Singing Lessons & Classes in Belltown

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My unique studio uses the basics of Bel Canto technique to teach all styles of music to all ages. Parents often comment on how much fun their students have in lessons, while getting feedback from outside professionals (adjudicators, directors, etc) on how much their technique has improved. Adult students are commonly shocked by how easy singing can feel as they meet their career goals.

Current students can be seen performing with:
America's Got Talent!
Hardrock Cafe LAS VEGAS!
Broadway Bound
Bellevue Opera
Puget Sound Concert Opera
Seattle Gilbert and Sullivan
5th Avenue Theater
Theater Schmeater
13 Coins
Hwy 99 Blues Club
The Showbox
Chop Suey
Dicken's Carolers
And MORE!

I realize that voice lessons can be REALLY scary and I totally understand why, especially for kids and beginners! I do my best to use modern psycology and technology to help my beginning students feel confortable in what can be a frightening new endeavor.

Personal Performance Experience: Extensive lead and supporting opera performing experience with Bellevue Opera, Puget Sound Concert Opera, Skagit Opera, Tacoma Opera, Portland Opera,Seattle Gilbert and Sullivan, Seattle Opera and Seattle Youth Symphony. Prior to that spent 7 years performing Jazz and Gospel and 10 years in musical theater.

Personal Education: BA in Music from Seattle Pacific University 2002, MM in Opera Performance (Unfinished due to 1 year of German) at University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana.

Teaching Experience: 8 years as a private voice teacher in my own studio, 3.5 years teaching opera workshops throughout the USA, 2 years working in studio with local bands as a 'fixer.'

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Have you tried lessons before and felt unsuccessful?

Not all students learn the same way and for years voice teachers have been treating every student as an aural learner. What I have found is that students with a history of struggling with matching pitch simply need to be taught in a different manner. That is why I now ask students to take a voluntary learning style inventory prior to their first lesson.

Visual Learner? Not a problem when "Adam" started with me he could only match pitch 30% of the time. But after finding that he needed to see concepts in order to learn them I have now made all of his lesson visually based and he is now averaging 90% pitch accuracy 3 months later.

Kinisthetic Learner? I had the hardest time helping "Clark" learn new music until we realized that by taking the time to have him play his parts himself on the piano he could learn them in minutes. He just is a person that learns by doing and now that we know that, music has become so much less frustrating for him.

Physical Learner? With "Steve" the traditional 'visualization' style of teaching that most voice teachers start with just wasn't helping him improve his sound and reach the high notes we both knew he had. After we figured out that he needed large muscle movements to understand concepts I added the use of a resistance band to his lessons. He has had so much success with this technique that he 'stole' my resistance band so he could use it in recording sessions and before he got on stage.

The stories just go on and on.

CURRENT AND FORMER STUDENT REFERENCES AVAILABLE!

*** Lesson Details ***
Students help structure their lessons by providing a general overview of their goals during their first lesson. Just as not everyone's voice sounds the same, neither does everyone's lesson!

A typical lesson begins with vocal warm-ups specifically targeted to strengthen the students technique and help them learn more about their voices capabilities. Next students work on songs of their choosing, that help them develop the freedom of voice, control, stamina and overall vocal health that they will need to be confident in their performing.

Additional opportunities for performance are provided for students as desired. These may include Karaoke Nights (for adult beginners), no-stress recitals, studio sing-a-longs, community choirs and small roles in local productions.

NEW STUDIO FEATURE!

*** Studio ***
piano and guitar

*** Specialties ***
Voice, Music Theory, Music Performance, Acting, Speech, Theatrical Broadway Singing, Opera Voice
Singing for Musical Theater, Classical Voice, Jazz Voice, Improvisation, Rock and Metal Vocals, Healthy Metal Growling, Beginning-Advanced Intermediate Voice, Composition, Music History, Music Appreciation

Specializing in helping young singers find their voices and learn healthy technique so as to not damage their instrument, while having a lot of fun! I also teach Spanish, Latin and Italian Diction for Singers.

I have worked with many local guitar/singer/songwriters and rock band frontmen, helping them gain the stamina and power they need while maintaining their instrument for the future.

Also, I have had extensive experience and success working with students who consider themselves 'tone challenged'

ked with children and adults who told me "I cannot sing" and have shown them that, once you understand how your voice works, you can do things you never dreamed you could do. I will work hard to help anyone who has the love and determination to sing to improve and become a better singer.

Students I have worked with have won competitions and even been accepted into the AMDA in New York.

