Welcome to my studio! Please look around. I have tried to make a simple, user friendly blog. I believe I have answered any questions you may have, but feel free to contact me if you do have any questions. If you would like to schedule voice lessons with me please call me at 801-358-3167.
I teach voice lessons to adults and children out of my home in Lehi, UT. My fees are far less than many other people are charging. This is not because you will be receiving lower quality voice lessons. It is because I believe everyone should have the opportunity to have quality music lessons. I realize in this economy that many people are having to cut back on luxuries and sometimes music lessons fall into that category. I hope to keep some people from having to do that.
In an effort to produce musicians who are musically well rounded, lessons will not only include lessons in voice, but will also include theory, sight singing, and later in the student’s progress (if they would like), basic conducting skills. It is not enough to just have a good voice, but you must also know what you are singing and distinguish between how it should and should not sound, thus becoming a complete musician.
Click here to watch a video of my performance at the Manti Miracle Pageant on the Manti Utah temple grounds last summer.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Main Components to My Lessons
Voice- You will learn proper posture, breathing, mouth “shape”, diction, and musicality so you may produce the most pleasant vocal sounds and have an overall pleasing performance. NO voice, no matter how naturally good, reaches its full potential without the proper use of these techniques. On the other hand, applying these techniques to a voice that may be considered “mediocre” by others will do WONDERS for it.
Theory- During your first lesson your theory skills will be evaluated in order to determine your theory level. You do not need to know any music theory in order to begin lessons. We can start at the beginner level or at whatever level you are at. If you are already fluent in music theory then less time will be focused on this. Written music is the singer’s “map”. Just as you cannot get to a new destination without being able to read and understand a map or at least basic directions, a singer cannot reach their full potential without being able to read and understand their “map”. Also, when I started as a music major I was surprised at how much music theory I was expected to already know. If you are a student who plans to pursue music in higher education, it will be beneficial to learn basic music theory before you begin.
Sight Singing- Sight Singing is a benefit to the singer because they learn to be able to look at a piece of music and read it. You will be able to recognize incorrect pitches. Not only will learning to sight read music help you become a better musician overall, you can learn the song quicker, allowing more time to be spent on actual technique and other areas. Chances are you are not taking voice lessons just for the opportunity to learn a song.
Theory- During your first lesson your theory skills will be evaluated in order to determine your theory level. You do not need to know any music theory in order to begin lessons. We can start at the beginner level or at whatever level you are at. If you are already fluent in music theory then less time will be focused on this. Written music is the singer’s “map”. Just as you cannot get to a new destination without being able to read and understand a map or at least basic directions, a singer cannot reach their full potential without being able to read and understand their “map”. Also, when I started as a music major I was surprised at how much music theory I was expected to already know. If you are a student who plans to pursue music in higher education, it will be beneficial to learn basic music theory before you begin.
Sight Singing- Sight Singing is a benefit to the singer because they learn to be able to look at a piece of music and read it. You will be able to recognize incorrect pitches. Not only will learning to sight read music help you become a better musician overall, you can learn the song quicker, allowing more time to be spent on actual technique and other areas. Chances are you are not taking voice lessons just for the opportunity to learn a song.
Contact me
email: r_blacks@yahoo.com
phone: 801-358-3167
I tend to be busy so if I am not able to answer leave a message and I will return your phone call.
phone: 801-358-3167
I tend to be busy so if I am not able to answer leave a message and I will return your phone call.
Student Contract
Please copy and paste the following student contract into your word processor and bring a signed copy to your first lesson:
Student Contract:
I,______________________________, agree to the following terms:
****Attendance Policy Students are expected to be on time to all lessons. Lesson time is lost when a student is late and therefore it slows the student’s progress. Your lesson time is over at the designated time every week. If you are late your lesson time cannot be extended since there will be another student’s lesson immediately following. If tardiness becomes a persistent problem you may be dropped from lessons, altogether. If there are extenuating circumstances (such as illness) that prevent you from coming to a lesson, you must call 4 hours before your lesson is scheduled to start to let me know you will not be coming. At that time I will make every effort to try and reschedule your lesson. If I am unable to reschedule the lesson for that week then you, of course, will not be charged for the lesson. If you have to reschedule more than 4 lessons you may be dropped from lessons, altogether. It depends on the circumstances and is solely up to the teacher’s discretion. If a lesson is missed and you give no notification than you WILL be charged for the lesson and it will NOT be rescheduled. After the 3rd un-notified absence you may be dropped from lessons, altogether.
****I agree to purchasing all necessary and required music. I agree to bring this music and my record notebook to all lessons.
