Voice Lessons in Markham, VA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

For beginning students I try to start with the essentials. It is important for young children to become familiar with the instrument, the proper way to hold an instrument. The proper way to sit when playing or stand while singing. Fundamentals at the earliest ages are essential. Practicing the fundamentals leads to success which leads to a desire to learn more about the instrument. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I started teaching private lessons when I was in college. During my masters program, I also taught chorus. I have taught private lessons for more than 15 years since I first started. I teach all different levels from beginners to advanced levels, and I have also taught student between the ages of 4 and 80. Classical music for me is the foundation which can help students with many techniques. Using techniques rooted in Classical music can enable the student to be able to sing, play or even compose other style of music. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Keyboard

Adult students I have taught typically want to learn to do two things: 1) accompany themselves on an instrument while singing a popular song or 2) learn to play with others ... whether that be a jam session during a jazz set ... or playing behind someone else that is singing or playing a lead instrument. For these adult learners I lean toward teaching chords, arpeggios and scales. Important: I suggest that a student only practice 15 to 20 minutes a day ... whatever amount of time it takes to cover the lesson. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

My ultimate goal is to instill a love of music in my students. Because of this, I aim to create a positive, encouraging environment that welcomes mistakes and fosters exploration. Since every person is unique, I work with each student at his or her own pace and try to match my teaching style to the student's learning style. I like to set individualized goals and reward students when they achieve those goals; this creates motivated students who are eager to learn more. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I see myself as a facilitator, helping students discover new elements of music and music theory and building upon those to create a greater understanding of reading and playing music both for piano and voice. Often i will model by playing a song first so that the student cannot not only hear what is sounds like but observe my technique, finger changes, dynamic ranges, tempo and so on. There are many elements to performing a piece besides just playing the correct notes! Read More

Instruments: Voice Music

I am an evidence-based voice teacher. This means that I approach teaching from an anatomical point of view. I value the importance of science and knowledge of how the voice works. For all students, I begin with finding relaxed positions and strengthening exercises. It is important to find your voice! I prefer to talk to singers about what they like in their voices and what they’re specific goals are. Read More

Instruments: Voice

Each student has individual strengths, weaknesses, physical and emotional needs and goals for their singing, and it is my responsibility as a teacher to meet students where they are. By facilitating a safe and low-pressure learning environment during a lesson, the student is free to explore their own abilities, experiment through trial and error, and fully flourish on their singing journey. I believe good technique is best discovered through the diligent study of scales and vocalises, which are then incorporated into whatever repertoire they are interested in working on. Read More