*** Lesson Details ***
The voice is an instrument and, like any instrument, you have to know all of its parts and how it works in order to get the most out of it. I teach my students how to properly use their voice without damaging their vocal chords. I teach vocal techniques and exercises to help my students become a better singer. My students will learn how to use their diaphragm; how to use dynamics; how to project; how to build up their lung capacity; how to sing in a clear and articulate manner; how to sing various different types of music; how to control their voice; and how to develop their natural ear for music as well as showmanship. My style and technique has been developed over many years of practical experience and learning from instructors and entertainers who work in the entertainment industry. My method of teaching is entirely my own and I have had a lot of success with it. I expect my students to work hard and be dedicated but I try to make the lessons not just instructional but fun.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Home-lessons taught in a designated music room, has an electric weighted keyboard and a karaoke machine.

I have recording capabilities that allow me to record my students and blend their voices with the background tracks that we work with. Once a song has been mastered, I record the song and email it to you so you can have it to enjoy and share with family and friends.

*** Specialties ***
I teach my students breathing techniques; how to use the diaphragm and relax the vocal chords; how to project; how to properly enunciate; how to perform a song instead of just singing it; showmanship; how to select the music that is right for them. The voice is an instrument and, like any instrument, you have to fully understand it and its different parts in order to get the most out of it.

"m honored to have played with them.

I challenge my students to view music more than just as a "skill", but also a tool to communicate effectively and to combat life's obstacles.

I have had many guitar teachers myself including one true Famous Rock Star legend here in Pacific NW. Congrats Rog. U Earned It, & inspire myself, & others everyday.

You got to know the rules 1st, before you can then break the rules. This is how you develop your own unique style. And it's what separates the Pro Players from the rest of the pack.

But even if you don't want to play professionally, maybe you just want to learn a few chords, licks, songs, for yourself, or to impress friends. That's okay too!

I welcome every level and style. I always learn something from my students.
That's what music is all about. Learning & trading tips and licks from other musicians.

Bottom Line Is... I can help you learn and progress on your instrument faster...

Let me be the Music Coach to get you there!

*** Lesson Details ***
The most important thing in a lesson with me is to learn while having FUN! I am a very laid-back teacher who wants to focus on music making you smile. We will choose material and a pace of learning that will keep you excited to rehearse and return the following lesson improved!

PERSONALIZE your guitar lessons by learning techniques used by your favorite artists in "their" songs.
FEEL FREE learning in a comfortable atmosphere where you can excel successfully as a musician!
CONQUER shyness and insecurities by unleashing the dynamic performer in you!

Most All Styles/Genres/Experience Levels Taught - We go over everything systematically. Music Theory, Songwriting, Chords, Scales, Determining Key Of Songs, Performance, etc

After 3 to 6 months, you should expect to be playing some of your favorite songs and artists accurately

Be sure to check out some of my you tube demos. Let me be the Music Coach to get you there!

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have a Sound Proof Pro Recording Studio, PA System, guitars, basses, amps, drums, recording gear, mics, mic stands, strobe & lights, fog machine, seating for parents.

Sorry No Disco Ball Yet.. You Can Bring Your Own If You Want Though.
I've Got Some Bell Bottoms Somewhere Around The Studio Here.

*** Travel Equipment ***
*** Brand New*** Now Offering Music Lessons Online (From My Recording Studio To Your Home via Skype)
I'm really excited to add that to offer lessons online through TakeLessons! It's a great thing to get to work with students all over this country and I'm looking forward to help pioneer the future of music lessons!

*** Specialties ***
*Teachers classified as a Student Favorite have taught a minimum of 25 lessons and have received the highest feedback rating from students.

My Unique Specialty - is teaching students the rudimental basics 1st, & then how to copy your favorite artists off the CD, radio or iPod, almost note for note. Believe me, it can be done. You just have to know what to listen for..

Brand New - MEASURE your success by recording your music progress along the way. I do own a recording studio, so we can record students progress via audio or video and then post to my You Tube channel.

er 2019 (electro/synth-based funky pop music with a hint of nostalgia)
**I taught jazz piano and voice lessons for four years at NYU and also through the New York Jazz Academy and Brooklyn Music Factory, from beginning to advanced, classical, pop or jazz -- and I teach rock bands how to learn music by ear and have fun playing with other people! I have also been teaching privately (independent home studio) since 2007.
**I organize and teach vocal workshop classes, where singers can learn how to work with a band.
**I also organize and teach songwriting classes, where you can learn how to get into writing songs and performing or recording your own music, either as a solo artist, or with a band!
**I joined the Cornish College of the Arts adjunct jazz faculty in Spring 2015! I teach private lessons in voice, piano, and songwriting, Piano classes (Piano I, II, III, IV), The Art of Songwriting class, Vocal Standards Class, Ear Training I & II, and in the past I also taught a vocal anatomy/production/professionalism class called VOX: MIND/BODY. I also put together showcases each semester for my private students to perform their music at local clubs/venues in downtown Seattle.

