Voice Lessons in Aldie, VA

Instruments: Voice

45 minute - an hour long lesson: Warm up Work on an assigned piece or pieces Use assigned pieces to improve upon vocal or harp technique Learn how to best express the text and musical line of the piece For vocal music - create an interpretation unique to the student Work on pieces that stretch and challenge the student Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. I not only use books, but videos, lots of exercises to use when at home and formal presentations. Read More

Instruments: Voice Saxophone

In the initial meeting with a student I talk through what they want to accomplish what genre's of music the would like to play and what kind of personality they have. Then I have more of an understanding of what direction to go in to personalize the teaching. I believe very much in the saying "there's only one way to Carnegie Hall PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE". I don't force structure and scales etc. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I teach breath support, vocal range expansion, resonance, tone placement, posture, proper diction, sight reading notes, ear training, releasing tension and stage performance. I can help my students improve technique for any genres of music they want with a focus on building a solid and healthy technique. For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Alfred’s piano book library Essential Elements. I recommend Alfred’s Prep course for age of 5 to 6 years old. Read More

Instruments: Voice

Board of Education with Ellington Concert Choir, Washington, DC • Performed for Birth of a Nation Soundtrack Release • Current and Past Performer for private engagements such as Weddings, Corporate Events, Memorial Services, etc. • Performed at New Orleans Jazz festival and was afforded to share the stage with Kim Burrell, Byron Cage, Alicia Keys, and Dave Hollister • Performed at The Wes Angeles Church of God in Christ, Los Angeles, CA • Dayton Preforming Arts Alliance- Dayton Opera Company Chorister for Samson and Delilah at Schuster center (Dayton, OH 2008) Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I prefer Piano Adventurers for the series I use to teach piano at all levels. Their series is clear and has the proper scope and sequence to teach all ages. I supplement that technique book with a book for finger independence. Hanon virtuoso exercises and scale. As far as my singing method books, I use an Italian technique for singing. The book I use often time is Vaccai. Mainly I use my ears to determine what the student needs to focus on. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For my vocal students, I start with vocal exercises every lesson and allow them learn to vocal techniques through different vocal exercises. Then I work with my students on the repertoire that they are interested in or repertoire that can help them practice their weak spots. For my piano students, I use many different series (Alfred's, Faber, or some classic repertoire) depending on their level and age. For all students, I will also include music theory when I teach because the students will have a stronger foundation with all of these components, which will enable them to learn better, faster and even by their own. Read More