About
I teach Online, Monday through Thursday afternoons and evenings.
SINGING: Beginning to professional levels, ages 10 to adult
PIANO: Beginning to advanced levels ages 7 to adult
MUSIC THEORY: Beginning to advanced levels ages 15 to adult.
SONGWRITING: Beginning to advanced levels ages 15 to adult.
Details for each subject with my credentials and biography are below.
VOICE LESSONS focus on healthy vocal techniques for singers of musical theatre, opera, choral, pop, rock, R&B, folk, gospel, and world music. Singers learn how the voice actually works, how to practice effectively with the voice, how to remove vocal strain, how to increase the range, balance the vocal registers, gain stamina, vocal power, dynamic variety, artistic nuance, and sing with their unique voice. Instruction is provided in clear terminology, with demonstrations, and specific guidance as to how to achieve these reliable techniques that provide a solid foundation for all singing. The techniques are applied to the music that the student is working on. Vocal rehabilitation is also available.
PIANO LESSONS
Students learn piano techniques, musicianship skills, exercises for strength and agility, varied repertoire, effective ways to practice during the week, and more. Training in improvisation, keyboard skills, and composition are also available. Practical piano skills for singers is available.
MUSIC THEORY - Individual and Small Group Lessons
Training is provided in both one-on-one lessons and in small group classes for beginning to advanced levels. Lessons are interactive with demonstrations, discussion, ear training, dictation, practical application, studying different kinds of music, and much more, with practical application to the music the students are working on.
SONGWRITING
Students learn all aspects of songwriting including how to write a good melody, hook, harmonization, lyrics, how to write effectively for the voice, backup vocals, instrumentation, production, working with engineers and producers, how to use studio time wisely, microphones, and ways to create a great demo and album. In addition to training, Zoe provides her expertise as a consultant for recording projects.
ABOUT ZOE
I am a singer, harpist, composer, pianist, recording artist, recording engineer/producer, and I perform internationally. I have been teaching for more than 20 years. My degree is from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and I am currently embarking on a Masters degree in Voice. I have been a video producer for music projects, and am a recording engineer/producer for demo and album projects. I have been a music director of musical theatre productions and choirs for many years. As an artist, my Carnegie hall debut took place in 2014, and I am on the Roster of the CT Commission on Culture and Tourism. I am a recipient of numerous scholarships, awards and grants. I am a member of the New York Singing Teachers Association, Opera America, and Early Music America.
Testimonials can be found at www.vandermeervoicestudio.com
I look forward to hearing from you! - Zoe
Photos and videos
Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
In the first lesson, we assess the specific needs of the student, and begin right away implementing the training. If the student is studying voice, for example, we will initially explore the vocal range, flexibility, tone, and balance of the registers to get an idea of vocal function and vocal health, especially as it applies to the student's repertoire; then we will discuss a plan, answer questions, and immediately begin the training - all in the first one hour lesson.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Prize-winning graduate, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
Enrolled in PhD online program, University of Birmingham, England
Extensive vocal training with renowned voice teachers in London, New York, and California.
Voice coaching with conductors from the Met.
Acting studies at ACT, and with Siti Theatre Company.
Baroque Dance Training in California and England.
Scientific and historical research in vocal pedagogy.
Extensive professional performing experience with performances in the US, UK, Spain, Canada and Brasil.
More than two decades of experience teaching children and adults of all levels and abilities.
Presenter/Key Note Speaker on topics such as Vocal Health, Vocal Pedagogy for Children, the Aging Voice, and more.
Music Director of choirs, musical theatre productions and opera productions.
Keynote speaker on vocal health, voice for speech, voice for singing, and more.
Audio Engineer and and Video Producer (NYC, CT) for musicians, arts organizations, and businesses.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Music students who enroll in ongoing weekly lessons, billed monthly, can choose half hour lessons or one hour lessons.
Training is provided online via Zoom.
Please enquire for details.
How did you get started teaching?
Education is the key that opens many doors to both personal and career success. I have been fortunate to have had some great teachers who were extremely knowledgeable, kind, and had the ability to communicate the information in ways that I was able to understand, and as a result, this is an approach I also take - to present the material in ways that the student can understand, which requires flexibility in communication skills.
What types of students have you worked with?
Singing Students: beginner to professional, classical, musical theatre, pop, gospel, R&B, jazz, blues, opera.
Piano Students: beginner to advanced.
Musicianship Skills/Music Theory: beginner to advanced.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Ask questions!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Be as clear as you can about what you are looking for with regard to lessons, your expectations, schedule, whether you are looking for long-term or short term training, your preferred musical styles, what you hope to achieve with the lessons, and any questions about techniques that you have. When looking for a good match with a teacher, it is important to take into consideration not only rapport, but also their communication style and their background - is the teacher actively performing and/or has significant performing experience at the professional level - for example. Further, it's a good idea to ask the teacher what experience they have in working with your age group, level of ability, and their pedagogical concepts.