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Finding a Teacher in YOUR Area |
What type of singing do you teach?
All styles, including Broadway, jazz, classical, and pop.
What do you focus on during lessons? Each student has different needs, and lessons are tailored to each individual singer. However, I won't let you get away without working on proper vocal technique, musicality, and interpretation. We'll also work together on communicating emotion to your audience. You'll learn to sing without injury. You'll learn great phrasing, tone, resonance, and proper vibrato. We will work on safely increasing your range and your strength. You'll develop both your chest and head voice. We'll also conquer your break.
Is it possible for me to increase my range? In most cases, yes. While every voice has natural limitations, most singers do not use their entire range. I haven't met a singer yet that I couldn't help discover new notes.
I think my technique is pretty solid. Do you provide coaching? Yes, I do provide vocal coaching and repertoire development. In fact, it's one of my specialties!
I have no experience at all! Can you help me? Yes! While we can all sing to some degree, to sing with skill is a learned craft. You are not expected to know how to sing when you walk into a lesson...that's what I'm here for.
I have no aspirations to be a professional. Would I be wasting my time with lessons? Never. Most singing students don't want to be the next Celine Dion. They sing simply because they love to. It's their hobby and perhaps their passion. Whether or not you want to go "big time," taking lessons can greatly increase your enjoyment of singing because it makes singing easier. You'll also sound better!
I have a child who wants to sing. Would lessons be appropriate? A lot depends upon the child. Ask them if they are interested in taking lessons; if their answer is no, leave it at that and don't try to push them. Pressing them could easily snuff out their interest in music. If the child says yes, and they are at least 7 years old, then voice lessons are probably appropriate. Most children under the age of 11 or 12 will be happiest with 30 minute sessions.
In school we had classical-style training. Can you teach me to sing more pop-ish? Yep. I can teach you how to belt, sing in a "mix," have that suave swing sound, etc...and, if you want, we can also brush up your classical sound.
I'm not sure I need lessons, or that you're the right teacher for me. How do I know?
Call me up for just a single lesson. Even if you decide not to continue with lessons, you'll have gained several things:
* A professional's assessment of your voice and its potential
* An idea of what's involved to get your voice where you want it to be
* An idea of what singing lessons are like
* A good start toward good singing technique
Does my age matter? Generally, no. You only need to be old enough to concentrate and follow direction. (Half hour sessions are usually best for children.) As for being "too old," there is no such thing.
How many sessions will I need? That's a decision we'll make together. Some people benefit from ongoing coaching for an indefinite period of time; advanced singers may want to only work on problem areas and then stop lessons. Less advanced students need to go at their own pace when it comes to learning the craft and art of singing. And those who don't rehearse frequently will go at a much slower pace. We will assess your development regularly, and go from there. The decision is always the singer's.
Why do you teach? Although rumor has it that teachers are those who cannot "do," I, for one, am perfectly content with my singing career. I teach because I LOVE to!
What should I bring to our first meeting?
Bring sheet music for a song you are comfortable with. (This is not an audition! I just need to hear what you sound like.) Also bring a pencil and a blank cassette tape. (All lessons will be recorded. Singers need to hear what they sound like; tapes also refresh your memory once you are home and working on your own.) In addition, before our first session, take some time to think about where you want your voice to go, and what you would like to work on.
(c) 2002 by Kristina Seleshanko
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