About
I offer a tailored curriculum to each individual student. No two peoeple are the same and neither should their lessons! I teach a variety of styles in piano, voice, and songwriting for all ages. All of our students at ZDR Performing Arts Studio excel in what they do.
I look forward to joining you in your journey of discovering your musical talents and developing your skills as a musician. I am a trained pianist, professional opera singer, and currently sing with U.S opera companies, symphonies, and arts organizations. My musical journey began with studying classical piano from the age of eight and throughout college. I have performed as a piano soloist, vocal soloist, and also in a rock band where I played contemporary piano and sang lead vocals. After graduating college with a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a focus in piano and voice, I became the director of a conservatory of grades k-12. After a few years, I pursued a masters in vocal performance from the University of Miami. Following the completion of my masters degree, I moved to Boston to perform with the Boston University Opera Institute for 2 years. My career in music has lead me to perform with professional music organizations throughout the United States. I have had the privilege of performing in arenas with over 3 thousand patrons and intimate spaces of just under 100 patrons. I believe that with my experience in performing and my extensive training in music, I am able to give my students the tools necessary to learn a proper technique of their instrument in any repertoire while still enjoying their craft for what it is: a beautiful intangible art form.
WHY I TEACH
Broadly, I teach because I love it. Specifically, it is an amazing feeling to see my students’ progress. It is humbling and encouraging to see my students discover what they’re capable of when the correct technique is taught and the body and mind are able to work together. Many of my incoming students have come with tension and confusion from previously taught ill-informed techniques. Once we they are taught to use their bodies in the most efficient way, it is like a light bulb turns on. I live for those moments! It is equally special to have a student without any previous experience. To see a child’s own fears be conquered after playing a scale or an adult student discovering a vocal range they did not know existed is a great reward for me.
Teaching Philosophy:
VOICE
No matter what genre you choose to focus on, I teach the classical bel canto vocal technique as the foundation to any style. Bel canto means beautiful singing in Italian and it is the oldest and most studied vocal technique in Western music. In addition, we will also be working with the fundamentals of the Alexander Technique. This technique helps one become aware of one’s body when performing and helps the performer address tensions which hinder optimal performance.
Our lessons together will generally include a vocal warm up, Alexander technique exercises, and repertoire. It is important to note that we will develop an individualized lesson plan and curriculum.
Other subjects may include:
Solfeggio
Sight Reading
Singing in foreign languages
Memorization
Music history
Music theory
International Phonetic Alphabet
PIANO
We will also strengthen your hands through technique exercises and scales. Our lessons will generally include technique warm ups and repertoire, and memorization. Because there are various genres within piano repertoire, it is important to note that we will develop an individualized lesson plan and curriculum.
Other subjects may include:
Improvisation
Music theory
Chord structure
Music history
Sight reading
SONGWRITING
These lessons are open to students who play other instruments or are currently studying piano and voice and want to pursue writing their own music. We will work with contemporary styles such as pop, ballads, and musical theater. We will work on poetry, syntax, musical language and style, improvisation, and composition. Songwriting can be incorporated into your piano or voice lessons.
Highlights
Reviews
Mary J.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
When a new student comes in I first meet with the student and talk about their experience and goals. After I have an idea of what the student is looking for we set up a trial lesson. In this lesson the student then decides to proceed to weekly lessons if we are a good fit.