I moved back to Seattle in April 2014 after being in NYC for four years -- completing my Master of Music degree (NYU), living, teaching, and performing in Brooklyn and Manhattan. NYC was amazing, and I'd love to share with you all of the cool things I picked up during my time there. From 2005-2010, I lived in Seattle and taught music lessons. I graduated from Cornish College of the Arts in Jazz Performance (voice) and performed a lot around Seattle-- from jazz clubs to concert halls-- performing pop, rock, soul, jazz and even working in a Steely Dan Tribute Band!! (your parents might appreciate that more than you do). I actually still perform actively with the Steely Dan tribute band (Nearly Dan), and we perform at some of the premier venues in Seattle, such as Jazz Alley and the Triple Door.

More than anything, I'm fascinated by the different ways that students learn and always love figuring out what kind of learning works best for YOU.

*** Lesson Details ***
I love watching my students progress and enjoy their music, no matter what style they enjoy or what level they are. I work with students to pick out music that they'll enjoy working on-- it's always more fun to learn songs you love!
I'm a pretty laid back teacher, but I work to inspire my students to try their hardest and do the best that they can do. I will provide you will the exercises, materials, and right level of songs to help you meet your goals, and together we can create a plan for our lessons.

In our lessons we will cover a variety of topics, including:

--Strong, Healthy TECHNIQUE so that you can gain a command of your instrument and play or sing whatever you choose. Through various EXERCISES you will develop strength, control, musicianship, and good habits.
(Vocalists:)
It is important to develop a healthy technique so that you can sing whatever you want without getting fatigued or injuring your voice. We'll work on developing strong technique and finding your own unique SOUND-- we'll choose music that is right for your vocal style and music that YOU connect with so you can really express yourself.
(Pianists):
No matter whether you want to play classical, pop, or jazz, you'll want your fingers to be strong and agile enough to get the sound that you want out of the instrument. With good technique you can play anything!

--Rhythm, subdivision, and groove

--Ear-training & Music Theory (chord qualities, pitch matching, easy transcription)

--Building your REPERTOIRE so that you have songs to play, and discussing techniques specific to each style of music you study

--Arranging or Communicating with a band (if that is something which interests you)

--Performance considerations.... developing confidence and personal expression!

My goal is to inspire students to play their instruments (or sing!), develop good habits and encourage healthy curiosity..... but most of all to LOVE playing music!

*** Studio Equipment ***
full music room with 88 f/w keyboard with music stand, amp, microphone (if applicable), acoustic guitar, seating for parents.

I will provide lesson plans and corresponding handouts, exercises, examples, etc. If the student is taking piano lessons they should have access to a keyboard or piano at home. I also have a vocal microphone & amp to work on microphone technique.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in jazz/pop piano and voice, and have a strong background in classical and jazz theory and technique. I typically design curricula which include technical exercises from my classical background and then focus stylistically on the genre that the student is interested in. I have extensive experience both performing and teaching in many jazz, pop, rock and soul styles-- I try to help the student find their unique voice while establishing a strong foundation of healthy technique.

g The Total Experience Gospel Choir, Seattle Pacific University Women's Choir, and The Spokane Area Children's Chorus. Musical productions including Grease, Once Upon a Mattress, Chicago, and Les Miserables. I have been a featured soloist in ensembles throughout my life. I also performed in the Jazz Ensemble at Seattle Central Community College for three years as a vocalist and pianist.

I have an extensive background as a performer in small and large bands in the Seattle area. I have played in various venues throughout the area including Key Arena, Benaroya Hall, McCall Hall, Folk Life Festival, Marymoor Park, Highway 99 Blues Club, Tula's Nightclub, and the Nectar Lounge to name a few. I have also worked as a studio musician with various funk, soul, and electronic music producers and bands.

I study African dance and other forms of dance including hip-hop, house, and have traveled to Guinea, Conakry to study dance and music with Les Ballets African a premier African dance ensemble that tours the world. I also spent the summer of 2012 working with a non-profit organization in Chiapas, Mexico teaching music and dance to kids k-12 in the Indigenous Village of Ignacio Allende. More recently I have been studying and performing with Pat Wright and The Total Experience Gospel Choir since 2014.

