Oakton Performing Arts Classes

ssical technique, even if they specialize in contemporary singing, to help them avoid potential vocal injury.

My piano students learn to read and play music at their own pace.

My acting and spoken voice students learn to feel comfortable reading clearly, and reciting/performing on stage or other public areas.

My music theory students work one on one with me, learning basic theory (note names, durations, etc.) to advanced theory, ear training, and composition.

I am flexible and am willing to work with students of any age and level. I only require that students practice and enjoy the music they make.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Music room in home with seating for parents.

*** Specialties ***
I am a classical singer, and specialize in classical voice training. However, I also have extensive experience in other singing styles, from choral to popular, and acting/oratory. I have a minor in music theory, and have taken advanced courses in music theory pedagogy.

Visit her website at http://melodysons.musicteachershelper.com

ity to sing in Little Shop of Horrors and to sing with a women's choir. While studying at the University of Colorado Boulder I began to come into my own and started to let my large sound free. (Which for me was a process. Getting your voice where you want it and to where it is capable is work. But, it is fun work and you're always happy when you have these great moments where you get to where you were hoping you could and that your teacher said you would go at some point.) It was there, at CU Boulder that I got the opportunity to start singing in operas. While in Boulder I sang in The Magic Flute, Sarah McKinnon and as a soloist or recitalist.

Also, while there I worked as an actress in a theater company called the Interactive Theater Project for three years. I thought that by getting involved in that that I would be able to act more effectively while singing. It was fun just doing something where you're just working with the spoken word. I had a wonderful time with them and learned a lot about character work and what it takes to connect to the words in an effective way.

In the past few years, I have been a soloist and recitalist in the Washington, DC area and have sung opera in Pennsylvania with Center Stage Opera. Last year, I sang with Center Stage Opera in the role of Bertha. I had the opportunity to sing and to act at the Kennedy Center a few years ago. Also during that time, I
sang in Aleko, the Die Zauberflöte as the Queen of the Night, Serena in Porgy and Bess, and
sang in Ragtime and sang the role of the Wardrobe in Beauty and the Beast.

I am currently working as a soloist, a children's choir director, a chorus member, the director of a recital series, a cantor, and I'm writing monologues and small plays to be performed. I was working as a co-executive producer/casting director for a show that is on Amazon Prime as well. I look forward to what the rest of the year will bring.

*** Lesson Details ***
If you're a beginner, I will help you to understand what you need to get through the vocal line with breath and intonation. We will begin by doing vocal exercises and learn a lot about breathing for singing. I want to help you to make more beautiful tones. I will also slowly begin teaching you how to read sheet music and to help you be a more effective listener when it comes to music. I can also help you to become a better communicator as a singer.

For acting, I will help you to learn how to develop characters and bring the writer's words to life. We will begin by seeing what sort of subjects or genres interest you and what you are doing with those words now, and how you can delve deeper into making the world of the characters something more flushed out.

For beginning piano: I will teach you to learn how the piano is set up, teaching you to read sheet music, beginning theory and to play songs. Something beyond nursery rhymes.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Inside my home studio, I have music, a music stand, chairs, WiFi, a computer, a laptop, a keyboard, a microphone, a metronome, a microphone, an amp/large speaker, and a sofa.

*** Specialties ***
For voice, I would say that my focus is on classical voice. I also sing jazz, gospel and musical theater. For acting, I have done both improvisational and regular scripted plays.

I have taught students with special needs, and as someone with a twin sister with special needs, I am open to teaching students with special needs.

I also taught 3rd grade religion as well as dance after school. I would love to teach you!

ter graduating from UMBC, Shaleena joined Soul In Motion, an African Drum and Dance Company in Mt. Rainier, MD. She choreographed and danced with Soul In Motion for five years and performed at various venues such as Dance Africa DC, Black Rock Center for the Arts, MD, Montgomery County Government in MD and Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Presently, she is the Research Director for Soul In Motion. She continued her passion for dance with Adande African Dance & Drum Company in Charleston, SC. She taught African dance classes at Spirit Moves in Charleston, SC. While completing her Masters in Business at Strayer University, she further pursued her passion and joined Wona Womalan West African Drum & Dance Ensemble. For Wona Womalan, she choreographed dances that have been performed at Piccolo Spoleto Charleston, North Charleston Arts Festival, Moja Arts Festival, US Airforce Base, Naval Weapons Station, Charleston Open Arts Expo, Penn Center Heritage Festival in Beaufort, South Carolina Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, Florida African Dance Festival, and various schools. As well, Shaleena conducted a co-dance residency at Charleston County School of the Arts. Everyday movement inspires her choreography. Dance is truly her passion, voice, and she speaks through movement!

e of your dreams!

college, I worked towards my MA in War, Media, and Society while continuing to do freelance choreography. After moving to DC in 2016 to work as a legislative assistant, I missed dance too much and knew I needed to find a way to fit it into my life! I began teaching private ballet and creative movement classes for my first client and absolutely loved being able to share my knowledge and love for this art form on a one-on-one basis with my students.

I have 5 years of experience teaching beginner ballet and creative movement, and 4 years teaching the following: ballet for ages 5-18, pointe for ages 13-18, jazz & musical theatre for ages 5-18, and tap for ages 5-12. I have a wide variety of choreography experience for solo, duet, trio, small, and large groups of all ages in ballet, pointe, contemporary, and character jazz.

I believe teaching dance is so much more than pointing toes and making beautiful lines (although those things are certainly important). I want to help my students develop important life skills, communicate feelings through movement, and learn to use the art of dance as a healthy outlet for stress and communication.