Darlene J
5.0
(3)
Instruments: Piano, Voice
Styles: Classical, Pop, Musical Theater, Opera
5.0
(3)
Darlene J
5.0
(3)
Instruments: Piano, Voice
Styles:
Classical, Pop, Musical Theater, Opera
Where I Teach:
In Your Home
Ages Taught: 7-80
ABOUT
Degrees / Training / Special Info:
Certificate in Opera, The Juilliard School; MM, Univ of Michigan, Voice; BM, Univ of Michigan, Voice
Awards:
Connecticut Opera Guild, 3rd Place Prize, 1997; Metropolitan Opera National Council, Regional Finalist, 1989, 1991; Bel Canto Competition Winner, 1990
Overview:
Hello! I love to teach music to beginning thru advanced students of all ages from the very young to the adult, and the serious musician to the casual student. I understand that everyone has different goals and abilities. My job is to help you realize your potential in line with those goals and abilities. My performance experience has spanned piano and musical theater from childhood to opera in adulthood, with a love of pop music along the way! I started piano when I was 5 years old and voice when I was 13 years old. I attended the Interlochen Arts Academy my last two years of high school as a Voice major and Piano minor and went on to achieve Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in Voice at the University of Michigan. I studied piano in college as well. As an alum of The Juilliard School, the Metropolitan Opera and many regional companies and orchestras, I will share with you the secrets to my success, and help you achieve success as well! I continue to be an active performer.
EXPERIENCE
I began my teaching career as a teenager with beginning piano students in my home. I continued to teach part-time throughout university, adding voice to the mix, and have taught full time off and on since then between singing engagements, mothering my children and working. I have taught at the Elementary/Middle School level in a private after-school program in NYC, at Westminster Choir College in NJ for a year and began teaching on Long Island in recent years since my move to Centereach, NY. I am looking to grow my studio and form relationships with students in this community.
METHODS USED
For beginning piano students who are children, I usually start with the Schaum piano series and will supplement with different pieces or books as the student progresses. I will discuss with the student what type of music they prefer to work on and take this into consideration, as well as any music the student brings in that they would like to work on. The approach is slightly different for adults, according to musical experience and preferences. I typically begin scales and exercises early on and prefer Hanon and Czerny exercises for strength and coordination development.
For voice students, depending on age and musical genre, I will work with the student on healthy singing by good breath control, releasing any tension and learning how to articulate words without interfering with vocal production. Selections can include classical art songs, opera, musical theater, light opera (G&S) and pop music. I can coach French, Italian, German and Latin diction.
LESSON STYLE
With my degrees in music and professional experience in the U.S. and abroad, I can help you progress in your vocal or piano technique, determine the right repertoire, coach you on diction and acting and prepare you for auditions and competitions. My approach is equally focused on building technique/musical skills and learning repertoire. Many students prefer a mix of classical and pop or musical theater, which is fun! I want to help my students feel joy in music making and a healthy happy attitude toward music for a lifetime. I strive to maintain a positive, enjoyable atmosphere at all times while also encouraging students to be self-disciplined in their studies and practice. A small amount of practice done consistently can go a long way to ensure progress! I am happy to discuss time management with my students to help them find ways to integrate regular practice and study into their very busy schedules and I encourage positive self - talk from the students themselves with the understanding that we all make mistakes during the learning process.
PHOTOS & VIDEOS
Leave a Review
RATING & REVIEW
Johnny Duroseau
She is fantastic. Patient, passionate, and very knowledgable. The way she adapts and reads my energy and progress makes it very comfortable for me to feel confident in my playing!
Check out our A+
Rating from the Better Business Bureau
100% Risk-Free Trial Lesson
If you are not satisfied after your trial lesson, you will not be charged and we can match you with another teacher.