PRIVATE STUDIO

My love for conducting is what guides my artistic expression. I enjoy exploring works of all genres, periods of music, and instrumentation (orchestral, choral, band, chamber, etc.)

Interested students receive one introductory/trial lesson. We will discuss the avenues of study and what lesson times might include (theory, history, listening, technique, score study, podium time, etc.) If the student wishes to continue, my rates are:

45 minutes- $45

60 minutes- $55

75 minutes- $65

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Lessons can be scheduled as they are needed for special projects or performances arise. Otherwise, I'd encourage at least bi-weekly lesson times. 

My goal as an educator is to inspire and encourage a love for music. I have a passion for music, but also for students and teaching. It only makes sense to teach what I love to people that I love. I believe teaching can only occur when desire is involved. It is my hope that through my own excitement for what it is I do as a musician, my students will also find a joy and passion for this wonderful art form; singing.

I believe there are a few facets to being an effective teacher: 

The first is communication. This skill may be the most important to learn overall. Communication must be established from the start of the semester. I always explain not only what to do but why I have given assignments, be clear about the overall goals, and try to adhere to schedules set early on. 

The second factor is mutual respect. Respect between students and teachers must go both ways. I expect to be respected and my students should be confident in having that same expectation. I will respect my students in their opinions, their interests, and their time. I want my students to trust me while also understanding my role as their teacher. I want students to respect themselves, as well. Respect will be given in my studio and outside my studio. 

The third main component is responsibility. I have accepted the role of an educator aware of the responsibility I have to educate and encourage learning. I do that with confidence and simultaneously with care. I will only assign work I believe will be beneficial and will be responsible to grade it in a timely manner. I will hold students to the set of high standards and set high standards for myself to instill a sense of pride and personal responsibility.

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My studio expectations include: 

Proper and healthy sound production 

Patience with transitional periods and new methods

Perseverance to meet goals

Performance ready preparation

Passion for the art of music-making

The discovery of one’s artistry, both vocally and through conducting, is a beautiful process. I certainly do not want to be the “bad” teacher who stands in the way of a student. I want to be a part of the generations to come simply by encouraging and inspiring those in them to make a difference and leave the world in better shape than when they found it.

As a music teacher, I work with students from many different backgrounds and from many different frames of thought. Voice and conducting work can be quite involved, as you navigate your own body and find your own ideas. This is done through repertoire, exercises, and discussions catered to who you are and how you process information. It is my goal for each and every participant to leave lessons feeling they were successful and learned something. It could be a personal discovery about your own artistic expression/vocal mechanism, a new technique, a style tendency of a particular composer or period of music, or something about yourself emotionally. I think all can occur if the musician will allow it, but as a teacher, I must show that it’s ok to fail and learn from failure, it’s okay to accept new knowledge, and it’s okay to feel and process the emotions prompted by the music. I find that so many teachers fall into the traps of our community where our main goal is only perfect music production or training to become famous. Musicians should make music because they love to make music and never let anyone tell them otherwise. Hearing and watching singers/conductors make music they love is so moving, even if there are mistakes. Music speaks through the notes, but passion speaks through the freedom to emote; musicality. Music can be heard on a CD or youtube video, but people come to concerts and want to see live music because they want to experience the passion that comes with that. 

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I look forward to a life of working with and making music with all kinds of people. I think the beauty of humanity can be seen when making music as different cultures, backgrounds, religions, races, genders, sexual orientations, etc are involved and feel free to be who they are while creating art. I embrace this beautiful experience daily and love what I get to do.