Voice Lessons in Portola Valley, CA

Instruments: Piano Voice Ukulele

I have taught music for over 20 years. I have been performing for 25 years. My students acquired graduate degrees in music, as well as attended the most prestigious schools, here in the bay area and beyond. My son and students are prolific performers and have been selected for leading roles. They have been awarded scholarships and honors in the performing arts field, and in general academia subjects. I published a thesis on the subject of how music helps with learning, mood and mind/body healing. Read More

Instruments: Voice

As stated above, I have been teaching and coaching private voice for over 10 years.   I have been in demand as Vocal and Music Director for numerous community musical theatre productions.   I have enjoyed working with students age 8 to 78. I am well-versed in classical, musical theatre and popular repertoire.   The most important thing to note is that I believe there is ONE healthy and safe way to sing.  We just learn to color our sound to meet stylistic needs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For Voice: I always start with basic exercises. Breathing, Scales, Etc. After a few lessons, when the student is solidified in basic techniques, I will begin to introduce basic Art Song repertoire and work with the student to branch them out into their desired field of study, whether that be Opera, Pop, Musical Theater, Rock, etc. I always feel a strong base in Classical Technique is important to start with though. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Organ

For beginner students who are pursing music on the tonal instruments, I typically start with learning the names of the notes on the instrument and the major scale in every key as it relates to the piano. For the bass guitar I start of with basic finger strength techniques and exercises while incorporating the major scale fingering form and Nashville numbering system for all tonal instruments. For voice, I start off by finding the range of the individual and then teaching warmup techniques while building the individuals technique through finding a song and learning how to sing along.  Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

All of my lessons are built around songs to teach technique and I add materials to teach theory and musicianship if the student wants and needs it. I always interview each student to find out their interests and desires and and build a custom curriculum eight lessons at a time to insure satisfaction and success on the students terms. I have student assessments at the end of each eight lessons block to make sure that the student knows how they have improved and where they need more work. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

As a performer, I know what a singer needs as they are preparing for performances and auditions. I work with beginning to intermediate piano students. For children I use the Faber and Faber, Adventures in Piano Series, and for children under 7, I begin with My First Adventures in Piano. For beginning adults, I usually use Faber and Faber's Adult Adventures in Piano. As early as possible, I try to incoroporate supplementary repertoire that provides students with the style that excites them most, to keep their practice and lessons satisfying and fun. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

My primary goal as a teacher is to develop a love of music within the students. I'm more interested in developing Artists than I am developing "Performers". Perfection is not something that I aspire to as an Artist. Sometimes perfection, and striving for impeccable technique can become on of the biggest hinderances for a Musician to truly embody the stage, and show their passion. While I do have a focus on technique, I tend to find it within the student through their artistry, and I try to allow for that artistry to be the catalyst. Read More