Voice Lessons in Medina, WA

Instruments: Voice Music

My mission statement is To teach with encouragement, humor, patience, and simple terminology, using applied science and body-awareness, all with the goal of vocal expressiveness. I always create a safe, supportive environment where my students can learn to express themselves through singing effectively. I use the McClosky Technique that employs applied science to help my students to sing with complete relaxation and freedom applied to any style of singing. My philosophy of teaching is based on the fact that working on voice technique is really an athletic process, and follows these principles: o A good voice teacher will let your true voice reveal itself, then follow it wherever it goes with encouragement and well-informed instruction. o A good voice teacher wont jump to conclusions about your voice but listen to how you describe your own experience and take it from there. o A good voice teacher will engage in deep listening with the goal of achieving complete relaxation when singing and speaking. o A good voice teacher will help you learn how to feel your body guiding you. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Trumpet Harmonica Ukulele Recorder Acoustic Guitar

I try to make the learning fun and interesting for my students. My goal is to have them look forward to their next lesson and make learning their instrument something they value. I believe every student progresses at their own pace. I make sure the lesson is at a level they can handle, but challenging enough to give them a sense of accomplishment when they achieve success. Music can provide lifelong benefits of building confidence, self discipline, improved brain functioning in the area of math and reading, and the enjoyment of performing their skill with other musicians. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For beginning students, we start with simple scales, fingering patterns, short melodies, and based on that student’s needs and learning style, I decide which lesson plan to use (Suzuki, Hal Leonard, etc.). I use Tonal Harmony textbook excerpts to help with advanced theory lessons. More advanced singers receive more training in classical and musical theater technique. My philosophy is that every singer should be trained classically first. Early art songs and arias really help students focus on breath control, vowel shape, using their passagio, and expressive singing. Read More

Instruments: Voice

In 35 years of teaching, I've learned that everyone is different, and that is how it should be! The goals of teaching are the same for each student, but the process of achieving the goals is usually tailor made for each person. I love music, and it is always thrilling for me to hear progress as the weeks go by. I enjoy teaching because I feel I am working with the students to bring something good into their lives. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Flute Clarinet

My teaching experienceis is this---I started teaching in High School, and taught at Hoboken School of the Arts for a while, 5years at Highline School District teaching music, 5years at Federal Way Schools teaching music. 7 years in Seattle teaching Clarinet Flute and Piano in the Central District, and at Washington Middle School (gifted students) I have happily taught for Musika for 9 years= clarinet flute, and piano. I taught for 10 years in the view ridge neighborhood while I was getting my degree at college. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I always wanted to be an opera singer until I discovered vocal jazz. Now, I write music inspired by jazz theory (sort of) and sing and arrange jazz standards and pop tunes in ways that are the most interesting to me. I earned my Masters in Studio Music and Vocal Jazz Performance from the University of Miami's Frost School of Music in 2017 and am currently writing and arranging songs for my premiere album. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums

No single approach works with every student when teaching drums. There are simply too many styles and methods to choose from. But when working with beginners, I tend to focus mostly on developing a good internal sense of rhythm and good listening skills. Then if the student wishes, we may specialize in classical, jazz, rock, latin, or whatever style the student is interested in. There are many excelent published methods to choose from and I occasionally assign etudes and excersizes of my own. Read More