****Participating in all required aspects of the concert as stated below:
Every student is required to participate in the concert. Concerts will be held once a year, near the end of the school year. Attire for the concert is up to the student, but VERY NICE concert attire is suggested. At the least the student should wear Sunday best. The attire is another way for the student to show who they are. Students will also need to acquire an accompanist for their recital. They can have Mom, Grandma, Aunt, whomever, but their accompanist will need to know the music well. If you do not have an accompanist I will have one that you will be able to hire for a couple of rehearsals and the concert. It will be your choice as to get an accompanist on your own or hire the one supplied.
****Practice as lesson assignments require.
****Lesson times and fees: $10 per half hour lesson. Payment for the month is due at the first lesson of the month.
Your lesson day and time is:_______________________________________________
-The student will be required to give 30-day notice if they intend to discontinue lessons.
___________________________________ (student)
____________________________________ (Parent, if applicable)
Student Contract:
I,______________________________, agree to the following terms:
****Attendance Policy Students are expected to be on time to all lessons. Lesson time is lost when a student is late and therefore it slows the student’s progress. Your lesson time is over at the designated time every week. If you are late your lesson time cannot be extended since there will be another student’s lesson immediately following. If tardiness becomes a persistent problem you may be dropped from lessons, altogether. If there are extenuating circumstances (such as illness) that prevent you from coming to a lesson, you must call 4 hours before your lesson is scheduled to start to let me know you will not be coming. At that time I will make every effort to try and reschedule your lesson. If I am unable to reschedule the lesson for that week then you, of course, will not be charged for the lesson. If you have to reschedule more than 4 lessons you may be dropped from lessons, altogether. It depends on the circumstances and is solely up to the teacher’s discretion. If a lesson is missed and you give no notification than you WILL be charged for the lesson and it will NOT be rescheduled. After the 3rd un-notified absence you may be dropped from lessons, altogether.
****I agree to purchasing all necessary and required music. I agree to bring this music and my record notebook to all lessons.
****Participating in all required aspects of the concert as stated below:
Every student is required to participate in the concert. Concerts will be held once a year, near the end of the school year. Attire for the concert is up to the student, but VERY NICE concert attire is suggested. At the least the student should wear Sunday best. The attire is another way for the student to show who they are. Students will also need to acquire an accompanist for their recital. They can have Mom, Grandma, Aunt, whomever, but their accompanist will need to know the music well. If you do not have an accompanist I will have one that you will be able to hire for a couple of rehearsals and the concert. It will be your choice as to get an accompanist on your own or hire the one supplied.
****Practice as lesson assignments require.
****Lesson times and fees: $10 per half hour lesson. Payment for the month is due at the first lesson of the month.
Your lesson day and time is:_______________________________________________
-The student will be required to give 30-day notice if they intend to discontinue lessons.
___________________________________ (student)
____________________________________ (Parent, if applicable)
My Background
My love of singing came at a very young age. I looked for every opportunity to sing I could get, just for the sake of being able to sing. I was in every school choir, musical, and singing group I could possibly be in. No one was shocked when I chose to major in vocal performance in college.
I have done numerous vocal performances, over the years, including as a soloist in several Messiah performances. I attended Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX as a vocal scholarship recipient and I studied under Dr. Deborah Dalton. I participated in NATS competitions, sang in operas, and performed in audition choirs. I am also a former member of the Utah Symphony Chorus. I have served as the ward choir director several times and I LOVED it! My most recent public performance was last summer at the Manti Miracle Pageant on the Manti Temple grounds. I was chosen to sing the Star Spangled Banner on the night with the most attendance. It was a wonderful experience. Not a bad gig for a stay at home mom of 4. To see a video of that performance, click here.
I have done numerous vocal performances, over the years, including as a soloist in several Messiah performances. I attended Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX as a vocal scholarship recipient and I studied under Dr. Deborah Dalton. I participated in NATS competitions, sang in operas, and performed in audition choirs. I am also a former member of the Utah Symphony Chorus. I have served as the ward choir director several times and I LOVED it! My most recent public performance was last summer at the Manti Miracle Pageant on the Manti Temple grounds. I was chosen to sing the Star Spangled Banner on the night with the most attendance. It was a wonderful experience. Not a bad gig for a stay at home mom of 4. To see a video of that performance, click here.
What The Student Can Expect
*Individualized instruction based on your abilities, skills, and goals.
*A fun and life enriching musical experience.
*A curriculum that encompasses progress and success in becoming a complete musician.
*A fun and life enriching musical experience.
*A curriculum that encompasses progress and success in becoming a complete musician.
Fees
Lessons are ½ hour each at $10 a lesson. Payment is due at the begining of the month for the number of lessons that month. I will give you an invoice for the following month on the last lesson of the month.
