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Studio modalities include in-person and remote video conferencing apps.
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The Mission of This Studio
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As a private voice teacher and vocal & performance coach, my responsibilities are to provide musical education, create challenges, instill confidence, and provide individual instruction to prepare students and adults in their pursuit of performance opportunities.
As a professional soloist, I offer decades of performance experience in both singing and acting. As a synesthete, I am able to see sound. This unique skill allows me to observe seeing sound as different shapes, colors, feelings, and even taste flavors. Having this unparalleled ability enables me to offer my students powerful visualizations that aid in the unleashing of their true authentic voices. Students are able to move beyond vocal drills and conventional study to transition into the realms of bringing songs to life with a balanced, healthy, relaxed, and open singing technique.
My ultimate mission is to help my students obtain a singularity by discovering their own truth in sound and masterfully sing, act, and perform any music genre. Several students have expressed gratitude through their journey of voice lessons which led to their own self realization. There is truly nothing like being able to express yourself in this way by finding your unique and innate ability to use your own voice.
As a private voice teacher and vocal & performance coach, my responsibilities are to provide musical education, create challenges, instill confidence, and provide individual instruction to prepare students and adults in their pursuit of performance opportunities.
As a professional soloist, I offer decades of performance experience in both singing and acting. As a synesthete, I am able to see sound. This unique skill allows me to observe seeing sound as different shapes, colors, feelings, and even taste flavors. Having this unparalleled ability enables me to offer my students powerful visualizations that aid in the unleashing of their true authentic voices. Students are able to move beyond vocal drills and conventional study to transition into the realms of bringing songs to life with a balanced, healthy, relaxed, and open singing technique.
My ultimate mission is to help my students obtain a singularity by discovering their own truth in sound and masterfully sing, act, and perform any music genre. Several students have expressed gratitude through their journey of voice lessons which led to their own self realization. There is truly nothing like being able to express yourself in this way by finding your unique and innate ability to use your own voice.
Vocal Studio Policies
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The information listed below summarizes my policies for voice students:
Please make the effort to read and comprehend these policies so you will not find yourself having to claim that you were not aware of a particular aspect of these rules. Take the time to re-read these statements of expectations on occasion, and please ask me about any of the below-listed policies that you do not fully understand. By doing so, our roles as student, parent, and teacher will be better delineated and fewer problems will arise. Mutual understanding and cooperation will be greatly appreciated by all parties involved with music study!
CANCELLATION OF LESSONS
If you find that you must cancel a lesson, please notify no later than 24 HOURS PRIOR TO THE LESSON that you intend to cancel. This much advance
notice allows me to schedule make-up lessons for other students who could take advantage of an open time period and also allow time for the rescheduling of your lesson. I realize that emergency situations can arise, so I will be lenient in cases of emergency. However, in most situations, you know your schedule far enough in advance to give me notice the day prior to your lesson. If you do forget to call before the 24 hour period, please call as soon as you can - the earlier the better. Please do not skip a lesson without giving me some kind of notice, even if you call an hour before the scheduled time. IF YOU ARE SICK, PLEASE STAY HOME AND REMOTE LESSON VIA SKYPE OR FACETIME to avoid getting other students and myself sick. Please let me know as soon as possible, so that I can prepare accordingly. Please remember - YOU WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY BILLED FOR ANY LESSON CANCELED AFTER THE 24 HOUR DEADLINE, unless an exception is made for an emergency situation. I believe that this cancellation policy is fair and reasonable for both you and me. It is important that the student and parent clearly understand what is expected. If you fail to follow this policy for lesson cancellation, expect to be charged for the respective missed lesson(s). Please do not create an awkward situation by challenging this cancellation policy or its consequences. Thank you!
PAYMENT FOR LESSONS
Payment for lessons are expected at the BEGINNING OF EACH MONTH for the weeks contained therein. This is a cash studio, so please come prepared with payment in the form of cash. However, for those needing to pay via online payment portals, see Payments section for instructions. Exceptions to this payment schedule must be cleared in advance, such as paying per lesson.
RULES COVERING LESSONS IN MY STUDIO
In addition to my extensive music, sound recording, and book collections, I have provided a comfortable and well-equipped studio. Please help me keep my studio in top condition by adhering to the following guidelines:
REPERTOIRE AND LITERATURE
It is my right and responsibility to oversee the student’s assignments. Choice of music, technical regimes, theoretical work, etc., should be and is my professional choice. My training and experience puts me in a position to make this claim. If a parent feels he or she knows the musical literature and is
well-versed in pedagogical techniques, then please feel free to help me direct your child’s assignments and progress (I assume you have faith in my training, education, experience, and abilities to guide your child through his or her musical experience.) For students, it is required to PRINT OUT ALL MUSIC. There is no reason to be using your tablets or phones for reading music. Once given a piece of new music, it will be expected that you will print them for the following lesson.
