About
Hello There, and thank you for your interest in vocal lessons. I am currently accepting a few students at my studio, located in the NW suburb of Hoffman Estates. I have taught students at Northwestern University, DePaul University and The Chicago School for the Performing Arts: The Music Conservatory, as well as prepared many vocalists for heavy hitting vocal school auditions. I have a one week pre-pay schedule, and if you prepay 2 weeks, it is a 10% discount, and 4 weeks is a 15% discount – and 6 weeks is 20% discount. I am not a standard teacher, either. I have ‘been there/done that’ – and I find that learning about your individual voice, your style, and what you are interested in singing is important – I won’t shove the “24 Italian Songs and Arias” at you – unless you want to sing in a foreign language. I also teach you how to warm your voice up properly – and don’t waste your time and money in lessons doing that – you can sing on the way to lessons, and I am here to help you and your voice – not spend your money on stuff you can do on your own once you know how. I believe in using our time together to really work on the material you are interested in, and your own unique instrument. I have been through classical and non-classical training, and fuse a different style when I teach. I don’t ever want you to be bored or think “why are we doing this” – it is important that you are involved in what you are doing. How do I know I can help a voice? Well, aside from years of singing myself (I have trained with some of the finest vocalists and instructors worldwide) and years of coaching amazing voices and people with amazing careers.....the inside news is this – when I was 20, I was headed towards an amazing career as a vocalist – I was sidelined by health issues, and found out I had thyroid tumors (cancer) – I was told that as they grew and I needed surgery – that I was going to lose my ability to sing – maybe even speak. I have had to relearn how to use my voice – and I have done it on my own. I have not only helped myself – but I have helped platinum recording artists who have lost their voices regain them – and head back to studio. And there are more stories – but I just want you to know – I really take the voice serious – and it is a gift! I never want anyone to suffer from the loss that I went through – and I want to help each person I can with their voice. I hope this gives you an insight into me, as a teacher and person. I look forward to hearing from you – and hopefully we will be able to work together soon. Best to you, Kelli Ann MORE INFO: Welcome to the Four Winds Voice Studio – where you are not just another student; you are an exceptional individual with a special and unique voice. Here you will learn how to take care of your voice – including all aspects of what creates and influences your voice (body, mind, voice, spirit, etc.) You will learn the core basics of how to work with your voice, including: flexibility, breath control, stamina, strength, pitch control, ear training, and more. These principles will help you to develop into the unique voice and artist you are meant to be. You will be able to hear more clearly, produce tones with more quality and consistency, as well as to deliver your performances with soundness, passion and authenticity. Students I have worked with have gone on to amazing careers. Following are a few examples of what my students have been up to: -Signed to Major Recording Contracts: -RCA -Warner Brothers Music -Warner Chappell Music -Atlantic Records -Sony Music -BMG -EMI -Universal -Republic -19 Ent. -Recording and writing for Major Motion Pictures: -Hollywood Records -Starring in Major Broadway Productions -Starring in Major Broadway National Tours -Starring in Major Television Network Shows/Series -Starring in Major Motion Pictures -Lead Roles in Television Productions -Lead Roles in Off Broadway Productions -Lead Roles in Lyric Opera and Civic Opera Productions -Lead Roles in Independent Film -Signed to various Independent Record Labels -National Talent Winners (in many varying and prestigious competitions) -American Idol -Miss America -Nashville Star -America’s Got Talent (ect....) -Solo Performances for Presidents, National and International Leaders, and The Pope
I love seeing people grow in music and finding their own voice and style. Nothing is more rewarding than hearing a person sing as themself and enjoying it. It is the greatest gift
Specialties
Musical styles
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Photos and videos
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Depending on the type of lesson, and the background and experience level - all first lessons include a full assessment of where each individual is currently at, as well as discussing goals, and creating an individual plan to achieve those goals. No two lessons will ever be the same, as there is no ONE right way to learn music. EXCEPT - it must be ENJOYABLE :)
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I started teaching VIOLIN when I was 12 years of age (yup...12 :) and have continued. I began teaching dance when I was in high school, as well as coaching young cheer/dance squads, and coaching developmentally challenged children gymnastics. From there, I attended the prestigious Wittenberg Conservatory for the Arts on FULL SCHOLARSHIPS in both VIOLIN and VOICE. I also attended Northwestern University and DePaul University to continue my studies, including a Masters in Vocal Performance from Northwestern University. I have taught at Northwestern University, DePaul University, Roosevelt University, and more. I have been coaching various artist endeavors (Voice, Violin, Acting, Dance, Banjo, Keys, Guitar) since the early 90's - and after working for many other studios and colleges and universities, I opened my own studio in 2006, which I still run and love. I also teach two after school programs focused on Keys and Guitar. I
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I have varying pricing - depending on the length of the lesson - and I offer discounts.
30 min= $30; 45 min= $40; 60 min= $50; 90 min= $75.00
Discounts are 10% off 2 prepays, 15% off 4 prepays and 20% off 6 prepays (which is more than a lesson for free).
:)
How did you get started teaching?
When I was 9 years old, I was taken from my gradeschool to study with the highschool orchestras - and by age 10, also with college students. I was asked to teach they gradeschool kids when I was age 12. I said YES :)
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with everyone from beginners to advanced clients with masters in music - as well as Grammy and Platinum recording stars, Tony award winners, Classical, Broadway, Rock, Pop, R&B, and winners and contestants on American Idol, The Voice, Nashville Star, etc.....music is UNIVERSAL and should be enjoyed by everyone :)
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Performing as a vocalist for a major fundraiser for Childhood Leukemia, and also performing for the AVON39 - for over 40,000 people who walked, ran, supported the event in Chicago :)
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Find a teacher who wants you to be YOU and listens TO you. If someone just wants to put you on the same path as everyone else - then you have no chance of developing into anyone else BUT everyone else. You want individualized attention and someone who really understands YOUR goals - not forcing their own on you.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Ask about the teachers methods of instruction - their background - ask how they communicate with their students - and formulate questions about what you want to learn, and what to expect from lessons.