Singing Lessons & Classes in Interbay

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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'

formal music training when I began to play the cello. From then on, I was hooked on the sound and I immersed myself in music as much as I could; performing, competing, working in as many musical groups and productions as possible (as both a vocalist and cellist), and even teaching.

I moved to Seattle in 2003 to study opera at Cornish College of the arts, only to later change my major to Jazz, and then again to Latin music studies. Since graduating from Cornish in 2007, with my Bachelor of Music degree, I have been actively and diligently working in the local music scene; performing and recording with artists and groups of many different styles. Everything from various Latin genres, to Rock, to R&B/Soul, to Hip Hop, and Jazz. Through my music, I aim to reach out to people of all cultures. I also aim to teach my own students with the hope that they too can discover the same continuous love of music that I have grown to feel (and still am growing to feel) over the years. :)

*** Studio Equipment ***
88 key piano, cello, various percussion instruments, guitars, ukulele, library, computer, lessons are given in a private studio.

*** Specialties ***
As far as voice goes, I teach all genres and styles but I personally specialize in the Latin genres. I teach all aspects of the music; rhythm, harmony, theory. I even teach performance; how to work with a band in real-time communication, song communication (or story telling as I like to call it), and developing ones own personal style. I believe that there is much more to singing than just vocal technique alone, so I believe in teaching musical fundamentals and functions so that my students will not only be considered vocalists, but competent musicians.

nly way to improve is to work hard. I use a variety of curriculum depending on the student's level and desire. For example, for beginning adults I use the curriculum "Everybody's Singing". After several months with me, a student will have gained a great deal of confidence and seen an improvement in his or her overall technique, as well as intonation and pitch.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Lessons in the music room, keyboard, no pets, driveway parking for students

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide my own copies of my curriculum. I expect my student to provide his/her copy of the curriculum, as well as a keyboard/piano.

*** Specialties ***
Pop, classical, contemporary, contemporary Christian

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.

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.

My passion in life is to see people come alive and create something beautiful. My love for music 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.

ng…”
Roberta Penn, The Rocket

“An upbeat serving of great listening!”
Michael Guthrie, Victory Review