PRACTICE
In order to make the best progress in music study, daily practice is recommended. To help develop self-discipline and good work habits, it is suggested that a regular time for practice be set aside each day. Assignments, practice, and lessons are expected to have the same priority as homework, sports, and other activities. A MINIMUM OF 30 MINUTES (1-3 times daily is recommended). More could cause vocal fatigue. If you get into the habit of not practicing as you are instructed, or if you cancel lessons in an excessive or erratic manner, it most definitely will slow progress. Taping lessons for review is encouraged, with permission. Review vowel and pronunciation sheets and instructions for pieces in foreign languages.
SUCCESSFUL STUDY
There can be times when the union of a good student to a bad instructor has taken place. It is easy to see the injustice with this situation. However, uniting a good instructor with a bad student is equally unjust. Many times, it is expected that a miracle of quick learning happens at a lesson. This will never happen. The miracle of learning happens during the practice session. A lesson can be inspirational as well as instructive, but never miraculous. The instructor’s duty is to impart to the student the musical academics he or she lacks as well as correct modes of practice.
SHEET MUSIC AND RECORDS
Take care of your sheet music. It is a valuable investment. I strongly suggest that you obtain some sort of protective case in which to carry your music. It only takes one rainstorm or slip in the snow to virtually ruin many dollars worth of sheet music. I generally do not loan out any of my music, records, tapes, or compact discs (because they are too easily damaged), but I will make a tape recording of any of my recordings for your study purposes or allow students to take pictures or recordings of the music to then print out and have for themselves.
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
Students will be advised of studio recitals. They are expected to participate as part of their performance experience to enhance this mode of learning.
BECOMING A VOCAL MUSICIAN
Try to attend as many music concerts as you can, especially those involving the voice. Many have no admission charge, but even those that charge will be well worth the expense because it is by hearing and seeing other artists perform you are exposed to the vast literature of music from which you may wish to learn and sing some pieces yourself. You will also be able to hear what the finished product of many hours of practice and study sounds like, and this will inspire you to work harder toward your own musical goals. Try to become a well-rounded musician by researching the lives and works
of the great composers of all musical periods. Make the time to listen to great music at every opportunity.
IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION
Should you ever have a question, please feel free to call me at home. You may have a question about a piece on which you are working, or about policies related to your lessons. I am willing to help you out in any way that I can. When you call my home and get my telephone answering machine, please leave both your first and last name, your messages, and your phone number. I will return your call at my earliest convenience.
Please avoid calling before 8:00am or after 10:00pm.
CODA
Please note that these policies are in accord with recommended professional policies of the Music Teachers National Association, National Federation of Music Clubs, National Association of Teachers of Singing, and the Musician’s Union. Tuition fees provide insurance, retirement, social security, and continuing education costs, as well as bear the expense of equipping and maintaining the studio, instruments, libraries, and other equipment and supplies. At least as much time is needed in planning, study, scheduling, phone calls, bookkeeping, and other studio-related work, as is spent in actual lesson time. Teaching is a profession, business and an art. These policies allow me the time and financial security to deviate the energy to the creative act of sharing music with my students.
THANK YOU!
The information listed below summarizes my policies for voice students:
Please make the effort to read and comprehend these policies so you will not find yourself having to claim that you were not aware of a particular aspect of these rules. Take the time to re-read these statements of expectations on occasion, and please ask me about any of the below-listed policies that you do not fully understand. By doing so, our roles as student, parent, and teacher will be better delineated and fewer problems will arise. Mutual understanding and cooperation will be greatly appreciated by all parties involved with music study!
CANCELLATION OF LESSONS
If you find that you must cancel a lesson, please notify no later than 24 HOURS PRIOR TO THE LESSON that you intend to cancel. This much advance
notice allows me to schedule make-up lessons for other students who could take advantage of an open time period and also allow time for the rescheduling of your lesson. I realize that emergency situations can arise, so I will be lenient in cases of emergency. However, in most situations, you know your schedule far enough in advance to give me notice the day prior to your lesson. If you do forget to call before the 24 hour period, please call as soon as you can - the earlier the better. Please do not skip a lesson without giving me some kind of notice, even if you call an hour before the scheduled time. IF YOU ARE SICK, PLEASE STAY HOME AND REMOTE LESSON VIA SKYPE OR FACETIME to avoid getting other students and myself sick. Please let me know as soon as possible, so that I can prepare accordingly. Please remember - YOU WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY BILLED FOR ANY LESSON CANCELED AFTER THE 24 HOUR DEADLINE, unless an exception is made for an emergency situation. I believe that this cancellation policy is fair and reasonable for both you and me. It is important that the student and parent clearly understand what is expected. If you fail to follow this policy for lesson cancellation, expect to be charged for the respective missed lesson(s). Please do not create an awkward situation by challenging this cancellation policy or its consequences. Thank you!
PAYMENT FOR LESSONS
Payment for lessons are expected at the BEGINNING OF EACH MONTH for the weeks contained therein. This is a cash studio, so please come prepared with payment in the form of cash. However, for those needing to pay via online payment portals, see Payments section for instructions. Exceptions to this payment schedule must be cleared in advance, such as paying per lesson.
