Voice Lessons in Los Nietos, CA

Instruments: Guitar Voice Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am here to be an encouraging pal. I want to celebrate a students progress and victories too, so we will set goals both immediate and big picture, and work our way toward them. I am friendly and encouraging, and here to remind students that when they practice and focus, small steps turn into huge results! I gently push my students to be better, all the while singing their praises. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Lap Steel Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For small children, I like to teach from the same book I first learned how to play guitar from. But, for older students, I like to base our lessons on their interests. Generally, I will ask a student if there is a song they really like. If so, we will learn the song by ear, or by sheet music for those interested, and break down all of its pieces. Then, once we understand the inner workings of the music, we will apply it to different situations. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

My Methods: Fundamentals of breath work - incorporating several physical exercises and methods of showing the coordination until it is ingrained Focus on the use of the resonators - projecting the sound to the different cavities where sound resonates before leaving your body and into the room (i.e. 'the mask', mouth resonance, chest resonance, etc) Reducing tongue tension - a common issue is root of the tongue tension and I have several exercises to address this Improving range - most of my students gain notes in their belt range and their head range, and often in their low range as well Increasing the legato vocal line - here we focus on linking the vowels properly supported by the breath Jaw tension - similar to tongue we have evercises for this Style - different approaches such as riffing, back phrasing, using a glottal attack, using a breathy attack - creating colorful expressive phrases that link to the emotion of the song and the style desired Musicality - learning to read music, counting tempo, sustaining pitch, syncopation, dynamics, etc Diction - correct vowel shapes and enunciation + awareness of when tension closes down the vocal line if diction is carried over from speaking habits Performance - using tools from acting training to perform a song effectively and believably Career consultation - when appropriate, also offered Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Organ Keyboard

My teaching goal is to encourage my students to be lifelong patrons of the arts.  I understand that every student may not be interested in a career in music.  I encourage students to set goals and work toward them.  These goals may include a scholarship audition, playing a piece in front of a family member, or booking their first professional "gig." My main goal is to provide inspiration and inspire a student ( no matter what the starting place) to pick a 'first goal." This "first goal" allow the student to set a goal and create a path for success under the supervision of a trained professional. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I think it's important for students to learn interpretation and musicality as much as technique, regardless of their instrument. For piano, I typically start with Hannon's piano exercises, and then move on to repertoire which highlights specific technical challenges, such as crossed hands or mixed meter. In the repertoire is where I also make sure to talk about common interpretation practices, as well as techniques for how to characterize a piece of music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Music is my life! I'm currently finishing up my Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance at Portland State, and teaching music in the Portland community. I am also very fortunate to be an active performer. I've sung lead and supporting roles in many musicals and operas, and am thrilled to be a part of the internationally renowned Portland State Chamber Choir. In all of my experience I have found that there is nothing as exciting or rewarding as watching the growth of a student in music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Ukulele Music

My teaching experience dates back to college, as I was the Vice President of the collegiate choir, and small group leader for international tours. After that point, I had the privilege of working at the elementary, high school, and collegiate levels teaching voice, piano and acting. I have over ten years of experience as an orchestal conductor and music director for Azusa Pacific University, Cal Baptist University and Life Pacific College. Read More