The way I see it.
Students meet with me weekly, year-round, and the way I see it during those hours together I need to present as many opportunities as possible for students to understand valuable musicianship skills, be in through Voice, Guitar, Piano, or something altogether different. If we achieve an understanding of a core-concept in our lessons, then the student will be able to go home and practice - which is where the REAL magic begins!
To that end, our time is spent delving into the ‘bel canto’ style of classical singing, but don’t let that fool you, I work with the students, and parents, to determine what it is they want to be studying, I just find creative ways to teach strong foundations without steering the singer down a path they do not want to be on. So, whether or not it is Classical, Jazz, Rock, Musical Theatre, or whatever, we lay down the necessary skills to approach any style with ease.
Everybody gets a say in how lessons are conducted, and the format can change as needed, but typically is laid out as follows: warm-ups and vocalises, running through material, addressing problematic areas, practicing correct techniques for said problems, and finally a review with set objectives for the following week. We will work together to not only set weekly, obtainable, goals but also longer term plans. Want to prepare an audition for the school musical next week? We can do that. Then turn around and prepare for singing a solo at church next month? Absolutely. Rounding it all out by building your repertoire for college auditions next year? Check!
I try to keep every lesson fun and welcoming for musicians of all ages, with traditional and non-traditional tools, tips, and tricks for building skill and confidence.
—
Nick Folkes
Music Educator, The Big Cheese