You can opt to reserve 2- ½ hour lessons per week, as openings permit. Why would you want 2 lessons a week? When I was taking lessons I had 2 – ½ hr. lessons a week (a few days apart) and if I went to one lesson, say on Monday, and I went home and started practicing and I came across a problem or a question I didn’t have to wait until the following Monday to ask it. I knew on Thursday I would be back in a lesson and could ask it then. Come the following Monday the problem was addresses and we could move on. This sped up my progression considerably.
You can opt to reserve 2- ½ hour lessons per week, as openings permit. Why would you want 2 lessons a week? When I was taking lessons I had 2 – ½ hr. lessons a week (a few days apart) and if I went to one lesson, say on Monday, and I went home and started practicing and I came across a problem or a question I didn’t have to wait until the following Monday to ask it. I knew on Thursday I would be back in a lesson and could ask it then. Come the following Monday the problem was addresses and we could move on. This sped up my progression considerably.
Studio Policies
*Attendance Policy: Students are expected to be on time to all lessons. Lesson time is lost when a student is late and therefore it slows the student’s progress. Your lesson time is over at the designated time every week. If you are late your lesson time cannot be extended since there will be another student’s lesson immediately following. If tardiness becomes a persistent problem you may be dropped from lessons altogether. If there are extenuating circumstances (such as illness) that prevent you from coming to a lesson, you must call 4 hours before your lesson is scheduled to start to let me know you will not be coming. At that time I will make every effort to try and reschedule your lesson. If I am unable to reschedule the lesson for that week then you, of course, will not be charged for the missed lesson. If you have to reschedule more than 4 lessons you may be dropped from lessons altogether. It depends on the circumstances and is solely up to the teacher’s discretion. If a lesson is missed and you give no notification then you WILL be charged for the lesson and it will NOT be rescheduled. After the 3rd un-notified absence you may be dropped from lessons altogether.
*Music: Students are required to purchase their own music and bring it to EVERY lesson. Students will also be required to have a notebook of some kind where they will keep a record of what we went over in the lesson along with things they need to practice on their own during the week. I will also keep the same record.
*Practice, Practice, PRACTICE!!! This cannot be stressed enough. It is not enough to simply know the things you should be doing with your muscles when you sing but you must practice them so your muscles become stronger and it becomes easier to get your muscles to do what you want them to do, when you want them to do it. You yourself will become adapted to how it feels when you sing properly and not only will it become easier but it will become habit.
*Recital/Concert: I try to treat my recitals more like concerts. I want the students to have a concert experience by showing who they are rather than just having a recital of what song they’ve learned. Every student is required to participate in the concert. Concerts will be held once a year, most likely at the end of the school year. The location may differ from concert to concert. Attire for the concert is up to the student, but VERY NICE concert attire is suggested. At the least the student should wear Sunday best. The attire is another way for the student to show who they are. Close to concert time, suggestions will be made as to what to wear. Students will also need to acquire an accompanist for their recital. They can have Mom, Grandma, Aunt, whomever, but their accompanist will need to know the music well. If you do not have an accompanist I will have one that you will be able to hire for a couple of rehearsals and the concert. It will be your choice as to get an accompanist on your own or hire the one supplied.
And, last but not least-
*HARD WORK: I expect complete attention during lessons so YOU can get the most bang for your buck! Regular attendance and persistent practice may seem hard but it will be worth the pay off in the end!
*Music: Students are required to purchase their own music and bring it to EVERY lesson. Students will also be required to have a notebook of some kind where they will keep a record of what we went over in the lesson along with things they need to practice on their own during the week. I will also keep the same record.
*Practice, Practice, PRACTICE!!! This cannot be stressed enough. It is not enough to simply know the things you should be doing with your muscles when you sing but you must practice them so your muscles become stronger and it becomes easier to get your muscles to do what you want them to do, when you want them to do it. You yourself will become adapted to how it feels when you sing properly and not only will it become easier but it will become habit.
*Recital/Concert: I try to treat my recitals more like concerts. I want the students to have a concert experience by showing who they are rather than just having a recital of what song they’ve learned. Every student is required to participate in the concert. Concerts will be held once a year, most likely at the end of the school year. The location may differ from concert to concert. Attire for the concert is up to the student, but VERY NICE concert attire is suggested. At the least the student should wear Sunday best. The attire is another way for the student to show who they are. Close to concert time, suggestions will be made as to what to wear. Students will also need to acquire an accompanist for their recital. They can have Mom, Grandma, Aunt, whomever, but their accompanist will need to know the music well. If you do not have an accompanist I will have one that you will be able to hire for a couple of rehearsals and the concert. It will be your choice as to get an accompanist on your own or hire the one supplied.
And, last but not least-
*HARD WORK: I expect complete attention during lessons so YOU can get the most bang for your buck! Regular attendance and persistent practice may seem hard but it will be worth the pay off in the end!
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