All students starting voice lessons with a new teacher have an adjustment period. This is the time when they are learning their new teacher's vocabulary to talk about singing.
During the first few months, a student's voice may change as they learn new vocal concepts. To some, this is welcome. Others view the new technique as interfering. Please allow 6 months before making a judgment. I teach healthy singing. Students who start lessons with damaging habits often object to changing their ways because the new technique feels so different. If after 6 months, a student is still unhappy with the vocal changes, they can always discontinue lessons and switch back to their old technique.
During the first few months, a student's voice may change as they learn new vocal concepts. To some, this is welcome. Others view the new technique as interfering. Please allow 6 months before making a judgment. I teach healthy singing. Students who start lessons with damaging habits often object to changing their ways because the new technique feels so different. If after 6 months, a student is still unhappy with the vocal changes, they can always discontinue lessons and switch back to their old technique.
Introductory voice lessons would include:
- Discussions on good vocal health.
- Matching pitch with good intonation
- Finding vocal resonance, a.k.a. "buzz."
Students will learn:
- How to sing on key with proper rhythms.
- How to extend their range.
- How to use vocal resonance as a means of projection.
- Breathing for singing.
- Proper diction for singing.
- How to become a better solo or ensemble singer.
- Audition and performance techniques.
Vocal study includes lessons teaching:
- Anatomy for singing.
- Vocabulary to talk about the voice.
- Christmas carols every singer must know.
- Sight singing.
Students are exposed to a wide range of repertoire.
- Musical theater
- Folk songs
- Classical music
Students will be given the opportunity to sing in:
- English
- Italian
- French
- German
I offer preparation for:
- Auditions
- Competitions
- Solo and ensemble performances
How much do lessons cost?
The fee for one half hour lesson is $20. Hour lessons are offered at the teacher's discretion and cost $40/hour.
How do I pay for lessons?
You may pay with cash or check. Lesson payments are made at the last lesson of every month for the following month.
Where are lessons given?
Lessons are given at the Mannington Music School.
How many lessons do I get per week?
Students start with 1 half hour lesson per week. Advanced students may be offered 1 hour per week at the teacher's discretion.
What if I need to cancel a lesson?
Lessons canceled with more than 3 days notice will be rescheduled. Lessons canceled with less than 24 hour notice will not be made up.
How often will I need to practice?
A student should sing at home no more than 15-20 minutes at a time, but may practice multiple times per day. that should include 5-10 minutes of warm-ups and about 10 minutes of studying the assigned repertoire. You may have assignments that do not require singing. This can be considered practice time in addition to the 15-20 minutes of singing.
Do I have to perform?
After the first year of study, I expect all of my students to perform at least once a year under my guidance.
Where will I have the opportunity to perform?
I provide numerous performance opportunities each year, including an annual vocal recital at the Salem Friends' Meeting House and the Mannington Music School recital at the Salem Community College.
What materials will I have to buy?
I offer for purchase specially bound booklets that I have created just for lessons. Each booklet comes with a CD of computer generated piano accompaniments. One of my booklet/CDs costs $5. Some of these booklets are mandatory for lessons and are covered by a yearly registration fee. Others are optional for purchase.
After I have assessed a student's vocal abilities, I will acquire a book of songs suitable to the student's needs and interests. Any book will always come with a companion CD of piano accompaniments to practice at home. Expect to purchase 1-2 books per year. The cost per book usually doesn't exceed $25.
- I encourage students to purchase my book and CD of vocal exercises to facilitate practice at home.
- I have books to accompany the"anatomy for singing" and "listening project."
- I have created 3 books of Christmas carols, 20 carols each, with accompanying CDs.
After I have assessed a student's vocal abilities, I will acquire a book of songs suitable to the student's needs and interests. Any book will always come with a companion CD of piano accompaniments to practice at home. Expect to purchase 1-2 books per year. The cost per book usually doesn't exceed $25.
What materials will I need to bring to lessons?
- A 3-ring binder with loose leaf paper to take notes.
- Any music you are studying.
- Music from choirs that you would like extra help on.
- Anatomy, sight singing, or listening books as needed.
