Voice Lessons in Scandia, MN

Instruments: Voice

I begin with an assessment of the student that starts with the student explaining to me his or her background and personal goals/reasons for taking voice lessons. From there, I take the student through simple exercises where assess the students ability in the fundamentals of, postural alignment, breath support, resonance, articulation, and vowel constancy. Based on the students' ability I devise a regimen of vocal exercises designed to strengthen areas of weakness. Read More

Instruments: Voice Trumpet

For beginner trumpeters, I typically start with Hal Leonards Essential Elements and then slowly transition into solo repertoire that suits their skill set as they make it into the intermediate level. As advanced players, we will focus on refining skills with drill books as well as work on standards in solo repertoire. For my vocal students, we will always work on range and flexibility exercises as well as vocal repertoire from multiple genres that suit the skill level of the singer. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

They will also be taught methods designed to help embrace the character being performed and to enjoy the act of performing. Piano students can expect training focused on building finger strength and flexibility along with sight reading and improvisation training. Piano students can also expect more theory training to complement improvisation and to more fully understand the music at hand. Beginning piano pedagogy focuses on agile, slightly curved fingers, an aligned and free back and arms, proper use of the pedals, and creating a clear and even strike. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Lesson plans are catered to the needs and level of each individual student. For younger students with maturing voices, I generally work on basic technique like breathing and posture. I will teach solfege and simple songs that help develop the young singer's ear and a relationship to their voice. For more mature voices, typically above the age of 16, I begin to approach more technical areas of singing like vowel formation, breath energy and management, agility, legato, vocal registration, and a more detailed understanding of the physical anatomy behind singing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music

I always tailor my lessons to what the student needs and wants. It is my goal that lessons to be relevant to exactly what the student is using their voice for on a day to day basis. I love bringing things out of people and their voices that they had no idea they had in them. So I will always push you further than you thought you could go- but through inspiration and encouragement (along with practical direction to help you get there!!) My goal is to get you singing tension free & guide you to realizing your voice & artistry to the fullest. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

I graduated from McNally Smith College of Music magna cum laude in 2011 with a bachelors in vocal performance. I played everywhere from Duluth. Minnesota to Lima, Peru: sharing the stage with artists as diverse as Andres Prado and Judi Donaghy. In addition to my McNally Smith Degree, I received master classes from Bobby McFerrin and the New York Voices. Passionate about giving back to the community, I instructed voice and piano students at the Urban Hub, a community center for inner city youth in Minneapolis MN. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Accordion Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Electric Violin Fiddle Double Bass French Horn Tuba Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Bassoon English Horn Conga Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I use generally use Faber and Faber for piano and the Yamaha method for guitar. However, each student learns differently therefore I like to meet and assess the needs before choosing a course to follow. For band students, I use the school's chosen method of instruction supplementing with theory, technique and performance pieces. For piano students, I get to know each student's taste in music and choose accordingly. I encourage my voice students to learn a varied repertoire of classical, folk songs, Broadway and pop if they desire. Read More