Voice Lessons in Graceland, IL

Instruments: Voice Music

For beginning students, be they young or seasoned, I start from the very beginning with breathing and the anatomy of the body as it pertains to singing. As my students progress (or depending on their understanding of the basics) I move into more detailed work, such as how to feel and focus the placement of the sound in a locations within the singing mechanism. For adults, or pupils with more advanced understanding, I focus on musicality and how to use the lyrics and to make the song more interesting and grab the audience's attention. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard

To me, the most important thing about teaching is listening to a student's goals and interests. I do my best to keep my ears open as we work to make sure I am structuring a program that helps them feel fulfilled and challenged every step of the way. For younger students, the goal is to keep them engaged in music until the point when they have such mastery that they can see the results of their work tangibly. Read More

Instruments: Voice Trumpet

Since I have so many ages and levels of students, I customize lessons to fit each student. Through feedback from the student (and sometimes with the help of parents) we figure out together what the students musical goal is. These evolve over time of course, but focusing on playing a certain song, learning scales, composing original music, gaining performing confidence (among other goals) are what I base lesson plans off of. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Keyboard

I saw the "light bulb" go off above his head and the lesson went from tears to cheers! From there, I taught at Van Moody School of music where I met students of all types from those with autism to those that were exceptionally gifted in music. Parents and students alike that I come across in my daily doings in the streets hug me and compliment me on how great of a teacher and influence I had on them and their children. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard

While instructing private voice students, I teach the functional approach to singing. This mindset allows the vocalist to focus on singing freely in all genres. I believe it is important to not only teach a wide variety of repertoire, but to also inform my students on vocal health. Along with a functional approach to the voice, I promote a safe and welcoming environment to make music in. If a student does not feel comfortable in the space they are in, then they will not perform to their fullest potential and I would not have completed my job. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Double Bass Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I got my start in the experimental Minneapolis music scene as an adolescent in the early 2000's, the spirit of which I carried with me to Oberlin, OH. I got my Bachelors of Music from the conservatory there, where I designed my own major in Contemporary Bass Performance. The major allowed me to pursue my interest in Jazz, Classical, Computer Music and composition, extended techniques, and historical performance. In addition to my studies, I have toured internationally with the Oberlin Orchestra and several other groups, and have released seven albums of my own material. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I'm a young musician, and I have a strong believe in the importance of all forms of artistic expression. Above all, I understand that music, of all art forms, is integral to social and personal development. I graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a BA in music in vocal performance in 2013, and in 2012, I had the amazing experience of studying under the renowned soprano, Delia Surratt, in Rome. In school, I also completed a theatre minor and was the musical director of my a cappella group, so I am familiar with many styles of singing. Read More