Voice Lessons in North Hill, OH

Instruments: Piano Voice Music

Students who are beginning with me are presented with two methods and may choose based upon the Theory book. Generally, I use Hal Leonard and Succeeding at Piano by Helen Marlais. I have also used Alfred's methods. I use Frances Clark's Music Tree for students younger than five years of age. I follow the Lessons and Theory pairing from a student's method of choice. Once students can read the grand staff, I use A Dozen A Day by Edna Mae Burnam to teach keyboard geography and help lay the foundation for developing technique. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Flute

I am a very kinesthetic teacher. We move around the room a lot during lessons because piano, flute, and voice should be an extension of music that is first heard in the mind (inner hearing/audiation), so note playing/singing is not merely a muscle memory. We sing, tap, or clap 90% of music we learn before we attempt to play it on an instrument or sing it resonantly. Thinking through a vocal line and anticipating the high notes and the openness needed in the body/throat and the breath support needed will help the student discover an unknown freedom and give them tools to help transfer this into other songs. Read More

Instruments: Voice

My approach to lessons differs significantly from student to student. After initial skills and/or vocal health assessments, I choose repertoire and books for them based upon their abilities, age, and musical interests. While I think that vocalises and technical exercises are important to the learning process, I believe it is essential for students to be singing and playing music that they are passionate about at all times. In this way, they can learn to love the process of improving. Read More

Instruments: Voice Music

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Ukulele Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

Positive reinforcement is everything! While there will always be room for improvement and growth, it is crucial to acknowledge successes throughout each lesson. Learning a new instrument requires patience, practice, and determination, and reinforcers can be a huge motivator (I know they were for me when I was learning). Realistic goals should be set for the individual at each lesson. Most importantly, it is not a race. Adaptations will be made accordingly based on the learning pace of each student. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Double Bass Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I emphasize the importance of developing good technique and a fundamental understanding of the basic components of music: major and minor scales, arpeggios, chords, modes and chord progressions. I believe that technical facility makes it easier to accomplish musical goals while developing musicianship. I like to tailor my lessons to each student using music that the student brings to me to create lessons and exercises. For students that like to uses books I like to use the Hal Leonard Method books for Guitar, Bass, Banjo, and Ukulele and the Alfred Method books for Piano and Drums. Read More