Voice Lessons Wichita County, KS

Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Voice, Flute, Bass Guitar, Ukulele, Mandolin, Recorder, Keyboard, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar

Since I became aware of my destiny to be a music educator, I observed all of my music and general education teachers so that I could be better prepared for taking on students sooner. At 15 years old, I started taking on private students for flute so that after dabbling in music retail during college, I had a full roster of private students for piano and guitar as well by the time I was 21. By the time I was 24 years old, I had 60+ private students every week and included bass as one of my lesson and professional performance instruments. With music education in schools all around the Los Angeles area, I taught every kind of music class imaginable from preschool up through high school. Professional developments through many of the non-profits that I worked with provided me with additional skills in Bloom's taxonomy with lesson and curriculum planning, classroom management, teaching to the different styles of learners (visual, audio, kinesthetic, observational, etc.), and school subject integration. This has also allowed me to provide professional developments for classroom teachers to incorporate with their lessons for their students of all levels. These skills I also apply to my private lessons to customize for one-on-one students so they get the most out of their musical learning. A great music educator is constantly pushing their learning and educational skills through training in the professional music field and teacher developments. Learning to be flexible and improvise, as a musician AND a teacher, allows for life's interruptions to not be disruptive to a student's process!

Instruments: Voice

Teaching Methods: I believe that private voice instructions demands a tailored and customized approach to each individual student and his or her voice. As such, much of my instruction is based on what I hear happening in the singer's voice that moment. However, I have many exercises and resources to aid in the lessons. The first few lessons may seem tedious, as I usually spend this time becoming familiar with my student and his or her voice. After this time, I will either introduce solo repertoire and/or the concept of vocal hygiene and athleticism as needed. No matter what path works best for the student, my number one goal is to create an environment that is fun, safe, engaging and conducive to excellent vocal progress!

Teaching Styles: I teach using the Italian Bel Canto school of thought on singing. This style of singing promotes vocal hygiene and longevity by focusing on supporting vocal sound using the breath rather than relying 100% on the muscles of the throat. While attending KSU, I had the privilege of studying with Dr. Reginald Pittman, current Regional governor of the West Central Region of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, and head of the voice division at KSU. Dr. Pittman traces his vocal lineage all the way back to the father of Bel Canto sinigng, Francesco Lamperti, and I am very fortunate to have learned from this excellent singer. Dr. Pittman instructed me in a very organic manner that focused on the position of different muscles and bones that are involved in the anatomy of singing. As such, my students will sometimes receive lessons on anatomical positions while singing. However, I have many methods of engaging the students at a pace and in a manner that keeps lessons interesting and comprehendable. It is important to note that most singers (especially younger ones) cannot and should not engage in vocal instruction for longer than an hour without feeling some vocal fatigue leading to vocal damage. As such, I will only instruct for half an hour at a time.

Instruments: Piano, Voice, Viola

For high school-aged students interested in the classical method or those wishing to enter into solo/ensemble festival, I typically start with folk songs and the essential Italian Art Songs.  For high school-aged students interested in musical theater and/or pop music, we try to find common ground on their musical interests and find pieces based on that.  For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level.

Instruments: Piano, Voice, Trumpet, Saxophone, Flute, Piccolo

My teaching experience began when I was in high school. I did an independent study with the sophomore women's choir, and I got the opportunity to conduct on the final concert. When I went to Washburn for my music education degree, I had lots of experience in several public schools, observing other teachers and instructing students, as well as earning a spot as a staff member for the marching band. I had my first private students after I obtained my degree, and gained new students when I taught in western Kansas. I love helping students love music and it is important that I am encouraging them to continue their musical education and not hendering them. Students need to have fun! With both modern and classical instruction in any instrument or while singing, students will be more motivated to practice on a regular schedule and if they have any questions, they can contact me.