MUSICAL STYLES
Since everyone learns differently, and has different goals;
~Classical~
The Royal Conservatory of Music has extremely high standards for classical music. Exams are offered for each grade level in January, June and August every year, and I help prepare students for these exams up to the grade 9 level. I have been preparing students for Royal Conservatory exams for 13 years, and am very familiar with their expectations and marking criteria. I received the Silver Medal Award in 2003 for the HIGHEST MARK IN THE PROVINCE for that year, on my singing exam. I was also asked to represent the vocal category by singing a selection for the awards ceremony. With tens of thousands of exam candidates in each province each year, this was an extremely rare opportunity. I took classical lessons for 11 years on piano, and 8 years in voice.
~Jazz~
Jazz is my expertise. I currently hold a Bachelor of Music Degree in Jazz Studies with a major in voice and minor in piano. Jazz is one of the most challenging music forms both harmonically and rhythmically. I use jazz music to emphasize independence between the hands in piano study, with steady walking bass lines in the left hand, and syncopated, complex rhythms in the right hand. I also enjoy developing a solid swing feel, and teaching the basics of improvisation. For my vocal students, I enjoy exploring the different tone qualities used in vocal jazz, which can help their repertoire become more diverse and flexible.
~Disney/ Movie Music~
Some of the best music of our time was written by the talented people at Disney studios. What better way for kids to learn rhythm and performance qualities than through their favorite songs!? From classics like Snow White and Sleeping Beauty to modern day favorites like Shrek and High School Musical, kids love learning songs they know! This is generally my starting point for vocal lessons with children. Most of these songs are “belter” songs, which are great for the development of strong tone and vocal expressiveness. Accompaniment tracks are provided so they can feel like a Disney star when they practice at home!
~Rock/ Pop~
This is the number one style I teach to pre-teens and teens. I am constantly buying sheet music for the latest chart topping hits, and currently have music by Linkin Park, Blink 182, Green Day, The Fray, Daughtry, Nickelback, Simple Plan, Fergie, Natasha Bedingfield, Christina Aguilera, Avril Lavigne, James Blunt, Daniel Powter, Carrie Underwood, U2, Seether, Evanescence, The Calling, Kelly Clarkson, Dixie Chicks, KT Tunstall, Aerosmith, Five for Fighting, and Vanessa Carlton. Don’t recognize any of those names? Perhaps these songs are not from your generation! That’s fine! I have taught a lot of adult students over the years as well, and I teach music from Elton John, the Beatles, Celine Dion and more! It’s amazing how this style of music can really hold the interest of my students. Suddenly, piano becomes cool!
~Broadway~
This is a style I use mainly for my voice students. It is very helpful in teaching projection and performance. I teach appropriate gestures and blocking for the stage. A singer is an actor too, so I really emphasize tips on how to communicate with the audience, and tricks for making the most out of vocal dynamics and facial expression.
~Worship/ Playing in a Band~
It’s funny how people in the church find out that you play piano and suddenly “whammo!” you find yourself on the worship team. But what is this? They put a chord chart in front of you that has words and letters, but no notes! I have been leading worship from the piano for over 10 years now, and I experienced the same thing when I first started out. So I use the keyboard in my studio to show students how the piano is used in band situations. I teach reading chord symbols, and “filling in the blanks”. I also show them what synthesizer sounds are expected in what situations. This helps them know what to play whether they are in a worship team setting, or just starting a garage band with their friends.
I never force a student into a particular style, and I will only teach classical music to the students whose parents are on board with the commitment it requires. Generally I use a mix of styles to create a student that is well rounded, and enjoys what they learn!
If you want to see results, remember that any musician or singer is only as good as their determination to succeed! Practice, Commitment, and Persistence are required for accomplishment in any area of life, music is no different.