Camp Murray, WA Singing Lessons

. The Suzuki method is a very well established philosophy of learning that focuses on ear and practical training. By training ear and musicality while learning proper finger position, the child improves without spending too much time at the start learning note reading.
As the child quickly progresses I music theory and reading follow.

I am a passionate teacher and believe in the musical potential of all students. I am eager to work your child to help unlock their abilities and motivation. It is my view that communication is a two-way road and it is excited to provide instruction while properly communicating with her students. Through this, I can overcome each individual’s obstacles and also enhance their inner strengths. With the right instruction, developing the right motivation, and of course practice, she feels every student has the potential for great success.

*** Specialties ***
Classical, Jazz, Modern, Traditional

programs which introduce children to music and theater in schools.   I was adjunct faculty at the College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University and local music studios as well as maintaining my private teaching practice.

*** Lesson Details ***
I am persistent and positive! Working and performing with singers and master teachers has helped me to be a resourceful teacher who understands the process of becoming a singer. I believe that a sense of fun and play helps you to accomplish your goals quickly.  For beginners you will learn how the voice works and how to care for and develop your instrument, I recommend adults take 45" - 1 hour lessons weekly for skill building. The price of lessons DECREASES by 10% after each 5 lesson purchased for the first 15 lessons. Studio policy is located at VaaraMusic.com. We will choose music that interests you and helps to build your voice starting with basics before moving to more complex and challenging music. Understanding music theory and sight-reading will help you get the most out of your singing. After 3 - 6 months you should have a good command of breathing and an understanding of how to sing with an expressive tone.For the advanced student, I can help you work on trouble spots and give you tools to help with the changes that voices naturally go through.  I look forward to giving you my full focus and celebrating your growth and accomplishments!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Condo w/ open area with piano. Visitor's parking lot w/ seating in studio for parents to listen. Parents with younger siblings can use play areas outside.
Basic library of vocal music, giving the student a way to sample different kinds of songs before purchasing books or downloading songs on their own. Music stand, iPhone plug-in/Amp for accompaniments and examples you want me to hear.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide a basic library of vocal music at my home studio and will bring targeted books with me. Students should print out their favorite popular songs from such services as Music Notes website.
I expect my students to provide a keyboard, music stand and notebook as well as a low distraction environment.

*** Specialties ***
As an opera and musical theater, Oratorio and church singer, I help singers of all levels improve within their genre from popular music to opera. A good singing technique will help performers in any style stay healthy and enjoy an expressive singing instrument.

hare everything I've learned with you.

Students of mine regularly are chosen for lead roles in school and extracurricular musicals and operas and score very high in school music evaluations.

*** Lesson Details ***
During a voice lesson with me, we'll warm up and do vocal exercises for the first half, then we'll learn new music together or work on music you've already learned. I love teaching all styles of classical music and working in many different languages including French, German, Italian, English, and more. I teach lyric diction of all of these languages and the styles of each composer. Above all, lessons with me are relaxed and really fun!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Music room w/ electronic piano and seating for parents

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in Classical Vocal Technique. I feel very comfortable assigning repertoire of any difficulty and I am especially confident in my lyric diction knowledge of Italian, French, German, and English. I can teach audition preparation and audition technique, as well as acting and stage technique for singers.

