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Click here to access the registration form.
PRIVATE VOCAL INSTRUCTIONCindy is an experienced teacher who has maintained a private studio for over ten years and has been on the voice faculty at St. Edward’s University since 2001. She has also taught on the faculty at Armstrong Community Music School, Austin Lyric Opera’s educational branch, and at various summer workshops.
Her studio is comprised mainly of adults from beginners to professional level, and everything in between: from a young woman who had never had lessons, but wanted to sing a song as a surprise for her husband at their wedding reception; to church and community choral singers who want to make the most of their voices; to aspiring opera and concert soloists who gig around town; to professional working singers. She also accepts a limited number of highly motivated and talented high school singers who are serious about developing their vocal technique.
Cindy teaches a classical technique based on a thorough understanding of the vocal mechanism, breathing, and support. This technique supports free, healthy vocal production for any genre of music.
WHAT HAPPENS IN A PRIVATE LESSON?
We will spend anywhere from a quarter to half of a typical lesson working on vocalises (exercises) customized to your unique needs. The purpose is twofold: to gently but thoroughly warm up the voice, and to address specific technical issues. The exercises you learn will help you train and develop your voice, and also work out problems when you encounter them in practice sessions.
The second part of the lesson is used to coach all aspects of repertoire: style, diction, musicality, performance practice, and most importantly, technical issues. Please note that, while corrections to musical errors are a normal part of the lesson and you should always feel free to ask for help, it is not the job of a voice teacher to teach you your music.
Cindy will also help you choose repertoire which is appropriate for your voice and the occasion. When appropriate, she will speak to you about performance , audition, and competition opportunities; audition technique; stage etiquette; or business matters such as resumes, applications, and handling professional situations.
WILL THERE BE A PIANIST?
Cindy does not provide a pianist in your lesson. You are welcome to bring one if you choose. Otherwise, Cindy will accompany you to the best of her limited piano skills.
DO I NEED TO BRING ANYTHING?
Please bring your music, a pencil and notebook, and a recording device. It is very important to record your lessons and play them back during the week --- you will get much more out of them that way. You might also wish to bring a bottle of water, but water is available at the lesson.
DO I NEED TO BUY MATERIALS?
You are expected to provide your own copies of any music assigned. Cindy will assist you in finding music.
HOW OFTEN WILL I HAVE A LESSON? HOW LONG ARE THEY?
Lessons usually take place on a weekly basis. Each student has a standing appointment which may be canceled with 24 hour notice with no penalty. Cindy teaches hour, forty-five minute, and half hour lessons. She can help you choose which is best for you.
WHERE DO THE LESSONS TAKE PLACE?
Cindy teaches from her far Northwest Austin home, and when school is in session sees a limited number of students in her studio on the St. Edwards campus in South Austin.
HOW MUCH DO THEY COST AND WHEN DO I PAY?
One hour - $50.00
Forty-five minutes - $37.50
Half hour - $25.00
You may pay with check or cash at the time of the lesson, or you may pay by the month if you choose. Please have your check ready when you come to the lesson.
DO I HAVE TO AUDITION TO STUDY WITH CINDY?
There is no audition; however, all students must book a preliminary consultation after which you and Cindy will mutually decide whether you want to work together. Students younger than 18 must be recommended by a music professional.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A CONSULTATION?
Cindy will warm you up briefly and then ask you to sing one or two pieces you already know and feel you sing well. You may not need to sing the entire song and it does not have to be memorized or note-perfect --- this is only to establish where you are right now as a singer. Next, Cindy will give you her evaluation and you will discuss how best to proceed with your vocal training. With the remaining lesson time, she will work with you on technical issues, and at the end you and she will mutually decide whether to continue working together.
HOW MUCH DO I NEED TO PRACTICE?
Regular practice is essential if you wish to see progress. If you are singing for fun, you should shoot for half an hour to an hour a day, at least five days a week (this does not include warm-up time; you should warm up for a minimum of ten minutes). Professional singers and serious amateurs should plan to practice for an hour a day minimum, five or six days a week (not including time spent studying music, diction, research, etc.).
ARE THERE PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES?
Cindy does not regularly schedule recitals for her private studio. However, she does make every effort to help students find appropriate performance opportunities; and if enough students are interested in having a studio recital, she is happy to arrange one.
Click here to access the registration form.
