Manassas, VA Italian Lessons

and recitals in New York City, London, Edinburgh, and various cities in Italy as well as locally here in California and Florida. Rebecca received her Bachelor in Music degree from the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida. She is a student in the online Masters program for Music Education at the University of Florida, Gainesville. She has also studied at the Universita per Stranieri in Perugia, the International Lyric Academy of Rome, and the International Institute of Vocal Arts in Chiari, Italy. She is currently the Director of Music Ministries at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Carlsbad, California, and teaches voice and piano privately.

Rebecca is a regular performer with the San Diego Opera and is a former member of the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay. She is featured on their 1996 release Christmas with the Master Chorale. Other recordings include Mahler VIII - Symphony of 1000 in the chorus with the late Robert Shaw. Other conductors and coaches Rebecca has worked with include Sir David Willcocks, Julius Rudel, Stefano Vignati, Dr. Robert Summer, John Mario DI Costanzo, the late Cesare Rufini, Diego Moccia, Annetta Monroe,
*** Lesson Details ***
Lessons are tailored to the individual student's initial abilities. In all genres of music it is important to breathe well, have breath support, communicate the emotion and character of the song, and eliminate vocal bad habits. These issues are different for everyone.

I teach a classical Italian technique of breath support and beautiful tone, and these techniques can be applied to all musical styles.

The student will be assigned and choose songs to learn and work on as we incorporate the techniques into the songs and vocal exercises.

Piano lessons and Italian lessons are also available from ages 5 and up.

*** Studio Equipment ***
CD player, 7' Boston grand piano, digital recorder

*** Travel Equipment ***
Yamaha keyboard.

*** Specialties ***
Voice, classical, pop, Broadway, opera, Italian, piano, music theory,
audition preparation. I specialize in opera but sing many styles, including pop, classical, and musical theatre; I teach all styles in piano.

patient, helpful and always ready to arouse the attention of my students? My youngest son, Vietnamese, is the best proof of my skill. He was able to speak a really good Italian in less than three months. Then I found to be "good" with adults as well. I started to teach Italian to some friends and after to friends of friends .... and it worked again!

Key word? Talk, watch, read, listen and talk again!
I am aware the Italian has one of the most complex grammars, but I also know that speaking and reading and watching Italian movies, soccer game or Television News makes automatic to learn the basic rules useful for a good conversation. We can use a really simple grammar book to support with the basic rules up to more advanced grammar books if we may need.

My tutoring approach is focus on student's weaknesses and strengths: use the seconds to correct the firsts. What it is important is to work on what you really like (movie, politics, receipts, actors, history, vacations, ...) and I promise it works. I already experienced this approach with a lot of students and friends who want to speak Italian and know Italy ...waiting for a great vacation "nel Bel Paese".
I try to be flexible with time and I offer makeup classes in case of 24 hours cancellation. I have an quite full equipped office at home but I am available to travel if it is more convenient for the students.
I hope see you soon.. A presto!!

often should we meet and for how long?
I recommend lessons once per week. 30 minute lessons are good for beginning piano students. 45 minute lessons are ideal for singers and intermediate piano students. 60 minute lessons are appropriate for advanced students interested in studying lots of repertoire or for singers who are having a particularly difficult time with ear training.

What do you do in lessons?
To learn what you would be doing in a lesson just select a subject in blue under "Heather Teaches" at the top of this page for a description of how each lesson works in that subject.

I want to study piano, do I have to have a real piano?
No, you don't have to have a real piano but you do need at least a keyboard, preferably one that gets louder or softer depending how hard you hit a key, has at least 61 keys, and has a sustain pedal.

Do you help singers who want to learn rap, metal, or some other non-conventional style of singing?
Yes, I have actually worked with some metal bands before! Even if you are using something like screaming you can use it in a way that hurts your voice less. I love to apply good technique to styles like that.

***Student/Parent-Teacher Agreement***
If you choose to book through me here are the details of what you can expect from me and what I will expect from you.

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES
1: Schedule 10-30 minutes of practice each day for at least five days per week. Your teacher will give you a specific minutes goal based on your age and level of study.

2: Bring you assignment book to each lesson and complete all assignments.

3: Arrive promptly at your lesson time. You reserve the time slot, not the number of minutes.

4: Pianists’ fingernails should be kept trim. When playing with curved fingers, the nails should not click.

5: No gum, food, or drinks during lessons (water bottles are permitted).

6: Online students are responsible for printing assignments that your teacher sends you online. Online singers need to have a way to play karaoke tracks while being logged in to the TakeLessons classroom.

