About
Becasue, I am a performing artist, singing teacher and vocal coach, my approach is from multiple perspectives and I understand the thoughts, ideas and attitudes of a student. I know how to handle many of the challenges they often face and address them from their point of view. My expertise is particularly in breathing, enunciation (diction), the development of vocal range and as an actor, interpretation of and performance of vocal material to bring the musin to life.
The major thing that encourges me to continue to teach is seeing that light bulb go off in the student's head when they "get it!" It takes a while sometimes for the student to grasp all that is being communicated to them, but when it connects, I love seeing the spark, excitemtment and joy on the student's face. I know that may sound corny, but it is a real phenomenon, and I love it!
Specialties
Musical styles
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Photos and videos
Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Regardless of a students experience, I always begin with the basics. From there, each student will progress at their own pace; some more quickly than others becasue of their experiences. Singing is more than just having a nice voice. Becasue I am a technician, and teach the mechanics of how to play the instrument of voice, it will be several weeks before we get into the actually singing of songs. It is the transition from technique to song that will be the greatest challenge for some students and how to bridge that gap. That is my expertise, showing them how to do that so they can Vocalize with Vocal Ease without hurting themselves, vocally, over time.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
50 years as a performing artist and 40 years of instruction is a great beginning. As a teacher with an MS degree in Special Education, where I taught deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) children, I obtained the knowledge that now allows me the expertise in enunciation and diction, to prepare my students to not only sing, but to be understood.
Feel free to explore my website, www.RozlynSorrell.com, or even Google my name for more details about my background, history and experience, becasue it is too much to list here.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My standard rate is $75/hr, however, I do also offer 30 min. sessions at $40. Payment is paid a month at a time and I strongly recommend a student be committed about their vocal development and craft enough to invest a minimum of three (3) months of weekly sessions into that develpment. It is nealy impossible to develop the basic skills required to make a difference in one's voice in less time than that. Although one may understand intellectually the concepts and principles of singing while we are working together, working independently is not a good decision until those concepts have been mastered to the point of self-correction, and muscle memory has been stabilized. More details can be discussed about that as we move forward.
How did you get started teaching?
True story! I had been teaching in LA, CA, but when I relocated to NC, I had stopped until one day in choir rehearsal, a member had challenges with a certain section of a solo. I quickly made a couple of sugestions and the issue was resolved. The choir director encouraged me to do it full time. Within a short period of time, I had found a location and was, indeed, teaching full-time.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with children as young as 5 years to mature adults. I helped guide students to winning beauty contestants, recording CDs, college entrance auditions and even earning roles on Broadway. Most of my students are more mature now, only becasue I don't want to take the joy out of singing for young students. My technique can be a little intense and too rigerous for young students who just love to sing and love music. Unless the young student is already performing professionally, are focused, hard-working and serious about their craft, I may not be the right teacher for them. A conversation with parent and child will help determine that. Those students prepared to work with me, understand that singing well is hard work and they will have to invest time and effort to improve.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I am proud of performing often with the Durham Symphony, however, one of my most rewarding recent performance experiences was having been able to perform in Porgy and Bess in South Carolina with an incredibly gifted group of performers during a 100 year Anniversary of the production.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I have noticed that a lot of students ultinately decide on a teacher based on price. That is perhaps acceptable for those just singing as a hobby. My viewpoint is, if one is more pofessionally bound, more thought and consideration should be made on value, based on the teacher's experience, track record and reputation for what they do. The quality of these things wll also determine the cost of their services and will generally be higher than the average instructor.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
I believe a student should give thought and consideration about what their goals actually are. There is a lot of talent in this world, but everyone does not want to sing on Broadway. Some just want to sing well at Karaoke on weekends or in church on Sunday, and that is okay. The teacher, however, needs to know these things in order to instruct the student properly and not, perhaps, put unnecessary demands on the student, requesting they do something that is not in their vision, especially if it is a child.