About
Magic happens mutually when I give singing lessons to my students. I've worked as a professional singer and performer almost 20 years since childhood. My background is expansive, ranging from singing at charity events, to winning the golden ticket in Hollywood as a contestant on the national television series "American Idol" in 2018. I am a 3X Apollo Theater Winner in Harlem, NYC. I provide the best technique I can and individual training created specifically for each student. I provide an array of tools, knowledge, and a platform for my students to perform in real life venues. Some of the skills we work on include chest voice, mixed belt, head voice, range, phrasing, ear training, riffing, and other techniques. I work with voices ranging from 6 years old to adulthood in a variety of genres. I am currently enrolled at Berklee College of Music online in an Interdisciplinary Music Studies major. Vocal health is encouraged and important in my teaching, I go over many different kinds of warm-ups for vocal health and longevity. My goal is to bring out your confidence, strengthen your voice and techniques, and ignite your passion to sing.
I give a thousand percent of myself and focus my to each student every lesson. For a moment in time, the world stops and it's just the music and us. The abundant amount of positive vibes and energy in the room when working on musc with a student is a mutual gift. I am fulfilled being a part of the creative process and bringing out a studen'ts art, their voice. I give the same amount of passion to someone looking to get better at singing as a hobby, to someone who is pursuing a singing career. Both have different goals, but my dedication to each student remains the same. I wake up every day grateful to have the honor to inspire, teach, and motivate kids, and other adults who share the same love in life as me, singing :)
Reviews
Melissa
Joshua O.
Moriah L.
YMC
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I give some bakground about my experience as a vocal coach and muisc professional, then I ask my students their specific goals and vision as a singer. I do a breakdown of how my lessons are structured. I remind them it is important to practice, but not be so hard on themselves and have FUN! I introduce some warm ups, then we start working on a song of their choice they feel most comfortable with.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am currently enrolled in the Bachelor's program at Berklee College of Music studying interdisciplinary music studies. I completed an Associates Degree in Liberal Arts from Holyoke Community College.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
30 minute interval- $40
45 minute interval- $50
60 minute- $60
How did you get started teaching?
I fell into teaching about two years ago after I worked as a camp counselor at a music summer enrichment program. I filled in as a music teacher at an elementary school in Chicopee, MA and found so much talent and love for music there I decided to share my passion and knowledge with others. I figured since I have been performing and singing for many years, all of my childhood, I felt ready and confident to give back and give others a chance to perform and learn like I had growing up.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with many different students. My youngest student is 7 years old, my oldest has been 55. I have worked with beginners, who know nothing about singing or music, and we start first with basuc songs and melodies to develop their ear. I have worked with teenagers who love to sing and are getting out of their comfort zones, learning about who they are and their unique voice. I have worked with kids in their preteens as well, who are fearless and ready to belt out an Ariana Grande tune, and are open to learning the standards and different genres of music I give them. I am open to working with anyone at any age. I have also helped a couple autistic children, and one blind boy who was 10 years old. I have also helped students in their 20's, and 30's, I am open to anyone, all love, acceptance, and understanding.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
A recent event I am fond of is when my student Hannah finished writing her original song, and she sang it while I played. It was the most beautiful song from the heart, and I was extrememely proud of her because she came up with the ideas, melodies, and lyrics by herself with just a little of my guidance. I am proud of her bravery because she shared it with her class, and shared a piece of herself, her art. Congrats to Hannah on graduating the 8th grade too! :)
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
My advice to give a student looking to hire a teacher in my expertise is to be openminded to growing and trying new things. Sometimes singing can be intimidating because it is in a special place of your heart and soul, but music is universal and when you sing from your heart, there is no wrong or right answer. Have fun and remember to do the songs that you love, and learn about what makes you happy and what songs you get excited to sing. Always be open to new music and genres, there is always room for growth and versatality helps you learn and connect more about others and yourself.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
1. What techniques can you teach me in order for me to grow?
2. What is a singing range and will mine change?
3. Why do we have to warm up?
4. How do you help me achieve the goals I have set out for myself as a singer?