FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I charge by the hour, 45 minutes, or 30 minutes depending on the desired length. I usually suggest that the student take just one lesson with me to see if we are a right fit. There are discount rates available if you take weekly and pay by the month. If not, the fee goes up to my standard rates depending on length of lesson.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I always start with a vocal exercise to to determine what is going on with your voice and discuss with you what needs to be worked on to develop your voice properly. After that, I ask that you sing a song, any song of your choosing, so I can get a better idea of what happens when you are singing songs and give you some quick magic-like tricks to open up your voice, get it into proper placement, and show you some techniques that will take you straight into the emotional content and story of your songs. Since I only teach Online via SKYPE or by phone, as with any online platform there is a delay. Because of this, and for vocal exercises only, you must have access to a keyboard or guitar and know what each note is between middle C and high C. You do not have to play well. You only have to be able to pluck out the notes for the vocal exercises only. If you can sing a'capella well, you won't need an instrument. I will teach you one simple exercise to start. In your off time, you will have to practice playing it to at least know what you are doing so you can practice what you've been instructed to practice on your own. Just so you know, after 30 years+ of playing these exercises myself, even I still make mistakes! So as long as you can pluck out the notes, there is no need to worry or stress over any of this. For singing songs, you only need your already downloaded music to sing with, either with the singer or without. It doesn't matter if you sing with them because I am not listening to that singer. I am listening to only YOU. If you prefer to play for yourself with your preferred instrument, that too is great. Nothing more is required. I always try to make the vocal exercises fun for you. They are not meant to be a chore, nor are they meant to be worked on every single day. 20 minutes a day 4 times a week at most is all that is required. It's quality not quantity. You are free to sing songs as much as you want. And, by all means, HAVE FUN WHEN YOU DO!!!
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I graduated from Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY with a Bachelor of Science in Speech