Voice Lessons in Portola Valley, CA

Instruments: Piano Voice

For beginners I will start with a reputable system of books, such as Hal Leonard or Alfred's, supplemented by my own worksheets and song selections that are relevant to the student. For more advanced students I will use my own open method, finding songs that the student is eager to play and reinforcing the theory and techniques that will enable the student to advance quickly. Read More

Instruments: Voice Music

There is nothing more rewarding that sharing what I love most and helping fuel my student's passion for music. It's important to instill patience and an understanding of the process - changes won't happen overnight but rather over a period of time, and as long as there is progress is the right direction, that's all that matters. I encourage setting realistic goals and finding ways to consistently inspire and motivate my students to propel them forward in their studies. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For beginning students, my aim is always to nourish the love of music that brought the student into the studio. I am comfortable exploring any musical style or ambition with my students, and relish in learning alongside my pupils. For the young and old alike, I emphasize music literacy through piano basics - I believe that a basic understanding of the keyboard is essential for any meaningful musical education. With my voice students, I focus on synthesizing mind, body and spirit to unlock the true potential within every voice. Read More

Instruments: Voice

In 2002, I participated in San Francisco Opera Center Merola Opera Program for young singers and sang Musetta with Western Opera on tour. In 2006 I became a First Prize and Special Award winner in Rose Palmai-Tenser Vocal Competition and Prize Winner in Opera Index Competition in New York. In 2007 I was announced the Best Leading Female Singer in North East in Season 2006-2007 by Opera Online. The most memorable moments of my career include performing Aida with Teatro Massimo Palermo, Requiem Verdi on stage of Academy of Santa Cecilia in Vatican and in Kennedy Center, performing as a principal soloist with Bolshoi Opera Theatre in Moscow. Read More

Instruments: Voice

 Professional engagements have been in opera, musical theatre, and concert. I have been featured in solo concert appearances in Boston Symphony Hall, San Francisco's Alcazar and Cable Car Theatres, New York's Alice Tully Hall and Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall.   In 2007, I was Quarter-Finalist on season 2 of NBC's America's Got Talent.  I returned for season 3 where I was advanced to the Semi-Finals appearing before an audience of 12 million viewers each week. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Organ

For beginner students who are pursing music on the tonal instruments, I typically start with learning the names of the notes on the instrument and the major scale in every key as it relates to the piano. For the bass guitar I start of with basic finger strength techniques and exercises while incorporating the major scale fingering form and Nashville numbering system for all tonal instruments. For voice, I start off by finding the range of the individual and then teaching warmup techniques while building the individuals technique through finding a song and learning how to sing along.  Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Viola Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I typically perform an assessment with every individual during the first lesson. Depending on goals, I will recommend curriculum to achieve the desired results. If a classical approach is desired, I use the Alfred's Basic Piano series and the Hal Leonard method for guitar, along with scale and chord theory literature depending on the level of the student. I also teach jazz/pop accompaniment style improv playing so I print music out from various sources. Read More