I teach from my home studio in Virginia Beach: 1013 Sunnyside Drive.
We will work toward your individual goals of vocal production training (proper breath control and diaphragm support, forward vocal placement and focus, vowel modification, diction, stage presence, posture, and microphone technique). When applicable, we will prepare audition and performance pieces.
I require that you take one lesson per week. If you desire to study voice and work towards establishing and maintaining a healthy vocal technique, you need consistent training and practice. 40+ Years of teaching have proven unequivocally to me that weekly study is necessary to promote motivated and disciplined study and progress.
I require that you make a Semester commitment to study voice with me and four weeks’ notice when you plan to cease lessons for any reason. Fall Semester begins in mid-August/September, & Winter/Spring Semester begins in January.
A half hour lesson enables us to spend about 15 minutes on warm-ups and exercises, and another 15 minutes on a song. If you come to your lesson warmed-up and ready to sing, we will have more time for exercises and technique work. For serious and more advanced students who want more intense training and repertoire time, I recommend an hour lesson.
I recommend working on warm-ups and exercises a minimum of 20-30 minutes five days a week for beginning students. (Advanced students shouldn’t be asking this question!) Song repertoire work and memorization time depends on your schedule as well as your goals – but an additional half hour five days a week (in addition to your lesson time) would be a minimum! Remember: without hours of independent, self-motivated practice time, you will NEVER reach your goals.
By all means!! I will certainly make recommendations of certain songbooks or sheet music you should purchase, and I will inform you where you can purchase them. (www.musicnotes.com OR www.sheetmusicdirect.com).
Recording each lesson not only enables you to practice your warm-ups and exercises along with the piano (and in the correct key!), but you will also be able to hear progress that is made during the lesson. You will be reminded of those “little suggestions” that can make such a difference -- but are easy to forget when you’re practicing at home.
I can record your lesson on my computer and will upload the mp3 recording to a Google Drive Folder that I share with you.
What is the tuition fee for voice lessons?
I will be sending a monthly reminder invoice via email by the first week of each month.
Payment for the entire month is due the first lesson of the month, unless other written arrangements are made with me. (I do understand that for some family budgets, other arrangements are necessary, and that’s no problem, as long as we discuss it.)
**NOTE: Payments after the 15th of each month will incur a $10 late fee, unless this has been prearranged with me. Please understand that as much as I enjoy teaching private students, this is a business. I depend upon this income just as YOU depend upon the fruits of your labor to meet your monthly budget requirements.
This is Optional. If there are 5 Mondays, Tuesdays, etc. in a specific month, we can discuss plans. Most of the time we will skip the 5th week – or in some cases, another week.
Yes. There is a $50 non-refundable Registration Fee (due by SEPT. 1 for the Fall Semester & January 10 for the Spring semester. This is not a deposit – it is a fee in addition to your monthly tuition. After you submit the registration form AND this fee is paid, you are assured of a place in my studio. We can then immediately schedule your regular lesson time.
What if my voice lesson time conflicts with rehearsals for a show in which I've been cast?
When you audition for a show, don’t forget to list your voice lesson time as a potential schedule conflict. Directors who want the best performance out of our singers often have to make allowances for their training and education, even if it means that the performer has to miss a little show rehearsal time. As a Musical Director, I am grateful for the actors/singers who have private vocal instruction, for it not only helps the performer, but it also helps the show! Make- up lessons for final dress rehearsals and performances will be arranged if at all possible!
This depends on the circumstances. I attempt to be flexible when it comes to make-up lessons, for I understand that emergencies and the common cold do not necessarily adhere to our schedules! However, the pre-arranged lesson time is reserved for you, and if you cancel, I cannot always guarantee a make-up lesson.
Here are a couple of specific policies:
PLEASE Note carefully;
If you cancel the same day or do not show up for a lesson (or make-up lesson) for any reason, please know that I will be sitting at the piano in your honor, for you have paid for that time already. I cannot offer a make-up lesson.