*** Lesson Details ***
As your teacher I can help you thrive in music. I promise to provide a fun learning experience with lots of laughs and smiles. My number one goal is to help build a love and passion for music and boost student's confidence. I understand and appreciate different levels of experience and make sure to cater the lesson to the individual. Whether my students are young or old; whether they view voice or piano lessons as a just-for-fun hobby; or whether they wish to pursue a serious music career - I am happy to facilitate all of this and more, as we work together to reach their goals.

My musical foundation is one built on proper technique and strong musicianship skills. Students will learn proper posturing, breathing, and vocal production- in addition to reading and music notation, music theory and more. As students master these techniques I will work to help them bring out their own voice and creative expression. We will explore music from a variety of genres including Jazz, Classical, Pop/Rock, and more. Each of my students will be able to perform in ways that are not only healthy and technically sound but unique to them.

*** Studio Equipment ***
In the studio I have an acoustic upright piano, shakers, tambourines, and a library of music books. The studio is also used for dance lessons and has hardwood floors and mirrors. There is also a waiting room area for parents to sit and listen in during lessons.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide books, metronome, and keyboard stand. Students are expected to have a piano or keyboard.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in Jazz, Classical, Pop, Rock, RnB, and Broadway style singing. I use an eclectic approach to teaching.

the voice, and usually within a month it will have improved by at least 4 notes either higher or lower.

It is important to note that learning voice is a highly individualized journey, each person will have their own set of strengths and weaknesses, as a teacher it is my job to asses this in a person and craft a curriculum, and style that will fit those individual needs.

I am also adept at navigating local opportunities for students in the Seattle Theater world. I have had students receive callbacks at 5th avenue, perform for Seattle Childrens Theater. Young Actors Institute, Driftwood Players, win multiple pageants and score high in talent as well as acting opportunities in movies and modeling. I am a performer as well and had to navigate through the college system as well as the Seattle theater system and can provide much guidance to those interested with resume, repertoire and audition coaching.

There is no feeling in the world than the freedom and beauty of singing, it is a joy to hear in my students, and very fulfilling to teach this kind of wonderfully positive experience to people of all ages!

I received my B.A. in vocal performance from San Francisco Conservatory of Music in 2009. I am a classically trained singer, however I enjoy all genre’s of music and firmly believe having a classical base in a singing technique will enrich any style of music you wish to work toward. I am devoted to healthy singing, and unlocking your true timbre and voice with extensive breath, and vowel work. As a graduate from a highly competitive music institution I can help in guiding students along the right path of pursuing this art form at a collegiate level.

Theory/Song Writing techniques:

For some students learning music is just as much a part of the lesson as learning to sing. I love teaching people of all ages how to read music, so that the student can be an independent teacher for themselves and learn music on their own at home, this I think is very important in order to improve skills for singing, the faster the student can learn music, the more time can be spent working on technique and improving the sound of the voice.

I graduated from a prestigious Conservatory and had to take very advanced theory classes in order to receive my degree. I also played flute and oboe in orchestra for 10 years, and taught myself how to play piano. I have assisted some of my students interested in writing their own music on chord progressions, and have offered my musical expertise on their compositions. There is nothing like being involved in the creative process of composing and I love supporting my students that decide to explore this art form.

Speaking Lessons:

I have a studio in Bellevue where I work closely with the transgender community as a vocal coach to feminize my clients voices transitioning from male to female. It is a wonderful process and anyone interested please do contact me!

I also teach language diction classes. I am fluent in IPA (international phonetics alphabet) in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. I can help with accent reduction in English or pronunciation in any of the above languages.

A little bit about me:

“Playing alongside Drumheller were a number of young performers like Jordan M., who appeared as Cousin Hebe. A past member of Tacoma Opera's Young Artist Program, she is an emerging artist with a beautiful voice and very appealing stage presence who is slated to appear in several shows in the region this year.” whereissandy.com, Sandy McDade Chair of the ArtsFund Board, 2015

Soprano Jordan M. kicked off 2015 with a role debut of Nancy In Albert Herring with Vashon Opera. She was thrilled to make her 5th Avenue Main Stage debut in The Sound of Music, and to sing in Cry To Heaven part of 5th Avenue's New Works Department, which was a collaboration with writer Anne Rice and academy award nominated composer Matthew Wilder (whose credits include the music of Mulan).  She joined Tyrolean Opera this last summer on a full Scholarship in Maurach, Austria on Lake Achen (Achensee), in a role debut of Gretel in Humperdincks Hansel und Gretel. 

