About
Unlike many traditional studios, my expertise is in teaching popular music styles and gospel. Students of all ages have come to me as beginners and are now singing or playing guitar in their church praise teams, bands & a cappella groups, school shows and much more. I also work with professional singers and bands to help with Harmony, blend, performance and protecting their vocal health.
When Student are ready, we have a recording studio on site with an engineer/ producer ready to help you take the next step at Jharck Records!
I have a special focus on Christian and Gospel styles. Training Christian artists and worship singers to bring their best for God. Many parents wanting a teacher who will teach Christian music bring their children to me for lessons, too.
I have been playing guitar since age nine; writing and singing my own music and covers for audiences since that time. I have recorded and marketed my original albums. I have been there and know what is needed to gain the skills and confidence to get out on stage and do it. I think my excitement for music is infectious. My students catch the bug!
I love seeing the excitement in my students’ faces when they accomplish a new skill or notice how they have grown! I also love watching my students on stage, get better roles or solos; or seeing them grow as a professional.
I also love being a mentor for my young students and a guide in many ways for my adult students- helping each to see their own potential and a complies their goals!
Photos and videos
Reviews
Teresa C.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
- The process for working together is simply this: please call or text me so we can discuss scheduling options for lesson times. Then come over to my Billerica studio for your first lesson (For now all lessons are on line) Most students pay by the month by check or through my square store. There is a one time $20 registration fee.
Voice: Every lesson we will do some stretches to wake up the body and loosen up the facial muscles. The we do some fun exercises to increase breath control, range control and more. Finally we work on songs to perform at student recitals, school or church, gigs or theatre productions.
Guitar: Each lesson will be a combination of working on skills like scales, reading, new chords etc and working on songs for enjoyment and performance.
Get in touch at 617-686-7075.
Thanks,
Julie
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Most recently I have been studying at the CCM Vocal Pedagogy Institute at Shenandoah University. In past years i have attended classes at both New England conservatory and Boston Conservatory in popular voice and musical theater training, voice science, vocal health & function etc. My undergraduate work was at Oberlin Conservatory, and Berklee College of Music where I studied voice, guitar, songwriting and arranging. I have studied with numerous private teachers since that time as well. I also took masters classes at Gordon College in Teaching Kids to sing.
I have spent many years teaching both private voice and guitar and teaching classes in public schools as a music teacher as well as coaching church choirs for adults and children and leading over 100 different student shows.
I have also been working as a professional musician since high school in rock, country, jazz, gospel and folk groups, wedding and original bands; singing at nursing homes and kids' parties, benefits and original gigs.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
1/2 hour private lessons in person or over Skype (Based on one lesson a week and paying monthly): $30
45 minutes: $45
Hour lessons" $55
Cost to bring me to coach your band or choir is $100/ hour
Other group lessons, workshops etc are on a case by case basis.
How did you get started teaching?
I was always a performer with a second job to make a living... Finally I got sick of spending all day doing something that didn't matter to me to be able to play music at night, so I left sales and waitressing etc behind and started teaching in an artist in the schools program in the public schools. I loved teaching! Along the way various people asked me for private lessons and I taught some privately also on the side.
When I gave birth to twins I decided I could not adaquately teach all day in the schools and be there for my kids so I took the leap of faith to really build my private studio. At first it was supplimented by teaching classes here and there at rec departments etc until I had enough private students to make a living. - And here we are!
What types of students have you worked with?
All types! I take students age 5- retired. Side note, not all 5 year olds have the maturity for it yet...
I have worked with students that don't think they have any musical talent and helped them to gtrow in basic skills and confidence and I have worked with professionals that needed to fix some bad habits, overcome vocal problems or build their skillset.
I also work with many Christian and gospel artists and families that want their kids to learn Christian songs for church.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I have a high school aged young man I teach over Skype. After a year or so helping him improve his ear for pitch and learn to transition between his registers etc he surprised me by landing the lead in his school's production of Grease!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for a teacher with patience and belief in your potential. Listen well and practice smart. Your teacher should have real world experience they can pass on and be ready to see your unique style and needs and let you be you.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What experience they are looking for in a teacher? What styles do they need to have expertise in? What schedule will work best for them? What can they afford? What atre their goals in lessons?