Rachel N. TakeLessons Instructor music history, music theory, voice, piano New York, NY

I've been singing for as long as I can remember, and have been studying voice for 10 years professionally. I am a Master's student at Hunter College in Music History, and have a degree in Music Education and Vocal Performance from Rutgers University. I am a certified public school music teacher in New York and New Jersey, and I am also a professional choral singer and soloist in the NY metro area. While most of my personal experience has been with classical music and musical theater, my philosophy of singing will work with all styles of music. I believe that breath is the most important tool in creating a great singer, and no matter what genre of music you enjoy singing, if you are able to manage your breath effectively, you will be able to sing well. My own career has benefited enormously from this singing technique, so I am able to speak from experience when I say that this stuff works!

In addition to teaching voice, I am also a competent pianist and I have a lot of connections in the New York area with professional organizations, music colleges and conservatories, and the NYC public school system. I am a very committed teacher, and I will go out of my way to help you with recordings, auditions, and whatever else you may need coaching with.

I like to begin my lessons by doing vocal techniques and exercises that are tailored to your specific needs. Many times when you're singing a song that you're really familiar with, you tend to get stuck in old singing habits because it's something you're used to. By vocalizing and developing a healthy sound before applying that sound to pieces of music, you're able to feel the difference between healthy singing and strained singing. When you are able to feel that difference, THAT'S when we're ready to start learning and reviewing songs. I have also learned through the years that singing has a real root in kinesthetic and bodily awareness, so I might make you do some (seemingly silly!) exercises and activities to get you connected to your body. I have a good sense of humor, and I know that your comfort level and self-confidence is the key to the success of your lessons.

If you are interested in taking piano lessons, my lesson format is similar to that of singing lessons: begin with warm-ups and technique drills, and then apply those techniques to appropriate pieces. I also tutor music history and theory, so if you are looking to become a more well-rounded musician or you just need some help with college courses you're taking, we can discuss your expectations and goals in each of those subjects. I look forward to hearing from you!

Classical, musical theater, pop/jazz

music history, music theory, voice, piano