Events/Opportunities
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- Private Lesson Time -The purpose of Voice Lessons
-The purpose of these lessons is to learn vocal principles and techniques which can be applied universally, not to simply learn a series of songs. The classroom environment - All lessons will include vocal warm-ups and preparation exercises. - Selection of appropriate repertoire will take place during the lesson time. - Voice lessons are taught in an environment that is encouraging, supportive, creative, and sometimes somewhat playful. -The teaching is based on the belief that a healthy voice is one that is unforced, natural, and flowing. - All students will be encouraged (not forced) to study classical singing/literature. - Pop Style Techniques will be explored as needed/desired. The ultimate goal of these lessons is to teach the student healthy vocal techniques, rid them of physical tensions that hinder their "true" singing voice, and enhance confidence, creativity, musicality, and performance skills so that the student can enjoy a lifetime of healthy and knowledgeable singing in whatever performance environment they may choose. - Students will work to develop a musical "ear" for accurate tone/pitch production, and will learn the basics of proper posture, breath control, voice placement/resonance, phonation, and diction. - Musicality issues such as basic music theory, phonetics, and simplistic sight-singing exercises will be explored as needed. - Expression and performance issues will be addressed through character/song/emotional exploration, etc. Students should come prepared for all lessons: -This means having practiced their assigned vocal selections for a concentrated 20-30 minutes several times during the week, and having with them their lesson fee, all music books, a supply of blank cds, completed homework assignments, a pencil, a water bottle, and a small notepad to write down new assignments. - Voice students should come to the lessons with a positive attitude, an open mind, and dressed comfortably enough to move and breathe. Some vocal/physical exercises will include lying on the floor, sitting, kneeling, squatting, jumping, etc... - Since much of learning to sing is based on muscle memory, students are expected to attend their lessons on a regular and consistent basis in order to improve their technique. -Students are ultimately responsible for practicing with an accompanist and acquiring their own practice tracks and materials as applicable/needed. |
- Recital, Performances, Workshops, etc -What additional opportunities are available?
Workshops and public performances or competition opportunities may be arranged for the students throughout the year so that they can apply and further develop the skills taught in their lessons. Who can participate? Students will be invited to participate based on their age, level of preparedness, study, ability, and degree of progress. Not every opportunity presented is right/appropriate for every student. What additional costs are there? A fee may be attached to these events to cover all outside costs, (i.e. facility, accompanist, programs, entrance fees, etc). Do I have to fully commit to these events? Because the scheduling of these events is contingent upon a certain level of participation and commitment, once the student commits to attend/participate, they are responsible for paying the fees, which are nonrefundable. Some events will be labeled "no back-out", which means what it says. If you back-out of these events after signing up, you will lose the privilege of being able to sign up for future events. These types of events require a commitment in order to work, so backing out after the fact would leave me and/or other students hanging or scrambling to figure out how to cover for you. It would cause a loss of integrity to my character to cancel out a performance due to this reason, or a loss in the quality of performance, and so it's very important that you consider these performances carefully before signing up for them. How do I prepare for these performances? It is important that students attend their lessons in the weeks proceeding a recital, performance, or competition. I will not allow students to perform, nor sponsor students in a competition who have not attended their lessons in the weeks proceeding the event. Fees that were paid in advance for these events are nonrefundable. What are the requirements for rehearsing? It is imperative that students be on time and attend the rehearsals for any recitals or performances that are arranged in order to rehearse with the accompanist/group and to work out any technical issues. If you are unable to make it to the rehearsal, you may be cut from numbers or you may need to arrange to have the accompanist attend your lessons prior to the performance (if this is a viable option for this event). How do I relate to the accompanist? Payment: You will be responsible for compensating the accompanist according to his/her pay schedule in addition to your regular lesson fee. Music Preparation: Students are responsible for supplying me and/or their accompanist with complete and readable copies of each of their performance pieces as well as accompaniment demos on cd (in advance) in order to create a page-turn folder for each of the accompanists or musicians that will be playing for them in each performance. Program Notes: Students may be required to create program notes and/or a personal biography for recital programs. |
- Group Voice Classes -Why is Group Voice Class important?
I believe these group classes are extremely beneficial to a singer of any level and encourage all students to attend. The voice class gives the student the opportunity to perform some of the music they have been working on in front of other singers, and to gain some feedback on their performance. This environment enables the student to build confidence performing in front of an audience, as well as bring up performance "problems" that may not surface during a private lesson (i.e. loss of memorization, stage fright, technique that only works under comfortable situations, etc). This is intended to be a positive and encouraging environment, however, the "competition factor" will most definitely play a role in this type of setting, and should be a healthy stimulus toward individual improvement. Hearing, observing, and supporting other students who are performing will help each student to develop higher performance standards, as well as equip them with the ability to better measure their own technique and progress. This class time may also involve some theatrical activities (improvisation, movement, yoga, etc.) to enhance overall vocal performance skills. Do I always sing at Group Voice Class? Not every student will sing at every class, but students should come prepared to sing two songs from memory and to participate fully in any other activities. Can I bring friends or family Group Voice Class? Students should not bring any guests with them to voice class. When is Group Voice Class scheduled? Classes may be scheduled occasionally throughout the year, with specific dates to be announced. What is the fee for Group Voice Class? Please bring a snack or drink to share with the group. This is your “admission price” to the class. |