Voice Lessons Polk County, FL

Instruments: Piano, Voice

Teaching Methods: With the beginning students I use Alfred and Bastien piano instructional books. Also, the children simultaneously learn to read notes and understand music notation. In my teaching method the goal is to combine high level of technique with musicality and individual interpretation. The beginners’ lessons are systematized as a successful blend of fun musical games and new academic material, thus learning new is fun and inspiring. In teaching adults, after they are comfortable with the basics, they can play songs in the genre they prefer - classical, pop or jazz.

Teaching Styles: Believing that each student deserves individual approach, I am enthusiastic to help people of all ages to learn, grow, and succeed in music. Throughout my 15 years of experience, I have learned that young students develop their knowledge slowly in time, in their own pace. In first part of the lesson, the student plays scales, arpeggios and chords as a warm-up, following by short technical exercises, which expose him or her to new musical situations, and develop the playing skills. This makes learning new pieces easier and faster. Students usually work on two contrasting songs at a time. I make sure that the songs I teach are instructional and at the same time appealing to the student.

Instruments: Voice

I believe it is important for the student to progress at his/her own pace. I set goals that students can succeed for each lesson. I also believe rewarding the students accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to develop and progress in music. 

Instruments: Piano, Voice

The most important part of teaching, for me, is to see my students developing a love for music.  Each student is different and will show their skills/talents in different ways and at different paces.  I am patient to let students grow in their own way while also challenging them to be the best they can be.  I love to laugh with my students and develop a rapport with them that makes them feel comfortable in the lesson environment.  By accomplishing one small goal at a time, every student can be successful.  

Instruments: Voice, Violin, Harmonica

Teaching Methods: The first lesson is always partly an interview so I can understand exactly what the student's goals are. I typically establish good posture and breathing habits (or bowing and fingering, if violin) first and then move on to essential warm-up exercises. Those exercises then become their regular homework, to hopefully be practiced multiple times a week or if possible, every day. I remind the student of breathing and posture regularly - good habits are the goal! I will continually focus on vowel-forming exercises and funneling the singing air through the nasal cavity and middle of the face. This way, the student will understand how to produce a big sound without straining. Breathing exercises such as 'underwater noises' and 'tornado siren' are fun and keep the mood open and lively. I want to create an atmosphere that lets the student feel strong enough to test their limits. Beyond this foundation, we will choose songs to learn together and these songs will be how we develop the students performance power and put the exercises into practical application.

Teaching Styles: My approach is definitely supportive and positive, but I don't let that get in the way of challenging the student. I am not afraid to tell the student that they can do better. It's very important to get to know the student's goals and inspirations. That way, I can focus on the skills they need. Also, I like to let the student learn songs by artists they love (if applicable) because it motivates them and sometimes it ends up being the sound they want to go for anyway. I will also select other songs to learn to challenge the student to be versatile. Honestly, I find myself getting excited whenever the student accomplishes a new skill or sings something really well. My excitement naturally transfers over to the student. I'm there with the student at their level, not above them, and I think that is why I am so effective.