Piano Lessons in West Palm Beach, FL

Shannon F

Instruments: Piano Voice Cello Music

If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I actually started out playing cello and then decided to focus more on my voice. I played cello for nearly 10 years consistently before I started to cut back more on it professionally. I originally wanted to play bass, but my orchestra teacher wanted me to start on cello and work my way up to bass because I was so petite. I ended up falling in love with the instrument and didn't want to switch! I still play for my local theatre and join in local orchestras from time to time.

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
I would most likely be an engineer for a nuclear company, it was what I originally was going to go into for college before I decided to follow music.

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
My favorite genre to perform is musical theatre, it is where I got my start and has always been my first love when it came to musical styles.

If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
I have a degree in Voice Performance with a concentration in Opera and Musical Theatre. I chose this degree because ever since I was young I always loved to be on stage and perform, so this allowed me to explore my acting side while honing in my craft and allowing me to really strengthen and develop my voice.

What is your dream piece to perform and why?
My dream piece is more of a role, I have always dreamed of performing as Christine Daae in Phantom of the Opera on Broadway. It was the first female role I fell in love with, and I worked my whole career to be able to have the range and style of her voice type, it would be a dream come true to be able to perform even one song in that role, let alone the whole show.

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
One of the hardest things to master for voice is the ability to give your voice freedom. Most people think you have to control your voice in order for it to sound good and that it's the correct technique, where in fact it's the opposite. The more freedom that you allow your voice to have the more chance you give it to grow and flourish. The technique is where you hone in the sound and style of the voice.

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
I chose my voice as my primary because singing was something I had done ever since I was young and was how I first fell in love with music. I started to professionally sing when I was about 15 and have stayed with it my entire life. Singing and performing is how I feel most connected with music.

When will I start to see results?
You should start to see results within a few lessons, so long as they are practicing based on the schedule the teacher suggests. If there isn't consistency in their practice and focus of their instrument they will only progress in the lesson and will most likely lose that progression by the time the next lesson comes around. So it is all about dedication and consistency.

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
Yes! My music teacher in high school was the main reason I decided to go into music as my career and for college. He taught me the fundamentals of music and made me fall in love with my voice by showing me the true abilities my voice could do through practice and technique.

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Be realistic about your time. There have been so many times I've had students who have sat down to practice and get distracted or have to cut their time short because of something else. Really dedicate as set amount of time, whether it is every day or every other day, just make sure to really take the time to focus and hone in on what you are practicing so it isn't wasted time for you or your teacher.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
Students can start at any age. It is so important that you find a teacher that knows the voice, for younger students, and the instrument size necessary for their age. Implementing core techniques and stylization is never to early, and is usually better as it helps having to correct any habits learned on their own.

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
I decided to become a professional musician at a very young age. I was asked to become a cantor at my church and once I started singing there professionally, I knew it was something I wanted to do forever. That was definitely the first time I really got a true taste of what I wanted to do with my music.

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