About
I aim to serve on all levels by striving to understand the individual goals and unique learning styles of each student.
I teach both voice and piano as well as coach performance, songwriting and artist development.
During my career, I have worked with children and adults of all ages in both classrooms and in private lessons. In addition I have worked at record labels, recording studios, served on boards for songwriting organizations & booked music venues in New York City.
I have a wide range of experience to offer students and give them the tools they need to succeed at all levels from beginner to pro.
Childhood Education
My first teaching experience was with a company called Music Together and I trained specifically to work with young children. Childhood is a magical time to begin experiencing making music. Learning musical skills helps children to develop their cognitive functioning, coordination and creative thinking. I understand that each child is unique in how they learn & grasp musical concepts. I believe in honoring their individuality and observing their process, so that we can work together in a way that makes learning fun and fruitful.
Adults
It’s can feel overwhelming to step up at an older age and begin to learn how to sing, write or play an instrument. I get it! I didn’t begin most of my formal training until later in life. This experience gave me a unique understanding of what it’s like to learn as an adult. It’s never too late to begin.
Professional Artists
AS a performing artist.....YOU are your music – you are your voice. And it’s my passion to help people uncover and develop that unique voice inside of them. If you could live your life doing something else, you would..... But you can’t because your creativity is burning inside of you waiting to be heard. It’s my job to give you the tools to develop that gift and help you to get your music out there in a big way. I believe in your success! I work with developing artists from 3 angles – honing your vocal craft, creating an amazing, confident live performance and teaching you how to develop a sustainable career so that you can make your living doing what you love. If you are interested in taking your artistry to the next level, contact me so we can talk about how I can help you get there!
How did I get here?
I grew up in the music business. My father, Milton Sincoff, was a Senior VP at Arista records so I began learning about the industry at a very young age. During college, I worked at Elektra Records & afterward at The Hit Factory recording studio, Absolute Audio Mastering Studio and for many years as a talent buyer, booking music venues in New York City.
After graduating with a BA from Sarah Lawrence College, I continued my education at The Juilliard School extension division where I focused on classical composition and music theory. All throughout my career I have been blessed to study with some of the top names in the business including Cari Cole, Tom Jackson, Renee Grant Williams, Jason Blume & Pat Pattison.
While I was in New York City, a friend reached out and asked if I would sub some of her lessons. I discovered that I loved teaching music to people! That school hired me immediately.
A few years later, I moved to Taos, NM. I began a private practice there in addition to working at the Taos high after school music program and the Taos Youth Music School.
When I arrived in Nashville I taught at a music store called, Simon-Ripleys music and in 2012, I opened my own teaching practice on Music Row.
As a music artist I have independently recorded and released 2 award winning albums. Before landing in Nashville, I spent 10 years playing live music in New York City & around the U.S., both blues and my original piano driven alternative pop.
As a songwriter in Nashville, I sit on the Board for the Tennessee Songwriters Association and I have 3 independent artist cuts.
In addition to a music career, I am also a certified yoga instructor. This training has given me a unique level of understanding the voice, body & mind as well as specialized techniques to help artists release tension/ blocks & connect with their potential & expand their creativity. It’s amazing to experience how yoga helps to develop both voice and performance. In 2012, I created a modality called Voga – Yoga for Voice & Creativity. You can learn more about it here VogaYoga.com.
I have been teaching music for over 15 years all ages and all levels! Contact me to see how we can work together and help you on your path to making music.
for past student reviews go to
http://meredithblismusiccoaching.com/testimonials/
Helping people learn to make music! And assist artists to develop & grow their careers.
I Love helping people build stronger voices - develop their natural abilities and create more confidence expressing music. I enjoy making music theory fun and easy to understand. It's also a joy for me to help people develop the skill set and learn to play piano!
Highlights
Reviews
Katharina N.
Laurie M.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I sit down with them and assess their goals, their level of experience, and what material they would like to focus on. Then we create a plan to help them reach their creative goals!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
BA Sarah Lawrence College
The Juilliard School extension division
Composition and Music Theory -
Berklee College of Music Online
Ableton for Live Performance
Certification for Music Together- Early Childhood Music
Teachers Include
Cari Cole, Renee Grant Williams (voice)
Tom Jackson, Amy Wolter (music performance)
Pat Pattison, Jason Blume, Steve Seskin (songwriting)
Ed Niemann (piano)
I am so grateful to have worked and learned from some of the top people in these creative fields!
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$70/ hour
$35/ half hour
How did you get started teaching?
15 years ago, I began by subbing for a friend who was a voice/piano teacher in NYC at an established music school. I discovered that I loved teaching! She mentored me and when I left NYC, I began to teach privately.
I have also worked under the mentorship of a top vocal coach with a clientele of artists who are Grammy-winners, have appeared on The Voice and American Idol.
What types of students have you worked with?
All ages from beginning piano (5) to older students (65)
I work well with beginning piano to intermediate classical. In addition, I have worked with songwriters to help them learn piano for writing
Voice - All levels including those who sing for the fun of it as well as those who are pursuing a professional career path
Career Mentoring for aspiring artists to assist them in navigating the music industry and reaching their professional goals.
Music Theory, Songwriting and Composition for all levels
for student testimonials click here
http://meredithblismusiccoaching.com/testimonials/
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
In Nashville there are so many amazing events / fundraisers where musicians bond together to raise money for a cause or a person who need assistance. I love how music can have a postiive impact and bring people together.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Talk to people and find someone who you connect with. There are a lot of amazing teachers, the key is finding someone who you can learn from. In addition it's imperative for a teacher who supports your goals and creates a supportive environment.
Stay open but trust your instincts if you don't resonate with someones style or approach to learning.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What instrument do you want to learn
What kind of material /genre do you want to learn
Are you looking to pursue a professional path or just a hobbyist
If you are not a beginner, think about the areas of learning that come easy to you as well as your Challenges - what areas would you like to improve in your craft?