Private Piano Lessons
Whether a child plays the piano for a short time or a lifetime, they will acquire a baseline of skills and knowledge that will continue to benefit them throughout their life. Learning to play the piano can be one of the most valuable musical studies because it is the most straightforward and intuitive of instruments. Learning piano can also help tremendously when a student studies a different musical instrument later.
We recommend that younger beginning students start with a 30-minute private lesson once a week. Older beginners can benefit from a 30 or 45-minute lesson. More advanced students typically find 60 minutes to be the most significant benefit.
Private Voice Lessons
The main focus of voice lessons is to improve a student’s vocal technique. However, other things can be incorporated as needed, such as sight reading, learning specific types of literature, and period music. The vocal technique includes posture and breathing, improving tone quality, extending and equalizing range, and advancing flexibility. For this individual lessons the student should be able to read music. Recommended for ages 8 and up.
Private lessons are adapted to the student’s needs, from younger students just beginning to develop their voice to adults revisiting a neglected talent or capitalizing on an exceptional one. Many students are preparing for auditions and competitions, including All Region/All District/All State, Solo and Ensemble, NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing), and smaller local festivals. Others are preparing for auditions of choirs or shows or developing roles already acquired. Any student serious enough about music to be a college music major should be prepared with private lessons. The competition is fierce, and a musician can never be too prepared!
Musical Theatre
Voice Lessons
The purpose of musical theatre voice lessons is to ensure the student is “performance ready.” This means that he or she will be comfortable singing in front of a crowd. The starting point of lessons depends on the level of ability of each student. Some students may need to start with pitch matching and beginning vocal technique, while others may be ready to expand their range, tonal quality, and vocal control. Some students simply need to boost their confidence, while others are preparing for auditions and talent shows.
Singing for musical theatre requires the knowledge of both classical and more modern music forms. Our musical theatre instructors teach students how to adapt their voices to whatever situation a song requires, ensuring that students are well-rounded in whatever music styles they wish to learn. For example, singing “Phantom of the Opera” requires tall vowels and darker tones, while a show like “Hairspray” needs a little more brassiness and bright tones. Some students specifically want to work on popular music.
No prior knowledge of music is necessary to take musical theatre voice lessons, but we do recommend a starting age of around 8 years old for this type of lesson.