In 2014 she was excited to be in the world premiere of Yoshinaka, by Garrett Fisher with the Fisher Ensemble as Tomoe.  It was an adaptation of the traditional Japanese Tales of Ise, which made it’s world premiere at Seattle’s ACT Theater “Central Heating Lab Series”.  It was a noteworthy collaboration with Munenori Takeda, and The Takeda Noh troupe which consists of members who are Living National Treasures in Japan for their Noh artistry, this collaboration was featured on the front page of The Arts section of the Seattle Times.  

Other notable credits from 2014 include 2nd Lady in The Magic Flute,  Rosina, in Il Barbiere di Siviglia with Tacoma Opera and a recording for Kakitsubata, with The Garrett Fisher Ensemble for Jack Straw Production Studios.  In spring of 2014 Ms. McClellan sang Papagena and 2nd Lady with Skagit Opera, and  N.O.I.S.E. (Northwest opera in schools) for their Washington tour, as well as various Rossini arias with Bremerton Symphony, and two solo recitals with Second-City Chamber Series, and Music Northwest.  She also continues to be involved in recording sessions for Hollywood’s top video game soundtracks, including Starcraft and World of Warcraft.

Jordan is equally at home singing song repertoire as well as early music. She was chosen to participate in Lieder Alive! Singers Studio with Håkan Hagegård in San Francisco, CA where she delved deeper into lieder classics, culminating in a public masterclass.  Ms. McClellan has since been invited to sing several recitals with, Second City Chamber Series, in Lakewood, WA, Music Northwest, in Seattle, Wa, Hearthstone Chapel Recital Series, in Seattle, WA, Skagit Opera, at Lairmont Manor, as well as with Tacoma Opera.  Her recital repertoire varies from Italian Art Song, to Fauré Chanson, Lieder, American Songbook Classics, as well as Irish Folk Songs.  She has particpiated in Accademia D’amore, a summer program lead by Grammy Award winner Stephen Stubbs who is  devoted to educating singers about early music, baroque dance and rhetoric.  Most recently she participated in Bach Meisterkurs, in Leipzig Germany (Bach’s hometown) to learn the art of stylistically singing Bach’s passions.  

Past credits include a 3 month tour with Portland opera singing Hansel in Hansel and Gretel, Phylo in the West Coast premier of Pénélope by Fauré with Vespertine Opera, and her Italian concert debut in Urbania, Italy at the Teatro Bramante.  

Her upcoming engagements include, starring in a local independent film as an opera singer, a role debut of Adalgisa in Skagit Opera’s Norma, singing a solo recital with Music Northwest, a performance with the Fisher Ensemble at Folklife Festival, as well as a performer at the Sankt Goar International Music Festival in Germany.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have a recording device, a piano and keyboard, a music stand, lots of music of all genres, a copier/printer, as well as access to making recordings of pieces so that the student can take it home (whether that is CD's or Mp3's).

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide a recording device, piano, keyboard, piano accompaniment (usually a recording), as well as copies of music.

If I travel to a lesson they would have to have a piano or keyboard.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in unlocking an individuals true singing voice,

I do have a 48 hour cancellation policy, I will allow one missed lesson to be reschedule but after that I will have to charge you if you continually miss lessons without letting me know.

ty of vocal genres including classical, pop, choral, jazz, broadway, and recording. I was the biggest choir nerd you could meet in high school and college, spending my entire class day in and out of our choir room.

I began playing piano at 7 years old because I wanted to impress everyone during music class. I eventually fell in love with the instrument and prided myself on my ability to sight read music. My favorite form of piano is playing pop and worship music where you are given the freedom to create beautiful sounds out of very little written direction.

Dance:
I have been dancing since I was 12 years old with a primary focus in ballet and lyrical partnered with exposure to all different forms of dancing. I began my training at Studio West Dance Academy in Olympia, WA where I performed over ten different roles in the Nutcracker, participated in four years of traveling galas, and more showcases than I can remember.

I attended Evergreen City Ballet's summer intensive in Renton, WA., Paradosi Ballet's summer intensive in Tacoma, WA. and was selected to take part in Boston Ballet's summer intensive for an entire summer. Unfortunately, I suffered from foot injuries that took me off pointe shoes and forced me into rest (when I was abel to focus on music). Since then, I have been able to take adult classes at Westlake Dance Center in Bothell, WA and love to be able to invest in the next generation of dancers.

My passion in life is to see people come alive and create something beautiful. My love for the arts and desire to create is something I hope to spread to others. The moment you see someone play a tricky note sequence or sing something they never thought they could hit is the most rewarding feeling there is.