Voice Lessons in Elverta, CA

Instruments: Voice

I'm all about encouragement and accountability. I tailor each lesson to the student, based on their goals and what they need to succeed. My students want to work hard because I work hard for them. Music is not a chore, it's a passion, and that is an important distinction that is very clear in my method. The basis of my teaching style for all students is vocal health and artistic exploration. Read More

Instruments: Voice Music

It is very importantto me that students enjoy their lessons and feel engaged in the learning process. My biggest rule is that they need to have fun andenjoy what they are doing. I am a very kind, up-beat andfriendly teacher that believes in positive reinforcement and constructive criticism. I encourage my students tocommunicate withme on an equal level and to always ask questions if they don't understand something. Watching people learn and grow as singers, and knowing that you had a hand in it, is probably one of the most rewarding parts of being a teacher. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

Every student is unique. I try to unerstand their individual interests and abilities before I design the teching style that would be most productive and enjoyable. Providing a solid foundation and understanding of musical principles is what I strive to achieve with my students. I prefer to be an inspiring and enthusiastic coach. The student should not feel pressured or constricted. I try to create an environment in which students can feel comfortable to relax and develop their own creativity while learning. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For children, I begin with Donald Waxman's Pageant for Piano series. The pieces are quite fun, and also good for technique. The illustrations also offer many opportunities for story-making and engagement. For adults, I begin with James Bastien's The Older Beginner Piano course, and for intermediate learners, supplement it with pieces from Bartok's Mikrokosmos, Czerny, Kabalevsky, Burgmuller's 24 Etudes, duets and various other literature as appropriate. Improvisational skills may also be taught. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I tailor my lessons to the student and their goals. I pull my methods and practices from experience and A Spectrum of Voices by Elizabeth Blades-Zeller. I also like to teach my students basic music theory to give them a better understanding of how music is structured and to deepen their overall musicianship. For that, I pull from Music in Theory and Practice Volume 1 by Bruce Benward and Marilyn Saker. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Organ Synthesizer Keyboard

If you’ve tried and failed, or even if you’ve never touched a piano, Smiley can teach you. And, you’ll have fun doing it because with my easy approach to learning, you will start playing the songs you like from day one, not practicing endless scales all the time, and boring music language that would be difficult to understand the first day. With my easy learning how to play approach, you would lean your first song and be able to play it, over and over until you learn a new song to share. Read More

Instruments: Voice

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for singing! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I try to set realistic goals for my students at each lesson. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs!I encourage my students to practice at least 15 minutes per day and I continually each student new materials to practice( which is age appropriate.) My teaching method always includes at least one Broadway musical piece and one monologue for them to learn in case they need an audition piece. Read More