7: Please turn all cell phones to silent during the lesson. Online students are not allowed to surf the web during their lessons.

PARENT/GUARDIAN EXPECTATIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES
1: Support the fulfillment of your child’s responsibilities by consistently bringing your child to lessons, rehearsals, and performances and remind your child of daily practice and help them to schedule this practice time in their daily routine.

2: Communicate with the teacher about any questions or concerns you have. I want to meet your expectations, as well as your child’s, and I encourage feedback.

3: Provide an acceptable instrument for practice. Pianists: an acoustic piano is recommended, however, good electronic instruments that are full size, have a sustain pedal, and are capable of dynamics (the ability to control the volume of the sound through the touch of the performer) are also acceptable. Singers: a device for recording lessons (optional) and a keyboard, pitch pipe, or pitch pipe phone app.

4: Parents/guardians may sit-in on lessons only if they do not disturb them. Please, no talking at all. You may wait in the car or run an errand if you prefer. The teacher reserves the right to no longer allow a parent/guardian to sit in on a lesson should their behavior be deemed a habitual distraction for the student.

TEACHER PLEDGE
1: To provide a tailored curriculum to meet student’s individual needs and goals.

2: To clearly communicate short-term and long-term goals.

3: To encourage a feeling of success at each student’s individual rate of learning.

4: To report the student’s progress to the parent/guardian if applicable and listen to any concerns and answer any questions of the parent/guardian and student if applicable.

5: To devote the entire lesson time to the student. I am a stay-at-home mom and occasionally I may need to attend to my child. In the rare circumstance that your lesson is interrupted, I will offer you make-up time at the end of the lesson or at a time that is most convenient for you.

STUDENT CANCELLATIONS OR ABSENCES: If given 24 hours notice, I will allow for a makeup lesson or cancellation. If I am not notified within 24 hours a lesson credit will be used regardless of whether or not the student attends.

TEACHER ABSENCES: All lessons missed as a result of the teacher canceling will be made up at a convenient time or credited to the next lesson.

TUITION: Lesson credits must be purchased through TakeLessons.com before the scheduled lesson can be taught.

PERSONAL LIABILITY: The teacher is not responsible for any injuries, loss or theft occurring on the teacher’s personal property. Children should not be left at the studio/home unattended. The teacher cannot be held responsible for the safety of the student outside of their lesson time, or the safety of any family members/friends that may accompany the student to lessons.

STUDENT TERMINATION: Students and parents are permitted five initial lessons to decide if the lessons are a good student-teacher fit. If more lessons are purchase after the initial five lessons, lessons should be seen as an on-going commitment. If a student chooses to terminate lessons (after the introductory five-lesson period), the parent/guardian or adult student must inform the studio with a 30-day notice. The student is responsible for purchasing the last month’s lessons whether they choose to use the lesson credits or not.

TEACHER-INITIATED TERMINATION: Lessons may be terminated for unpaid tuition, for repeated missed lessons, or for consistently late or unreturned phone calls, texts, or e-mails. The teacher reserves the right to terminate lessons at her own discretion.

Michael Fennely (Carnegie Hall), Wei-En Hsu (Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra), and Candace Evans (Santa Fe Opera). Nicole earned her Associates in Theatre from Brigham Young University ('12) and went on to acquire her BM in Vocal Performance from Illinois Wesleyan University ('14). Nicole obtained additional training from Boston University, Elon University, and the University of Alaska Anchorage.

s experience tutoring both. She is also an advanced speaker of Italian.

onfident while speaking. That's why you need a teacher who can figure out what works for you, how you learn, and what motivates you. Everyone can speak beautiful Italian, and engage in conversations for business or pleasure, but it takes a knowledgeable instructor to help get you there efficiently. I can quickly assess and pinpoint your strengths to design activities that help you precisely where and how you need it, and have plenty of effective tricks up my sleeve.

I lived and worked in Italy for about 10 years, in educational tourism, and since moving back to the US I have taught Italian at both the High School and University/College levels for about 4 years each, as well as Community and Continuing Adult Education classes for the past 6 years, and I have training in AP exam prep. Although I have native-fluency, I have myself been a student of foreign languages, and know the struggles that come along with this exciting adventure. I know how to help you get past those hurdles, and have fun along the way.

To learn more about me, my lessons, or to ask me any questions, do not hesitate to send me a message and I will respond within a few hours. I look forward to hearing from you. A presto! (Talk to you soon.)