Sandston, VA Music Theory Lessons

a lot. I just believe if it starts to not be fun, what's the point? Music isn't just about perfect theory and note placement it's about enjoyment. That's why I tailor make every lesson specifically based on my student's goals. I have students that like a more traditional approach so I use standard method books with them. I also have students that want to learn how to play by ear so we use a less traditional method and I teach them chord structures and how to move around easily on their instrument. My favorite thing to teach is vocal lessons but I love teaching piano and guitar also.

*** Studio Equipment ***
The In-Studio lessons are taught on an upright piano or acoustic/electric guitar. Student should bring own guitar. No pets. Waiting room out front for parents.

*** Travel Equipment ***
They need their own instrument.

*** Specialties ***
I've performed at Carnegie Hall and I've had the opportunity to work with world renowned vocal coaches. I offer that as well as techniques that I've developed to help you reach your goals quickly and with great skill !

tarting from the beginning of what a student knows and moving forward step by step will only lead to perfection in their lessons. Having fun doing this, is the only way to keep a student focused and progressing. Enjoyment is the number one focus of Damien's lessons. If a student isn't enjoying and having fun with their lessons then they will not progress.
Damien teaches ages of 5-99. You are never too young or old to learn. Damien's main focus is guitar and music theory

*** Travel Equipment ***
I would expect the student to provide their own guitar (if necessary) and a notebook
I have private parking for my students, so they don't have to worry about parking, ever !
*** Specialties ***
I have been taught, on a college level, of classical, jazz, ethnic musics. I specialize in guitar, theory, composition.

ince earning my degree I've worked with the Florida Grand Opera in their production of Aida, also sang background vocals for Gloria Estefan and Michael Buble. I currently perform around South Florida at various hot spots with my self titled band! So those who teach can do too!

My main objective as a performer is to effectively and skillfully entertain a variety of audiences to the best of my ability using the knowledge that I have attained from my experiences as a student and as an entertainer, and in turn work for an established business in the music industry and become a successful artist.

My objective as an educator is to not only teach my students about music but allowing them to grow and flourish as performers and as musicians, with proper technique the skies the limit!

*** Lesson Details ***
My teaching style is pretty laid back and fun, it will take work and dedication on the part of my students to work on the new skills and techniques they will be learning under my direction. In the first 2 months we will focus on technique, meaning breathing exercises, vowel placements, warm ups, and execution of a song of the students choice, by the third month these exercises would have improved your vocals ability tremendously we can then work on stylizing for the particular genre your interested in singing in. Each student will have a personally tailored lesson plan to better help them in their goals to be a better singer and performer. I do prefer students in the age ranges 12 and up, only because the voice hasn't fully developed yet to do extensive vocalizing but with younger students we can focus on breathing, warming up properly and theory, which is so important at a young age and will better assist you especially when it comes to developing your ears. If you're wanting to learn to sing in different styles without losing your voice or hurting yourself I'm the teacher for you!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Keyboard in living Room: couches and chairs, parents can sit in on lesson

*** Travel Equipment ***
Keyboard should be provided by student, I will provide mic and amp

*** Specialties ***
Pop, Rock, R&B, Jazz Styles are my specialties.

musical theater, jazz, pop, and R&B. I am so excited to share my knowledge and passion for singing with you, as well as any other subject we find to explore! As of February 2013, I am also available through TakeLessons' online instruction program! Please find more information below and I hope to hear from you soon!

Thanks!

Zachary B.

A native of Charlotte, NC, Zachary began his musical career as a tuba player and jazz bass guitarist. While attending The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Zachary began singing in various vocal groups on campus and developed his love for the singing voice. With encouragement from the music faculty, Zachary began training as an operatic baritone while at UNC. While attending UNC, Zachary was awarded both the Fischer Scholarship in Voice and the Tony McDowell Voice Scholarship. His singing brought him to Boston in the summer of 2010 to begin study at The Boston Conservatory. While performing various opera roles and attending summer programs, Zachary also opened his private studio and taught at a local music academy.

Baritone Zachary B. is quickly establishing himself as an active operatic performer. Equally at home on the recital stage, his versatile lyric baritone voice fits a wide range of repertoire and styles. A graduate of The Boston Conservatory, Zachary has performed roles like the titular role in Don Giovanni, Ramiro in L'Heure Espagnole, L'horloge comtoise in L'Enfant et les sortileges, Pooh-Bah in The Mikado, and Bob in The Old Maid and the Thief.

