My early training was in piano, and I studied voice and composition in college. I came to vocal music teaching through musical theater, where I was a performer. Because my piano skills often had me playing in the rehearsal hall, I frequently found myself giving advice or encouragement to my fellow singers. In 1993, when my children were still young, I hung out a shingle for my studio, and have since become a well-respected vocal coach/accompanist in my own right.
Dedicated to my private students ranging in age from 8 to 85 years old, they include flute students aspiring to be professional performers and adult or young players enthusiastically loving every new song they learn. I equally enjoy working with reed players honking out their first notes, piano players discovering new patterns, and elementary students excited to practice pieces for their school band.
Please visit http://katrinawreede.com for more complete bio info.
See website for biographical information: http://teresamccollough.com/
You can read about me and my work at www.raeeka.com
I have been teaching all my life because that is what I love to do. These are some highlights from my career.
Heidi Castelman Award for Excellence in teaching chamber music 1993
Vasta teacher of the year 1989
Chamber ensembles invited to perform for MENC 1996, 1994
Orchestras invited to perform for MENC 1992, 1993, 2000
Ensembles invited to Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition 1991-1999, 2001
Sigma Quartet from TJHSST win third prize, Fischoff 1993
I've been teaching voice lessons privately for the last 15 years, At Santa Rosa J C, beginning voice classes as well as advanced, ranging in style from pop to musical theatre to classical. I have also taught diction for singers in Italian, French, German and English.
My website is www.phyllisplotkinpiano.com if you really want an in-depth look at my philosophy about my teaching, methods and goals for my students.
But, I'll say here, that each student is very different in how they learn, and I try to adapt what I do according to their age, interest and needs.
If the student is young, I like the parents to be part of what's going on, so they can help their child at home.
I come from a very musical family of professional musicians. I began teaching in public schools in 1961 and continue today. I began playing string bass in the 5th grade and have never stopped. I have played in many orchestras, performed in the pit for so many shows, play in jazz and pop groups, R & R, classical etc. You name it, I play it. I have owned my own school, K - 9 grades for over 30 years and work very well with children. All three of my children are musicians.