My Teaching.More than just instruction.
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My RootsI started teaching piano and voice lessons out of my home in Huntsville, AL in 2003. I also started directing the church choir at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Huntsville, where I served for 10 years. After finishing my Master's Degree in Vocal Music Education, I taught in a music school where I directed a musical. (To this day I am very good at teaching musical theatre!)
I also taught at a University as a voice professor, and then I landed my favorite position at Musicology School of Music in Madison, AL as a Voice and Piano Instructor. I taught there for 8 years before moving here to Brookline, MA for my husband's job relocation. I am deeply enjoying the Boston area! The great thing about teaching online is that I can teach people from all over the United States and the world! |
My HeartIf you learn nothing else about me today, learn this:
I strongly desire to HELP PEOPLE of all ages. I want to be a person in your life who inspires you to practice, not because you have to but because it is fun and it enriches your life! I want to be thought of by everyone as one of the kindest people and most loyal friends they know. To me, relationships are more important than anything. I have even thought about going back to school for music therapy, but then it occurred to me that singing is very therapeutic, and I already teach that! It is my desire for you, as my student, to find singing to be a healing experience. I love teaching and I love helping people of all ages. I want to bring more joy into your life with the gift of music! |
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From the very first lesson I could tell that Vanessa would be an excellent teacher. She uses her vast experience to find a way to improve each student's individual voice. After only taking lessons for a year my voice improved substantially, something everyone around me as well as myself noticed! She is very interested in doing whatever music suits you and your voice best and so has a wide breadth of expertise. What's more she is a delight to work with and I am so grateful to all the help she's given me!"
-Rachel Williams, young adult voice student
Connections Are the Heart of My Teaching
With Caroline at her last lesson. She was going off to college! We were pleased with all the progress she made with lessons.
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This student, Nick, had just completed his first recital and was so thrilled! His mother made a point to tell me how much he was enjoying lessons and performing. His mother's testimonial is on the home page.
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Joy invited me to her talent show at her school, and I was happy to go! She was my student for six years, and really mastered the art of singing beautifully. Way to go, Joy! Her mother's testimonial is on the home page.
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This is my student Jane and me, doing some deep and relaxing diaphragmatic breathing exercises during a voice lesson. Jane took lessons from me for several years. You can see her testimonial on the home page.
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Learning Songs That Make Your Heart Sing
I teach good singing technique with a variety of genres of music. I am open-minded to help you learn the music that makes your heart sing! Here are some genres we might study during your lessons, based on your tastes, ability, and experience:
- Broadway/ Musical Theatre
- Pop
- Country
- Contemporary Christian
- Traditional Hymns
- Folk Songs
- Rock and Roll
- R & B
- Classical/ Art Songs/ Opera
- Gospel
- Other Religious Songs
- And MORE!!
Vanessa is a gem! For my daughter's 5th birthday all she wanted was piano lessons. Vanessa was so patient and kind with my daughter as a kindergartner. She was a student for nearly 8 years (we miss you dearly!) Vanessa taught piano and voice, practiced audition pieces for the school play, and gave a level of confidence to my daughter that she carries with her today. Thank you so much for sharing your amazing talents with us."
-Laura J., mother of piano and voice student