Periodically I create newsletters for my students with notifications of upcoming events and brief articles, such as summaries of relevant research on the voice, on perfecting performance, on breathing, and related subjects. Drawing on my background as a writer, editor and scholar, I try to enrich the students’ education with appropriate food for thought. I also include resources for purchasing music or instruments, performance preparation tips and more. Any notice I receive of competitions and scholarships is passed on.
Tucson Area Music Stores
There are a number of good music stores in Tucson that can order needed sheet music for you if they do not have it in stock. Some of these stores also offer private instruction in a variety of instruments.
- Instrumental Music NW & East Side Locations)
- Music & Art Center (NW)
- Chicago Store (2 Locations)
MusicNotes.com carries songbooks to order and many songs can be instantly printed from their site for about $5 using a credit card. I recommend purchasing piano/guitar vocal arrangements. (The less expensive versions are generally adaptations of the original, in simplified keys and easy piano arrangements.)
ejazzlines has a huge inventory of materials: CDs, DVDS and music books.
SheetMusicPlus They have just about everything in print. The link below takes you to the current promotion. They now offer sheet music downloads as well.
Music Teacher’s National Association (MTNA)
As a member of this organization I have found them to be of help to private instructors. They also have a list of qualified teachers in many instruments. Visit the organization’s national web site for more. The local chapter TMTA Teacher Referral and Information Line is 520-749-3074. The MTNA offers a chance for music students to be a part of an Honor Society when they show a high level of achievement and participation. Membership includes discounts at local music stores. They also sponsor a Music Achievement Award Program I will be offering to my students this fall. Teachers work with the students in setting up a list of goals for a nine month period, and provide a copy for the parent or guardian. The idea is to reinforce motivation, and reward achievement for the development of musical skills and experience. This program is voluntary and has a nominal fee for an excellent potential gain.
National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS)
Although being primarily focused on classical traditions, besides a national conference, NATS publishes informative articles on technique, style and the science of singing. They are also a great source for master teachers, schools and competitions for those interested in advanced study of the voice and a professional career in classical genres.
A Few Words About CDs, Videos, Instructional Materials
I have purchased a variety of different books, CDs, and DVDs that claim to teach you how to sing. Some of them have good, well organized information and some are less valuable in terms of proper technique. These materials do not replace one-on-one teaching. Some make big claims and may help you sing louder and stronger, but often at the expense of vocal health or correct intonation. As with many highly hyped products, you may sometimes get quick results but create damaging habits that are hard to break. (It is not physically possible to scream and not hurt your voice. It is possible to learn to sing loudly and safely if you are prepared to understand it involves effort and a period of training.)
For the serious student of singing I highly recommend the warmup CD from Mr. Roland Wyatt, whose information is in the sidebar. For choir directors and voice coaches and teachers, his book is very useful; it references the expansive list of the best vocal experts and their works.