About
Hello. I have many years of experience teaching singing. Please visit my website, seriousaboutsinging.com, for more information about my approach to teaching and my experience as a teacher. I also play piano to accompany students in most any style of music. There is a page on the site that features recordings of students I have worked with. Just recently my student, Jay Park, signed a contract with Jay Z, the recording artist and music producer (and husband of Beyonce!). I work with adults of any age and kids 15 years old and older.
I love singing, and I really enjoy teaching. The two together work very well for me as a music teacher.
Highlights
Reviews
Damon T.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I teach students how to sing by showing them correct posture, breathing exercises, and proper singing technique using singing exercises and scales. All singing exercises are recorded to a cd, and the student can record the exercises to their phone as well. Students can practice with the exercises during the week between lessons. As the lessons progress the exercises become more challenging. The exercises will improve a student's tone, intonation (singing in tune), increase range, and give the student more power and flexibility. Think of it like going to the gym for the voice. They do wonders for a person's ability to sing!
Next, we work on a song. We will work on a song using the singing techniques the student is learning in their scale work, and their breathing and posture work. We will also work on diction and dynamics and stylistic elements to bring the song to life. I accompany the student on piano. I am able to transpose songs on the spot to a key that matches the student's voice range. I'm open to students picking songs, but I do need sheet music. Also, in my studio I have a big library of songs in many styles. We can select songs from my library as well. I will record an accompaniment to the song we are working on to cd and to the student's phone, with and without the melody. This gives the student the option to practice the song with me playing the melody, or without me playing the melody - which is usually more fun for the singer.
So simply put, we work on singing technique and exercises, and songs.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a wide breadth of musical experience. I started performing as a singer when I was 11 years old. I also studied piano and trombone for many years. I studied music at the University of Washington, Western Washington University and at Cornish College. I was on the faculty of Cornish College in the 1980's and I am currently a singing teacher on staff at Shorelinge Community College. I have studied singing with 8 different singing teachers over the years.