Sterling Performing Arts Classes

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.

such as, science and mathematics.

Mr, Ray's comprehensive 3 step courses.

1. Learn the basics of the music language, reading and writing.

2. COUNTING. keeping time, the ruler of motion in music. 

3. Learn how to create beautiful melodies and syntax of song to discover the process of creativity with a structure toward musical thought.

Also. effective personal practice techniques and the basics of Improvisation and Composition. 

It is well documented that exposing children to music and the creative arts is a prerequisite to fundamental logical thought processes and schematic reasoning.

Music is organic FUN for kids of all the ages! 4 years to 104. Lol
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Recordings with artists and celebrities throughout the U.S. and Europe. Presentations of jazz and classical ensembles with rotating artists for hire of various genres of music.
You may consider me a Triple threat as they say, Singer, Dancer and Entertainer.

He has performed with notables such as Stevie Wonder,
Natalie Cole, Bette Midler, and Carmen Mac Cray.
Akademisches Festival Orchestra, Leipzig,
Kammerorchester de St. Laurentius, in Dessau, Germany.
National Gallery of Art Orchestra, and the
American University Symphony.
Howard University Community Orchestra
La Fete Musique, World-wide Busking Society.
MTA-Music Under New York
resently D.C. Concert Orchestra and DC Strings workshop
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re completed at the American University, where I majored in Communications (B.A.), and minored in Music, voice being my instrument. During my undergraduate studies, I was recruited and performed as the lead female vocalist for a Rock band that a few fellow music students had formed. While in college, I was trained in classical voice, piano, music theory, musical theater performance, and vocal pedagogy (vocal training). My vocal pedagogy studies credentialed me to become a professional vocal instructor. I began teaching voice after I earned my degree, and have been teaching private voice lessons for over ten years.

Most of my present expertise in teaching voice grew from my vocal pedagogy studies, my teaching experience which has developed over time, my own personal vocal dedication, and my training and understanding of various genres of vocal performance. My present singing career is as an inspirational singer; my vocal students encompass various genres in which I have experience, including: Inspirational, Rhythm and Blues, Jazz, Rock, Classical, as well as various degrees of popular music.

*** Audition Preparation ***
I have coached many of my students to prepare for auditions: auditions to be accepted into performing arts schools, parts in musicals and plays, joining a band or vocal ensemble, as well as auditions for televised singing shows, such as "The Voice," "Sunday's Best," "American Idol" and "The X Factor."

*** Lesson Details ***
I teach students by using the tried and true techniques I have found to be successful, and allow the student to be my guide as to which direction to take with his or her vocal training. Whether the student is a novice, a professional, or somewhere in between, each student, after obtaining the basic singing knowledge and techniques, will have a vocal training schedule geared to his or her individual needs and development. Lessons are for the most part very casual in nature, and the student’s dedication (practice, practice, practice) will dictate whether or not the lessons become stricter. A few months into the vocal instruction, students will be given the opportunity to learn more about reading music and sight singing, if he or she so chooses, as well as vocal performance techniques for singing in front of an audience. Within one year, dedicated students may also have the opportunity to show off what they have learned, and perform in front of an audience at a recital with other vocal students. Please note that my preference is to work with teens age 13 through adults of any age. I believe that younger voices need more time to develop and stand to be damaged if too much stress is put on them too soon. However, exceptions for children under 13 may be made for gifted young singers.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Home studio- entry room of home, baby grand piano, seating area, dry erase board, mirrors
Music Studio- one recording studio, seating area, classroom

*** Travel Equipment ***
If needed, I provide a portable piano keyboard, microphone with amplifier, paper handouts of lessons, etc. The student needs to have paper to take notes and a writing instrument.

*** Specialties ***
Most of my voice lesson experience has been with adults, and contemporary popular and inspirational music.

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

m a Vanishing Landscape" for the 2014 DC Fringe Festival. I have directed two films: "Adams Morgan: The Movie," which premiered at the Avalon Theater in 2010 and was selected and shown as part of the East of the River Festival in DC; and a short film from my original screenplay titled "Crazy" which is currently in the editing phase. My student Mack Leamon is currently appearing in the Arena Stage production of "Raisin in the Sun" and I am very proud of his accomplishment!

ses which steady the breath, relax the muscles, and center the body. We approach singing as a natural form of therapy that helps the singer understand their body fully, and express themselves effortlessly.
Together we will eliminate tension, strain and pain from the singing experience. We will gain comfort, ease and will highlight the beauty in your unique sound (as opposed to attempting to make your voice conform to someone else's style).
I am here to make you sound like the most authentic version of yourself, and to find the deep joy and expression that comes from letting your voice be heard!

-The most important thing to me when working with singers of any age or ability is:
Helping them learn the correct techniques to keep their voices safe and healthy while singing. A Beginner Lesson Plan begins by covering the three main foundations of healthy happy singing:
1.Posture
2.Breathing
3.Placement (head voice, mask voice, chest voice)
After covering these techniques, my students will be able to achieve almost any style and level of singing they desire. It is totally possible to stretch your vocal range, learn a new style, or incorporate movement into your songs if you follow this method!
I also make sure to focus a lot on confidence and stage presence throughout all of our lessons to help students prepare for upcoming auditions, showcases, concerts, and talent shows.

Applying my Relaxation First methodology to these age-old foundations of strong vocal technique make it easy and natural for you to find your voice and transition out of your stage fright so that you can own that stage like you were born to be there, because you were!!
These are not only vocal coaching sessions, but complete performance-ready-workshops.
I am here to make all your singing and vocal performance dreams come true!

-I began my vocal training:
at the age of 12 learning how to sing classical and musical theater music. I eventually went on to learn jazz and rock vocal techniques before going to Berklee College of Music in Boston where I learned how to sing celtic music and alternative contemporary styles. I have my own band which I write all the music for, and we have performed all around Boston and in New York City.
My students have achieved admission into Berklee College of Music in Boston, lead roles in their school plays such as Peter Pan, Into the Woods, and Julius Caesar. They have achieved new levels of confidence and power that have made them the stars of their local open mics, talent shows, and recitals!

Please feel free to message me with any questions.
It’s my job to make this process as seamless and comfortable for you as possible :)
Let’s get singing!