A Typical Lesson
All lessons are structured to meet the needs of individual students but some things are standard for every singer.
During our lessons, an emphasis will be placed on developing skills to read and interpret music. This often involves sight reading, rhythm exercises, assessing music that each student is currently singing, discussing the meaning of the text and its relationship to the structure of music, identifying musical terms and patterns, and dealing with issues related to diction and vocal production.
Beyond music reading, lessons focus on the development of healthy singing habits and singing with excellent vocal tone, regardless of musical style.
Students should attend lessons alone and leave significant others, partners, and parents outside the studio. Sometimes I ask students to make odd noises or move in certain ways that may make them feel self-conscious about their work; it is easier to do these things without the judgement of an outside individual. For very young children, a few lessons with a parent in the room is fine, but we should toward greater independence. Students are welcome to record lessons for independent practice.
Students are expected to bring the following items with them to each lesson:
the music they are currently studying
any music books we work from in our lessons
a notation book of some sort to write down homework and practice assignments
a binder for any handouts
bottled water
Some students also find it beneficial to record their lessons to use in their practice sessions at home. Many do this using an iPod, Smart Phone, or other recording device.
During our lessons, an emphasis will be placed on developing skills to read and interpret music. This often involves sight reading, rhythm exercises, assessing music that each student is currently singing, discussing the meaning of the text and its relationship to the structure of music, identifying musical terms and patterns, and dealing with issues related to diction and vocal production.
Beyond music reading, lessons focus on the development of healthy singing habits and singing with excellent vocal tone, regardless of musical style.
Students should attend lessons alone and leave significant others, partners, and parents outside the studio. Sometimes I ask students to make odd noises or move in certain ways that may make them feel self-conscious about their work; it is easier to do these things without the judgement of an outside individual. For very young children, a few lessons with a parent in the room is fine, but we should toward greater independence. Students are welcome to record lessons for independent practice.
Students are expected to bring the following items with them to each lesson:
the music they are currently studying
any music books we work from in our lessons
a notation book of some sort to write down homework and practice assignments
a binder for any handouts
bottled water
Some students also find it beneficial to record their lessons to use in their practice sessions at home. Many do this using an iPod, Smart Phone, or other recording device.