RULES COVERING LESSONS IN MY STUDIO
In addition to my extensive music, sound recording, and book collections, I have provided a comfortable and well-equipped studio. Please help me keep my studio in top condition by adhering to the following guidelines:
- Please put all music, purses, cases, etc on the couches or floor rather than on tables.
- TURN OFF AND SILENCE ALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES, including phones, watches, tablets, computers, etc unless given permission for a recording or in case of an emergency (that you have notified me about). This is your time for music study. Please be focused and ready to learn.
- Please DO NOT CHEW GUM during your voice lesson. Water is provided for your convenience.
- Please DO NOT BRING FOOD OF ANY KIND to your voice lesson - either for yourself or for anyone else who comes with you.
- I have provided adequate seating in my studio area, therefore please REFRAIN from going into any other parts of the house during your lesson (bathroom next to the studio excepted).
- ADULTS bringing CHILDREN - if you must bring young children to a lesson, please watch them carefully and keep them near you at ALL TIMES. Watching your own children leaves me free to concentrate on the lesson at hand rather than wondering when something is going to bebroken by an unwatched child.
- The scheduled lesson time belongs to the student. No lesson will be extended for a student who is not ready to begin with their materials ontime or show up on time.
REPERTOIRE AND LITERATURE
It is my right and responsibility to oversee the student’s assignments. Choice of music, technical regimes, theoretical work, etc., should be and is my professional choice. My training and experience puts me in a position to make this claim. If a parent feels he or she knows the musical literature and is
well-versed in pedagogical techniques, then please feel free to help me direct your child’s assignments and progress (I assume you have faith in my training, education, experience, and abilities to guide your child through his or her musical experience.) For students, it is required to PRINT OUT ALL MUSIC. There is no reason to be using your tablets or phones for reading music. Once given a piece of new music, it will be expected that you will print them for the following lesson.
PRACTICE
In order to make the best progress in music study, daily practice is recommended. To help develop self-discipline and good work habits, it is suggested that a regular time for practice be set aside each day. Assignments, practice, and lessons are expected to have the same priority as homework, sports, and other activities. A MINIMUM OF 30 MINUTES (1-3 times daily is recommended). More could cause vocal fatigue. If you get into the habit of not practicing as you are instructed, or if you cancel lessons in an excessive or erratic manner, it most definitely will slow progress. Taping lessons for review is encouraged, with permission. Review vowel and pronunciation sheets and instructions for pieces in foreign languages.
SUCCESSFUL STUDY
There can be times when the union of a good student to a bad instructor has taken place. It is easy to see the injustice with this situation. However, uniting a good instructor with a bad student is equally unjust. Many times, it is expected that a miracle of quick learning happens at a lesson. This will never happen. The miracle of learning happens during the practice session. A lesson can be inspirational as well as instructive, but never miraculous. The instructor’s duty is to impart to the student the musical academics he or she lacks as well as correct modes of practice.
SHEET MUSIC AND RECORDS
Take care of your sheet music. It is a valuable investment. I strongly suggest that you obtain some sort of protective case in which to carry your music. It only takes one rainstorm or slip in the snow to virtually ruin many dollars worth of sheet music. I generally do not loan out any of my music, records, tapes, or compact discs (because they are too easily damaged), but I will make a tape recording of any of my recordings for your study purposes or allow students to take pictures or recordings of the music to then print out and have for themselves.
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
Students will be advised of studio recitals. They are expected to participate as part of their performance experience to enhance this mode of learning.
BECOMING A VOCAL MUSICIAN
Try to attend as many music concerts as you can, especially those involving the voice. Many have no admission charge, but even those that charge will be well worth the expense because it is by hearing and seeing other artists perform you are exposed to the vast literature of music from which you may wish to learn and sing some pieces yourself. You will also be able to hear what the finished product of many hours of practice and study sounds like, and this will inspire you to work harder toward your own musical goals. Try to become a well-rounded musician by researching the lives and works
of the great composers of all musical periods. Make the time to listen to great music at every opportunity.
IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION
Should you ever have a question, please feel free to call me at home. You may have a question about a piece on which you are working, or about policies related to your lessons. I am willing to help you out in any way that I can. When you call my home and get my telephone answering machine, please leave both your first and last name, your messages, and your phone number. I will return your call at my earliest convenience.
Please avoid calling before 8:00am or after 10:00pm.
CODA
Please note that these policies are in accord with recommended professional policies of the Music Teachers National Association, National Federation of Music Clubs, National Association of Teachers of Singing, and the Musician’s Union. Tuition fees provide insurance, retirement, social security, and continuing education costs, as well as bear the expense of equipping and maintaining the studio, instruments, libraries, and other equipment and supplies. At least as much time is needed in planning, study, scheduling, phone calls, bookkeeping, and other studio-related work, as is spent in actual lesson time. Teaching is a profession, business and an art. These policies allow me the time and financial security to deviate the energy to the creative act of sharing music with my students.
THANK YOU!