Christine Padua

Introduction: Christine is a professional vocal coach and piano instructor who resides in the Alexandria area. She has over six years of teaching experience and has taught hundreds of students during that time (both vocal and piano throughout the dmv area). She is considered an expert in her field and maintains a very active studio. Christine's unique approach to voice has allowed her to continue to help beginning to expert level students advance their technique with incredible results. She specializes in vocal intonation. Her methodology in intonation is unmatched by any other approach. Her methods in vocal intonation translate directly and indirectly into all styles of legitimate singing. Students will learn the full potential of their instrument under her guidance. She offers voice lessons that are based on the continuous assessment of the student's individual voice type and unique vocal needs. Her style of teaching is a total immersion manner of teaching. Her goal is for her vocal students to discover their authentic voice and find freedom in their technique as vocalist and most importantly their expression as artist. Christine is also a highly sought out piano instructor for her ability to establish an exceptional foundation in beginning piano students. She teaches Russian technique, which allows for flexibility, strength, and beauty of musical lines on piano. This technique can be applied to all styles of music for piano. Her goal is for all of her music students to become increasingly independent as musicians to where they feel confident to teach themselves and others and to ultimately find enjoyment in the process of learning music. Her approach helps students advance their technique, reading proficiency, including music theory and expand their artistic capabilities. She received her music education in classical vocal performance from George Mason University and has continued her studies with Mrs. Fabiana Bravo. Christine also has an international recording career as an adult contemporary artist. Music in itself is a long term process that requires constant discipline and perseverance. This is not a natural concept to most people. Meaning, most people have come to believe that it is necessary to have raw talent to play or sing music and that raw talent is also sufficient. This view is not true, regardless of talent. It also limits people from trying to pursue music who don't consider themselves musically inclined. Sadly they very well could be. It also limits and frustrates those who have been told they are talented and don't understand why they are not progressing due to lack of discipline. They might not be as receptive to taking on challenging work in a real constructive way that is both necessary and beneficial to their development because they have come to believe it should be natural to them. It's unfair on both accounts. I teach that music is a skill that needs to be developed and nurtured. It is something that can be achieved and realized under proper guidance and care. It also requires confidence and patience that I believe a teacher can largely contribute to. I enjoy celebrating the small victories with my students. I also believe it is necessary to acknowledge these small feats and accomplishments in order to feel motivated to continue. Feeling successful generates feeling motivated. I have successfully worked with the entire range of students in terms of how they learn, so it is important that we take the time to implement a routine that works for each individual student. It is a tremendous amount of work, even on my end, but it can be deeply rewarding. I remind my students that this is a craft that takes years to master, not months. It is important to be realistic about how to pursue music so that we stay motivated and also confident as we continue to work towards improvement. I also enjoy seeing how the discipline of music contributes positively into other aspects of my students lives. I take great pride in my work when I take account of my long term students and their success.