Private and Group Singing Lessons
For questions or to schedule a First Lesson, email jjjazz@mac.com or jj@vocalstudy.com
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LEARN TO SING YOUR BEST
VOICE LESSONS
Good Technique Frees the Potential in Your Voice
The VTS approach teaches: Proper Breathing, Effective Warmups, A Relaxed Singing Approach, Lifelong Vocal Health
(For more on Songwriting, Music Theory. For References Click Here.)
Techniques are drawn from “Open Throat,” “Relaxed Singing,” and “Bel Canto” methods that increase vocal stamina, range, dynamics, expressiveness and overall confidence. These techniques also improve intonation, tone, and resonance.
VTS Students comment within weeks about singing becoming easier - and more fun. Try a First Lesson to learn how the approach works. (Read their comments here.)
OUR GOAL
The teacher’s fundamental role is to help each student find greater expressiveness & confidence. The best quality a student can bring to the studio is patience, both with the process of physiological change, and with his or her own rate of progress.
MY TEACHING METHOD
The pedagogy I rely on is largely based on that developed by an unequalled mentor, the esteemed late Roland Wyatt. His teaching materials are based on a deep understanding of the anatomy of the voice as an instrument. Please visit the Resources Page & see Roland Wyatt’s section.
TYPICAL LESSON
A typical voice lesson begins with 10 or more minutes of warmups. Students learn to use “rib breath,” relax the jaw and tone the muscles involved in singing correctly. Without proper warm up muscles can be tense and are more likely to be strained.
MATERIAL - REPERTOIRE
Songs need to match the present capability of the student, yet be challenging in one or more areas: range, pitch, breath control, dynamics.
MORE ON PEDAGOGY
The Italian language is uniquely suited to an “open throat” approach, Bel canto, Italian for “beautiful song,” is a renowned teaching method that helps open the voice. Once the throat is more open, students can begin work on the special techniques singers use in various styles.
Some who prefer styles like rock, indie/alternative, musical theatre, jazz, blues, pop, etc., worry that this kind of approach will give them a “classical” sound. Actually, tone quality and what is often called “performance practices,” are what generally separate these song styles. Your physiological instrument is the same no matter what music you love. Understanding your physical instrument and how it works will help you, whatever the stylistic vehicle for expression!
SCHEDULING
Most often lessons are weekly. Younger students (7 years old - grade/middle school ages) are advised to take half hour to 45 minute lessons. Older or more experienced students can benefit from 45 minute to hour lessons. There is always some fluctuation in schedules, so if the first available slot is not the best for you, I can probably find a better one in time.
POLICIES
A cash First Lesson is offered to help students determine if VTS is what they are looking for. And once a student begins training, a fee schedules can be determined. Regarding cancellations - Many instructors charge the fee for a missed lesson regardless.
I prefer a Win’Win situation. If a student has an emergency or illness that happens we generally schedule a make up lesson within a reasonably short time.
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Have Questions? Visit more pages or Click to Email Dr. Jarrett