Piano with Zachary B.

I hold a Masters of Music Studies degree in Contemporary Vocal Pedagogy, a Graduate Diploma in Music Studies (performance/pedagogy/theory) & a Bachelor of Music (jazz voice). I have taught at private colleges, music studios & established a successful private studio. I am a member of the New York Singing Teachers Association. I have over a decade of extensive experience singing and performing for a range of audiences in the contemporary music genre. I have a range of industry experience performing in intimate settings such as jazz clubs, cafes and restaurants and in large venues such as theatrical productions, music festivals and corporate events. I am a consummate vocalist, guitarist and songwriter; and especially connect with Jazz, Musical Theatre and Easy Listening Pop/Rock material. I have a wealth of experience as a soloist but have also worked in duos, combos, choirs, bands, orchestras and big bands. I have performed on stage with finalists from TVs The Voice, Idol and The X Factor. I am an experienced music/vocal director, with music direction credits including œSongs for a new world Camp Rock, Godspell, Spelling Bee, œGuys and Dolls and œCinderella amongst others. I have presented workshops, lectures and master classes at festivals, churches, seminars, music schools and camps in the USA and Australia. I have continued to study under some of the worlds leading pedagogues and musicians including Christian McBride, Lionel Loueke, Dr. Joan Melton, Neil Semer, Jeannette LoVetri, Ann Peckham, Dr. Stephen Newcomb, Adele Nisbet and Dr. Irene Bartlett. *** Lesson Details *** Student focused learning is at the center of my teaching philosophy. At the beginning of the first lesson I want to find out the students musical goals, interests and motivation. I aim to meet the student where they are at, and find fun and engaging ways to teach them more about singing and music. After a few months of lessons students can expect to have further understanding of how the voice works (voice students), music theory, performance methods, technique and stylistic tools in their given genre. Students can also expect to have fun, my hope for students leave their lessons each week feeling uplifted, happy and confident. In my experience, students benefit by learning from many different experiences that address their multiple intelligence e.g. logical, visual, musical, kinesthetic, verbal etc. When teaching I aim to connect skills being learnt with the context of performance while teaching to the students preference learning style. Trust between my students and I provide the container for the learning process. As a teacher I believe it is my role to facilitate and engage in a reciprocal relationship that inspires the student to learn. My teaching approach is characterized by qualities of love and commitment to singing and music. I love sharing my passion, experiences and knowledge so that students may benefit and share the joy of music. I am flexible and laid back in my approach, while ensuring that each lesson is productive. It is integral to the learning process to work incrementally, introducing new material skillfully and in achievable portions. This provides maximum opportunity for the student to have as many successes as possible during the lesson. I have found this way of working leaves the student feeling as if each task is achievable. As the teacher I maintain both long and short term goals with my students. In order to reach these desired goals it is important to see the bigger picture while working incrementally week to week. *** Studio Equipment *** I provide my laptop with any necessary backing tracks, music stand and recording software. I expect students to provide their own instrument and music. *** Travel Equipment *** I provide my laptop with any necessary backing tracks and recording software. I expect students to provide their own instrument, music and music stand. *** Specialties *** I specialize in teaching technique to vocalists & instrumentalists in contemporary music styles ranging from rock, pop, jazz, musical theatre, r&b, gospel and country.