tend to be somewhat casual but are structured in such a way as to meet the unique requirements of the student.

To accomplish your goals, there are a few requirements and basic expectations that the student and parent must meet.
The first is practice. Students are expected to practice daily for at least the length of their lesson time. This, above all else, is essential to progress. It is also expected that a parent will attend lessons for students who are too young to drive themselves here. It's important for a parent to guide the student's practice time (particularly for younger students) to ensure that the most is gained from it. This is why I ask that a parent observe lessons.
Each student or parent should bring to each lesson a notebook, pencils (with erasers). The notebook will be used to record notes about each lesson, homework, practice advice, etc. Pencils (not pens...nobody's perfect!) are used by composers to record their creations and performers to mark their music. Both of these essential practices are subject to changing thought and must be open to change. So no ink, please!

Performers: It is not necessary to know how to read music at the first lesson for beginners. However, learning to read is required for subsequent lessons and will be a large focus for all non-readers. Lessons are not learned "by ear." A certain amount of theory will be a part of every lesson just as technique and repertoire. Concerning repertoire, it will be selected based on the student's learning needs but also with their input. The main emphasis on performance lessons, however, will be technique and reading. Students should come to the first lesson prepared to discuss their background & goals and the plan of their course of study.
Note: Voice students must be at least 16 years of age.

Composers: Just as with performers, it is not necessary to know how to read music at the first lesson. However, learning to read is required for subsequent lessons. Many young composers have great ideas but can only hear them in their heads or play them on an instrument. Lessons will allow you to obtain the skills to write them down with greater speed, accuracy, and clarity. More advance students will also include exploring a wider range of harmonic languages, advanced notation, instrumentation, orchestration, and aural skills. Students should come to the first lesson with examples of their work, either written, notated, or recorded in a digital format. They should be prepared to discuss their background & goals and the plan of their course of study.

IMPORTANT NOTES:
• To reschedule a lesson, more than one day notice is required.

• Make up lessons must be scheduled before the next regular lesson.

• A make up lesson cannot be scheduled in place of a regular lesson.

• If, for any reason, two 30-minute lessons are scheduled one right after the other, they will be charged as two 30-minute lessons, not one 60 minute lesson which is a different rate.

• If, for any reason, two 45-minute lessons are scheduled one right after the other, they will be charged as two 45-minute lessons, not one 90 minute lesson which is a different rate.

• the studio space is also inhabited by two lovely cats. Do consider this when signing up for lessons.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Yamaha DGX-650 weighted 88 keys full sized keyboard
area for parents to sit and observe lessons.

*** Specialties ***
Main area is in classical music and media scoring with secondary focus on musical theatre vocal performance and composing/arranging.

s now without a single complaint. At this point in my musical career, the majority of my experience and attitude has come from being "in the field". I've played South By South West, Austin City Limits, Westheimer Block Party, opened up for bands like the Misfits and the Shins, shared the stage with bands like The Wallflowers, Minus the Bear, and Echo and the Bunnymen, and been on tour and lived the whole life more often than not!
YOU can be an active musician. If you have the passion and desire. The first step though, is learning your instrument. Learning an instrument is something that stays with you for the rest of your life. It's an unfaltering companion that can benefit you in so many ways. I like to toss out the strict "teacher/student" regiment and create a laid back, fun, easy going atmosphere. I want to be buds and SHARE music with each other and introduce you into this world that I have grown to love so so much. There is nothing more rewarding. I promise. So let's get started!

*** Lesson Details ***
I am very laid back. Your progress is directly linked to you. I will give it my all to teach you and help you, but if you don't practice or soak it in, that's on you! I hate having a tense, seminar type lesson atmosphere. Lessons with me will be easy going and relaxed. I don't want to have to put on a sweater vest and wag my finger as a I scold you. That's just not me.
However, I DO expect you to get things done. Why waste your time with lessons if you're not going to take them seriously on any level? The curriculum will be totally personalized for YOU. After all, not everybody likes the same music and style. The first lesson or two will be getting a handle on exactly what YOU want to learn and what YOU want out of it. Finding out your favorite bands/artists, guitar players, bass players, etc. There's nothing worse than being taught something you have no desire for, but having it drilled into your head week after week! So whether that be blues, folk, metal, whatever, that's the first step. With that information I'll begin constructing and laying out the rest of your lesson plan.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Although I assume you have an instrument of your own (if not I recommend getting one, it sort of helps), if you're looking to just try things out at first I have more than a few extra that I'd be happy to let you use. My teaching studio doubles as a recording studio as well. This means 2 things: if ever you would like to record some of your music you know where to go! And also, I have the means to record the entire lesson if you'd like. You'll need to supply the blank CD(s) of course. It's not a requirement to record the lesson, just an option! Basically, I have everything you could ever possibly need for music lessons here. So you're set.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Guitars, amps, etc. anything that would be needed I've got!

*** Specialties ***
I am versed in blues, rock, metal, folk, hardcore, acoustic-finger-style and various other acoustic styles, and more. Through teaching and experience as a working musician I have mastered most genres and styles. When sitting at home jamming in my free time, I probably most frequently find myself playing acoustic finger-style, blues, folk, or hardcore, but love and appreciate most styles. So, bring it on!

students, so they too can enjoy a life filled with the arts and come to appreciate it on a whole new level. I strongly believe that when you love to do something, it shows, and because I am so passionate about music, my teaching will be that much more effective; I believe music will help make each individual a well-rounded human being and ready to face the challenges of everyday life.