FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I teach 2 semesters - fall and spring - and one shorter summer session. At the conclusion of each semester (usually the 2nd week of December and the 1st or 2nd week of June), I host a recital at Christ Episcopal Church in Columbia, MD - a gorgeous venue with great acoustics and a grand piano. Students book a weekly lesson time, which is theirs for the semester. I do not teach on days when the student's school district is closed for weather cancellations. Tuition is paid monthly and is due on the first lesson of each month. Summer lessons can be purchased in packs of 4, 6, or 8 and will be scheduled around the student's vacations / camps, etc. Let me know if you'd like more details on my studio policy!
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
For the initial lesson, the student pays for one lesson only (i.e. no monthly commitment is made). If the student / teacher connection is positive and the student would like to continue, they are free to select a regular lesson time. For students with prior experience, please bring any sheet music / lesson book / solo that you have worked on previously; either with another teacher or on your own. For beginners, or those without sheet music let me know prior to your first approximately what level you are at, and I will provide some sheet music to make a level assessment. Please bring water and a recording device (most smart phones have built in recording apps., such as Voice Memos on the iPhone).
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have extensive training in vocal performance, piano and yoga. All three disciplines overlap uniquely in my teaching. For example, yoga practice encourages good posture, breath awareness, mental focus; all skills necessary for singing and playing piano. Playing piano requires aural skills, visual focus, mental focus, hand-eye coordination, etc.; all important in holding a good warrior II or balance posture. Singing requires control of breath, the ability to match pitch, emotional awareness and good posture ---- I also accompany my singers on the piano..so as you can see there's a lot of overlap.... Degrees, Certifications, Areas of Study •D.M.A. (Doctor of Musical Arts) Vocal Performance (University of MD) •M.M. (Master of Music) Opera Studio (University of MD) •B.M. (Bachelor of Music) Vocal Performance (Eastman School of Music) •Secondary Piano Study (Eastman School of Music, Dr. Caleb Harris) •200 Hour Vinyasa Yoga Certification (Kali Yoga Studio, Abby Dobbs, Washington DC) •Yoga Independent Study - Michael Joel Hall, Washington DC •National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) - Vice President, Maryland / DC chapter