Starting in February 2013, Zachary will also be available through TakeLessons for online instruction. Lessons will still focus on energy, breath, and solid technique, so please contact him if you think this venue of instruction will be a good fit!

*** Lesson Details ***
Regardless of your background, I believe in making lessons fun, encouraging, and accessible. This means that my work with you will, by nature, be incredibly personal and always formulated for your specific musical goals. I will constantly strive to make sure you are comfortable in our work together as we explore singing, speaking, and music theory.

I believe every singing or speaking voice can benefit from a foundation in classical vocal technique. Whether you prefer to learn through singing songs or through various exercises, I can customize our lesson plan to fit your needs. Therefore, I provide a fun and engaging lesson atmosphere, but you need to bring your best as well! We will both be happier with the process if we are equally invested in your growth. We will start with something you already know (an aria, vocal exercise, or excerpt from a song) and work toward singing in your preferred vocal style. For example, classical singers will build their knowledge of English, German, Italian, and French diction and song styles. Additionally, I will always respect and include my student's musical interests.

Along the way, I am happy to address basic music theory ideas. If you prefer, we can also spend additional time reviewing and learning those principles to enrich your musical experience. I will always provide different exercises and ideas to keep your brain active in the singing process.

I believe in whole body, whole spirit singing. As a performer, I employ a variety of holistic exercises and theories to develop my own voice, such as basic Alexander Technique principles, voice therapy techniques, a variety of pedagogical palates, and energy work. If these sorts of things interest you, I am more than happy to incorporate them into our lessons. My personal results with those practices have been incredible, so I am always eager to share.

My personality is outgoing and energetic, so I bring that sort of atmosphere to a lesson. I expect preparedness and readiness on your part to maximize our work together. My greatest desire in teaching is to see you grow! So, if a challenging, yet comforting, work environment sounds like something you would like to try, consider scheduling a trial lesson with me. I am always happy to hear from new students!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Open area between the living room and the dining room, seating available, piano to accompany the voice lesson, garage/driveway/street parking.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I prefer for my students to have a keyboard or piano, and if possible, a music stand. We can always make a situation work if the student does not have access to these tools. I provide music, pencils, etc.

*** Specialties ***
I am an opera singer, and specialize in classical singing. However, I apply similar vocal technique to all genres of music, and focus on breathing technique, body and energy awareness, and discuss a holistic approach to singing with all students.

fessional in his field, Joseph enthusiastically looks forward to helping new students achieve their goals. Joseph's teaching style is flexible, experiential, and FUN!

training and basic theory. Resume available upon request

nied by a full orchestra. Her top high school choirs toured California and won best overall at the California Music Educators conference. Her adult students have gone on to great heights, winning recording contracts, lead roles and awards. Her students have won movie rolls, singing competitions and some have even become YouTube viral sensations.

TEACHING METHODS:

Classical technique: Colleen has studied classical technique under Sherri Greenawald, the Grammy winning Artistic Director of the San Francisco Opera.

Contemporary technique: Colleen has studied with some of the top voice teachers in the music industry. She studies directly from Linda Septien, a legend in the music industry. Linda is ranked as one of the top 5 talent coaches in the world. Some of Linda's students include: Beyonce, Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, Ryan Cabrera and Hunter Parish and more. She is an adviser for American Idol, The Voice and America's Got Talent. Colleen continues to pass on Linda's stellar methods to her students.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Voice lessons consist of a tailored curriculum created specifically for each student, targeting areas that will have the most impact for each individual artist. Learn to expand your range, using your diaphragm properly; learn scatting, breathing techniques, belt, mixed voice and head voice. Learn how to add texture and style to your performance.
Great entertaining is also about presentation, visual energy and staging. Learn how to be an all around entertainer through timed movement, staging and story telling.

YOUR FIRST LESSONS

Lessons can be booked by clicking the green "continue" button. Want to talk first? Click the "Ask A Question" button at the top of your screen.

It would be great if you could come to the first lesson with a song you can perform, one you can sing either on your own without music or using a karaoke track from YouTube.