onderfully packed with performance for Seattle Opera. I just closed out a 78 performance run of CINDERELLA IN SPAIN where I sang the role of CINDERELLA and was even on the poster! I also performed the roles for the Seattle Opera preview performances of GRETEL in HANSEL UND GRETEL, VIOLETTA in LA TRAVIATA, KATYA in KATYA KABANOVA, and QUEEN OF THE NIGHT in MAGIC FLUTE. I made my Seattle Opera debut singing ALITSA and RACCOON in their touring production of "OUR EARTH", as well as performing on the mainstage in many productions. My upcoming performances include singing in the Seattle Opera kick off to the season SUMMERFEST in July; and OLYMPIA in LES CONTES D'HOFFMANN with Pacific Northwest Opera. My other roles include ALKANDRE in PENELOPE with Vespertine Opera in Seattle, WA; FRASQUITA in CARMEN with OperaBend in Bend, Oregon and Pacific Northwest Opera; and SUSANNA in LE NOZZE DI FIGARO with the Seattle Opera Guild. I also made my international debut in December 2014 singing GRETEL in HANSEL UND GRETEL with Opera Mariposa in Vancouver, BC. I have also been the featured soloist as "Christine" in Ten Grand's Phantom of the Opera at Benaroya Hall in Seattle, WA, and many lead roles in both opera and musical theatre: such as Semele (Semele), Marie (La Fille du Regiment), Gretel (Hansel und Gretel), Countess Ceprano and Gilda (Rigoletto), Blondchen (Die Entfuehrung aus dem Serail), Maria (West Side Story), La Fee (Cendrillon), Sarah Brown (Guys and Dolls), Cathy (The Last 5 Years), Rosina (Barber of Seville), and more! I have also been part of jazz ensembles, and won the Battle of the Bands at Indiana University with a rock group! I am proud to have won the Seattle Opera Guild/Opera Plus Young Artist Scholarship Award for the 2015/2016 season, the Encouragement Award in the Metropolitan Opera National Council District Auditions, First Place in the National Classical Singers Competition, the C.M. Gerber Scholarship, Music Dean's Scholarship, Music Faculty Award, First Place at Washington State Solo and Ensemble Competitions, First Place in the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) National Competitions, and many more!

Teaching brings me such joy! To share the love of music and to educate the musicians of tomorrow is both gratifying and inspiring. I have been teaching since 2005 and provide a fun and focused learning experience where there are no "wrong" questions, and everybody's unique voice is celebrated! Many of my students have gone on to study music in college, and have landed lead roles in musical theatre, choir solos, All State and All Northwest choirs, and won awards in Classical competitions.

In my spare time, I like to hike, eat good food, and spend time with family and friends!

*** Lesson Details ***
My studio provides musical knowledge through private lessons including healthy vocal technique, basic understanding of music theory, and basic piano skills. I encourage a fun and focused environment. Come ready to learn, and let's make music!

A typical lesson will include vocalises that detail proper technique, some ear training work, some music theory training, and will be followed by repertoire. During this time, students will learn how to produce clear and authentic diction (English and other languages), breath management, phrase shaping, smooth transitions between higher and lower pitches, stylistic ornamentation, as well as dramatic involvement of the piece.

Students will learn the importance of the foundations of breath support, and how to create a healthy sound for any genre while keeping the unique qualities of their own voice-- no cookie-cutter singers here! Students will also learn how to read music, practice effectively, perform authentically, and take care of their delicate instrument for a lifetime of singing!

While Skype is a marvelous tool that has revolutionized the world of teaching, nothing can replicate natural acoustics. In-studio lessons are suggested for a clearer and more personable lesson.
**Skype lessons are reserved for long distance students only**

STUDIO ABSENCE and CANCELLATION POLICIES:
Regularly scheduled and attended lessons are the best way to see positive changes in your voice! The smooth running of the Studio Schedule helps make that happen. Therefore, missing lessons is discouraged and make up lessons/cancellations are not given in the Studio unless:
- I have had a performance or rehearsal that conflicts with our lesson time and cannot have the lesson as scheduled. If this occurs, I will inform you of the event as soon as possible and give you the option of a make up lesson or cancelling the lesson.
- Notices of foreseen cancellations (family vacations, religious holidays, school functions, special occasions etc.) are eligible for rescheduling or cancellation if given before the first lesson of the month.
- Of course, life can throw us for a loop! Illness, emergencies, and unforeseen events may possibly be given make ups or cancellations and will be determined at the Studio's discretion. (In the matter of illness: standard procedure is that if the student can attend work/school, they should come to their lesson. A cold can easily be worked around. If the voice is affected (for singing students), Studio time can still be used to work on ear training, music theory, music history, etc.)

All other absences will result in the lesson being marked as "missed". A hard copy of the Studio Policies and further details will be given to the student at the first lesson. Please feel free to ask any questions or clarifications.

*** Studio Equipment ***
The studio lessons take place in a designated area of my home. The room includes seating for parents to observe lessons as well as a weighted keyboard (88 keys), music stand, desk, and materials. No pets. Lots of street parking is available. Shopping and coffee/food located within walking distance.

*** Specialties ***
Specialties: Classical/Opera
Other styles and genres: Musical Theatre, Jazz, Pop, and Rock.

ersity and is currently writing his Doctoral Dissertation. With Dan, you will receive unparalleled, professional, and masterful classes. Do not miss this opportunity to learn from an award-winning expert in his field. Allow me to take you to the next level, whether you are a beginner or an experienced virtuoso. I teach all ages and skill levels.

