I like to teach each lesson, for both voice and piano, by spending equal time on ear-training/sight-reading (sight-singing), technique, and repertoire. For singers used to singing along with their favorite recordings, matching sounds coming from the piano can be quite a challenge. Luckily, we live in an age of smartphones and tablets. I say this because if you go to iTunes or the Google Play store and search “intonation,” there are many apps that will help you learn to sing in tune (on the correct pitch). I’m new to using these apps, but I plan to use these in lessons regularly. Aside from counting steady rhythms, the ability to sing in tune is one of the most important skills for any aspiring singer. And while I’m thinking about it, download a metronome too. (I’ll explain how to use this after you book a lesson..he he :) Also, training singers can be difficult because they can't see their instrument, and often singers don’t practice because they can’t see their instrument (you know who you are…). For this reason, I prefer not to teach students younger than middle school age, but I do make exceptions, especially if the student has been singing in choirs or played a musical instrument for some time. As for vocal technique, this involves correcting the student’s posture, releasing muscular tension in the upper body (chest, upper back, shoulders, neck, and everything above), deep breathing, and the list goes on. However, I can sum up vocal technique simply as bodily adjustments that release muscular tension surrounding the vocal cords. No matter the musical style, all singers must learn to close their vocal cords correctly and retrain certain muscles not to get involved. Concerning repertoire, I don't use method books, but I insist that students learn one traditional classical song (like a simple musical theatre tune or an art song) along with any song they wish (if I deem it appropriate). Some singers might think this is unfair, but I find it necessary. A lot of great pop songs are tailored to the individual gifts of specific pop stars and those songs can be very difficult. Also, you must never forget that great singers have worked for years to become great, and they did not start by singing showstopper songs. That being said, new students: please be patient. If you work hard and are patient, I can help you bring down the house.

About Stephen M.