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Voice Lessons with Sarah

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A typical singing lesson begins with vocal warmups to focus on technique ("healthy habits" for 12 and younger).  We then spend five minutes onsight-singing, an invaluable skill for singers..  Competence in sight-reading allows singers to define themselves as a musicians, no longer dependent on hearing the music first before singing it.  The majority of lesson time is spent learning repertoire (songs).  Most often my students learn a variety of music genres, including some of their own selections.  Though my own vocal training is in Classical music and Bel Canto technique, I am aware that each of my students has their own musical preferences and goals.  It is of greatest importance that my students love the music they sing; there is no substitute for heartfelt musical

expression.  Though I am open to my students choosing their own music,  I also am not shy about steering a student toward music I feel can benefit them or suit their voice and personality.  Here is a sampling of repertoire I have taught to voice students over the years: arias and art songs to a 16-year-old, nursery rhymes with a 4-year-old, Broadway songs for a college theater-major, pop songs with a 12-year-old, and religious music with a 9-year-old.  The variety keeps my work fascinating.  As long as my students learn to sing healthfully and makesteady musical progress, I am a happy teacher.I approach training of the "human instrument" with due sensitivity.  Our singing voice can be a beautifully direct channel of emotional communication, but requires certain vulnerability to do so.  As a voice teacher, I recognize that whether the student is a beginner, intermediate or advanced singer, their journey will be unique.  Some will need emotional support, and others may need a motivational push.

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THOUGHTS ABOUT

Kid's Voice Lessons

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Piano Lessons with Sarah

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As with young singers, my primary goal as a piano teacher is that my young students have a positive experience in music.  I like to lay a foundation for life-long music-making and appreciation.  Children should feel proud of their musical skills and capable of continued growth.  In order for strong progress to occur I expect piano students to practice their assigned music at least five days each week.  The more regular and spread out the practice, the better.  For instance, ten-minute practice segments for six days is far more beneficial than a single hour-long segment during the

week. Depending on a child's age and discipline, parental support may be crucial to maintaining a productive practice routine. Beginning piano students usually thrive with the structure of a method book. I work with the student and family to carefully select the right fit. Most often we land on the Piano Adventures series, but I also have experience with Piano Pronto, Wunderkeys, Heumann, and Suzuki. Often students benefit from supplementing their method books. Supplementary piano repertoire can span music genres from Classical, to Ragtime, to Pop, depending on the student's preference.  I enjoy teaching piano to children and adults, beginning through intermediate. 

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