I look forward to guiding you on your educational journey! Lessons are offered either in my home studio in Kent, WA, *or* I can teach you through live, online private video lessons.

t the most out of it.

**In your first lesson, I will get to know you by asking for your vocal history, influences, goals, and style. Most importantly, “What would you like to get out of this lesson?” Every singer has different challenges, needs, and goals, so I approach each student and lesson as a unique experience where the student’s most pressing needs will be addressed.

I’ll give you an honest idea of where your voice needs to grow and then will work with the tools to get there! You will get a personalized lesson plan to practice with. Like a gym workout routine, these exercises will target your weak areas to correct bad habits and build a strong, balanced instrument.

**I will ask you to sing a song…… your latest repertoire, “Happy Birthday,” "twinkle twinkle little star", something just to get an idea of your voice and style. Then I will take you through a few singing technique exercises to quickly assess your strengths and challenges.

**As your technical abilities grow, you need to apply them to songs. The key is to maintain the same easy feeling in your songs that came out in the exercises. Bring in your music and we can work out any kinks and I will also suggest appropriate material in your key and style that will build upon the successes of your exercises. Stylistic and performance coaching is available, but our focus is technique, if you don’t learn HOW to sing, WHAT you sing will always be limited. I will work with you so that as a singer, you will be able to sing through a greater range with more consistency. As a performer. you will become confident that your voice will deliver time after time. My goal is to help you sing in a free, natural manner, while keeping your lessons engaging and fun.

-EAR TRAINING -
As a choir and vocal director, I am trained to listen and pay special attention to all the details including pitch, vibrato, dynamic and harmonies. I will help you learn to listen and gain confidence to "hear" progressions in the music and their voice.

-STYLES/GENRES -
Being a worship leader, choir and vocal director in a major urban church in the Sacramento area, I have over 13 years experience as a gospel artist and contemporary christian singer, singing, performing and recording with many gospel artists and contemporary christian artists, both local and professional. I have recorded and performed with such artists as Israel Houghton, Lincoln Brewster, BJ Putnan, Trent Corey, Darnisha Taylor and the Porter Brothers.

-SINGING/VOICE TRAINING -
I am a Voice Teacher (student) with the Institute for Vocal Advancement. The IVA technique is based on 17th and 18th Century principles of singing developed by the Old Italian School of Singing. Our goal is to train voices to sing in a free and natural manner, smoothly, from the bottom of the range to the top with no breaks or sudden changes in quality. Training in this technique gives the singer access to all dynamics, with tonal clarity and flexibility. Also, training in this technique helps improve a singer's range, endurance, stamina, breath control, resonance, vocal strength and vocal quality across all styles of music without fatigue or damage to the voice. We accomplish these results by training the singer to find a balance between airflow and intrinsic muscular resistance, all within a resting laryngeal posture.

=PERFORMANCE OR AUDITION PREP-
As a former entertainment business professional and singer, I have experience in dance, choreography, stage blocking, performance technique and vocal coaching. I will help you prepare for your performances and/or auditions to present the best YOU, that you can be!

ng so you can build stamina and avoid pain, I also have audio vocal exercises that I can provide. I don't like to put people down while they are learning because I know that singing and playing an instrument is a really sensitive thing and that could cause the singer or musician to stop singing or playing completely, which defeats the whole purpose. I have experience in all forms of music from live rock shows, to teaching music in pre-schools. I teach confidence!

THE BENEFITS OF MY MUSIC LESSONS:

-Higher self esteem

-Better grades

-More confidence

-Stronger social skills

-And so much more!

You are actually learning all of the above things, while simultaneously learning your instrument! If you follow the lesson plan that I provide you, my GUARANTEE is that you will become a noticeably better musician and singer and unlock a new found confidence within 4 lessons (1 month).

MUSIC EDUCATION:
Musicians Institute- Guitar Performance (April- November 2010)
Berklee College of Music- Vocal Performance (September 2007- May 2009)

AWARDS:
Berklee achievement scholarship (2008)

"My mission is to strengthen individuals by helping them build confidence, self esteem, and identity through the gift of music!"
-Joshua Turner