Rappahannock Academy, VA Piano Lessons

signed around the needs of each student. The first lessons is always spent testing range, knowledge and abilities already known by the student. Then the student weighs in on what kind of music they would like to learn and what they hope to gain from the lessons. Theory and ear training are incorporated into the lessons. We work on breathing, technique and style. Generally we start with English or Italian. We work on vocal performance from a classical standpoint but Jazz and Broadway can also be taught if desired by the student. Scales and exercises are given each week to be worked on until the next lesson. A recording device is encouraged if the student cannot play the piano. Also, a voice note book to take notes during the lesson to be used during practice during the week.

*** Specialties ***
classical voice and jazz voice.

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 has sang 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 and preparing for a recital and auditions in October. 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.

*** 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 not taught students with special needs, but as someone with a twin sister with special needs, I am open to teaching students with special needs.

Florence Henderson, I have played as an honorary guest at UCLA, the Colburn School, UC Santa Cruz, for the Japanese Ambassador and Embassy, and appeared as guest artist with the Anderson String Quartet, Barry Manilow, and most recently with Il Divo, as well as made several television appearances. My extensive performing experience means that no matter your skill level, as my student I will have you performing, sharing your music with others, and becoming an artist.

I have been the recipient of numerous awards for both my musical and academic performance, including the Valeria Finzi Memorial Harp Competition two years consecutively, the Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Fellowship, and have been named as a Medici Scholar and on the Who's Who Among American Women and National Dean's List. I am also active as a composer, arranger, and transcriber, and have taught for the past 16 years. Teaching has always been a special joy of mine, and I have experience teaching students of every age and skill level. I believe in an individualized approach for each student and love to inspire students with my own love of music and lifelong learning. I have worked as a teaching artist with the McCallum Theatre Institute (with elementary-age children) and an instructor for the Osher Institute (age 55+). With a solid background in Classical masterworks, my technical skill and artistic vision allows for interpretations of a variety of music spanning Celtic, Latin, pop, jazz, and rock genres. I teach piano, harp, music theory and musicianship at Mt. San Jacinto College, music history at College of the Desert and provide private instruction from my studio in Palm Springs.

*** Lesson Details ***
What do you want to learn? If you are passionate about music and interested in improving your skills I will mentor you to help you achieve your personal goals. I will personalize our curriculum depending on your experience level, needs, and desires. I believe in a well-rounded approach so we'll focus not only on leaning the notes, but the inflections and expressions of music, performance techniques, technical dexterity, music theory, and music history. In this way not only can you be a skilled performer, but an informed one as well, no matter what your age. My students are my highest priority- I love working with children, introducing them to music for the first time, as well as with the adult student who "always wanted to take lessons" but hasn't been able to yet. Furthering the talents of experienced musicians is also a pleasure. I will be honored to help you in your musical journey!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Studio: quarter grand piano, pedal harp, Celtic harp, electroacoustic harp. There is an adjacent seating area so parents are always welcome to sit in on lessons.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Under special circumstances I am happy to travel to students who have their instrument and related equipment.

*** Specialties ***
I teach both Classical and popular styles and can specialize according to my students' needs/interests.

o Equipment ***
I have several guitars, a drum kit, djembe, mandolin, clarinet and full-size keyboard.

*** Specialties ***
Guitar: Classical, jazz, American or Irish folk, rock and pop; lead or rhythm.
Drums & Percussion: All genres
Piano: Classical (includes sight reading)

lege years and beyond I served as a percussion instructor and assistant band director at Morgan State University. As part of the Morgan State University Magnificent Marching Machine I served as a instructional leader in music and performance mentor for the team. I taught part time as a percussion instructor at Milford Mill High School giving individual lessons for over 10 years.

Musical inspiration is an important element to the refinement of my craft. A few personal musical influences are Buddy Rich, Max Roach, Neil Peart (Rush), Dennis Chambers, (Santana), George Gray (Roberta Flack), Ricky Wellman (Miles Davis), Quinton Mack-Davis (Rare Essence) and Michael Bland (Prince).

*** Lesson Details ***
Within the first three months of lessons student will gain a strong foundation of sight reading and basic drum techniques in both rudiment studies and playing the drum set. My style of teaching music consist of breaking each skill down into chunks and allowing students to learn using their individual learning styles. I utilize rewards for perfect practice and each lesson contains a safe, fun learning atmosphere with students exhibiting in their best behavior.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Lessons in store front studio, drum kit provided

*** Travel Equipment ***
I will bring a practice pad. Students should have a drum set.

*** Specialties ***
Jazz, Funk, pop, and classical.

arranger, songwriter and keyboardist in Los Angeles and the Boston area.

I teach contemporary piano styles to students of all ages and musical levels. I work with guitar, bass and wind players on their improvisation, music theory, ear training and melodic development. Being a pianist and producer, I coach vocalists on their contemporary repertoire and prepare them for auditions. As a composer, I work with songwriters, arrangers and composition majors.

I teach from my studio in Los Angeles onsite or online. My classes are always fun, stress free but with a strong curriculum, organized and dynamic.

My personal passion is contemporary music but I firmly believe that strong musicianship is key to any and every style. I look forward to meet you and help you achieve your musical goals!