Tom Brotz, Singing Lessons

I let a student's interests play a big part in planning lesson activities. Students frequently learn pieces of their choice. All pieces are learned not just by repeated practice over and over again but also through creative activities where students use and develop their creativity in finding ways to play around with and change their pieces in various ways. Music study is playful work.

Here is a little information about my professional training:

After my first year of teaching Kindergarten through Fifth Grade music in a Wisconsin School District (1969-1970), I spent the summer in New York City studying at the Dalcroze School of Music. In the early 1900s, Dalcroze developed a method of using music and movement activities in ear training, rhythmic training, and improvisation. Also in 1969 I began singing in the Florentine Opera Chorus in Milwaukee Wisconsin. After receiving my full certificate from the Dalcroze School in 1972, I began teaching Eurhythmics in the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Dance Department while I continued to teach K-5 music. In 1976 I moved to Kentucky and eventually got a PhD in Music Education. My dissertation focused on basic abilities that are crucial in learning to play piano.

My research led me to a thorough study of learning theory and this combined with my Dalcroze training has formed my teaching style which approaches the learning of all kinds of music in a creative manner so that musical expression becomes an enriching and enjoyable part of life. I have spent much time in Rome, Italy where have been studying Italian opera singing with Valerio Paperi since 2003. In 2011 I spent the summer at the University of Utah where I earned certification in Vocology from the National Center for Voice and Speech. In the summer of 2015 I made presentations at the Dalcroze Institute in Geneva, Switzerland and at the Second International Dalcroze Studies in Vienna, Austria. Since 2002 I have been a member of the Chicago Master Singers.