Aleksandra Vargas
About
I am a classical crossover vocalist who has been teaching children and adults for 10 years. I am a graduate of the Juilliard school pre-college division and I have my master's in MM from FSU. I taught at Florida State, Monteverdi academy in Orlando, and Harrison school for the arts in Lakeland. I have performed with Orlando Opera, St Petersburg Opera company, Universal Studios, and Rosstyn ice shows. I can also play and accompany on the piano. In my own experience as a singer it is necessary to be prolific and sing in many different styles, however, I found that my classical training has better equipped me to be a versatile and technically good singer. I feel it is my responsibility to pass on a solid technique to my students. No matter what style of music they want to specialize in later, classical technique is essential into making them great singers. This includes learning how to breathe properly, finding your resonators, and learning how to seamlessly move through the vocal registers.
I love seeing my students grow as musicians and singers.
Highlights
Photos and videos
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
My typical process is first finding out the students’ needs. Voice lessons differ from student to student because everyone has a different voice with different backgrounds and issues. For the first lesson I want the student to prepare a song that he or she knows well. That way I can assess what needs to be done and what is working well. Then I give the student a set of vocal and breathing exercises that he or she would need to work on. After that I build repertoire with the student. Repertoire is based on vocal ability and the student's own preferences. I also choose songs that are designed to help train the weaker areas of the student's voice.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been a music teacher for over 10 years. I taught as an adjunct professor at Florida State University, Monteverdi academy, and the Harrison school for the Arts. Now I teach music at Valencia college and maintain a private studio at home.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge $45 for an hour voice lesson and $30 for a half hour. My rates are the same for beginning piano as well.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching as part of my scholarship at FSU. I prepared undergraduate voice majors for their end of the year juries as well as auditions.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with all types of students from beginners to advanced. Among my students are teens preparing auditions for college or music programs, young professionals, and adults who just generally want to improve their voice.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I was very proud of my students' performances in their Christmas concert. Some in particular improved dramatically and sounded like completely different singers. It gave me great joy to be a part of that.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
My advice it to look for a teacher that focuses on technique especially if you are just starting out in singing. Look for someone with a degree in voice or vocal performance. A student must be able to connect with their teacher. So find someone who explains in a way that you understand and with whom you enjoy your lessons.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What do you hope to achieve from taking voice lessons?
What is your end goal?
Are you able to spend 30 to 60 minutes a day practicing?