Music Literacy and You
It's no secret: There is no more powerful builder of self-esteem than learning to sing and to play music. Today, an abundance of reliable scientific data proves that musical training stimulates the brain for learning and fosters excellence in academic achievement, resulting in higher math grades and more advanced reading skills as well as higher S.A.T. scores.
Students advance more quickly and learn new skills by studying one-on-one with a private music instructor. Other benefits of having music lessons include improved discipline, social skills, teamwork, and greater self-confidence.
Self-esteem should be nurtured in a person from earliest childhood. By building self-esteem in children and in teenagers, parents help ensure their children will grow up to become independent, self-sufficient adults. Music provides the ideal means of self-expression needed to be in touch with the child's inner core: with what he or she is and feels. Becoming more self-aware through music is good for the body, mind, and soul. Self-esteem is the harvest of self-expression; learning to sing and play music means higher self-esteem, which will have a tremendous impact on an individual child's success and independence as an adult.
Children With High Self-Esteem Are Able To:
- Act independently
- Assume responsibility
- Take pride in their abilities
- Deal with their emotions
- Willingly accept new challenges
- Handle problems efficiently
Private music lessons are not just an honorable mention for your child's future career, but a crucial part of his or her complete education and successful future, starting now!
If you are planning to audition for acceptance to music school, or if you are auditioning for scholarship aid, or for any number of prestigious summer music programs, or for other performance opportunities which require a solo audition, you will likely be required to prove your musicianship skills by means of a sight-singing test. Doing well on any audition tests as well as making the difficult transition from high school into college-level music school can be a time of great stress. This is due to the large amount of competition in the music world and also because of the demands of college-level music theory and solfege courses (ear-training/sight-singing/rhythmic dictation, and more), as is required of all music majors. It is imperative that you start your preparation early and with a competent, experienced teacher who is equipped to offer you the training necessary to succeed.
As the instructor for this unique program, I have over 25 years' professional musical performing and teaching experience. My professional resume is available at your request and will be sent when you contact me for more information.
Live Lessons Over the Internet
Lessons will be given via webcam, live over the Internet, from the comfort of your home! We use a video conferencing service called Oovoo.com. Students are not required to install Oovoo; however, the software works better if the student does install Oovoo onto his or her computer. It is free to use; no need to subscribe. Video conferencing is done by webcams, from my Oovoo account straight to the web browser you normally use. Besides installing the free Oovoo program, you need only have a broadband Internet connection, computer speakers, and a webcam with a microphone, which is inexpensive equipment available from your favorite retail store, such as Walmart, Radio Shack, Target, etc., as well as from numerous online merchants. Oovoo even has an online store that sells webcams. Prices range, starting from about $25.00. Your access to my live music lessons is easy and convenient, with great audio and video quality!
About 2 minutes before your scheduled lesson, you will receive an email from me with a link and invitation to join me on Oovoo. Just click on the link, turn on your webcam, and we will immediately be connected and will begin your lesson! The privacy settings on the Oovoo program allow us to have a private one-on-one lesson. For further information, please visit the FAQ (frequently asked questions) page on the Oovoo website:
Individually Tailored Lessons
Learning to read music proficiently is fundamental to all areas of music study. It is the key to your enjoyment and success in playing any musical instrument. For singers, music reading skills are equally indispensable; before a singer can advance in voice lessons, he or she must be a good music reader.
I teach music reading skills for all students, ages 6 through adult, whether you are an instrumentalist or a vocalist. Reading music proficiently includes learning music theory, which is the language and notation of music, how music works, how it is put together, melody, harmony, pitch, scales and modes, rhythm, structure, form, and more. I teach music theory at all levels. If you are planning to audition for music schools and/or to take music courses at the college level, you should know that college level music theory courses are demanding and TOUGH. In fact the number one reason that college music majors are sometimes forced to make the agonized decision to change majors is how burdensome, time-consuming, and challenging the music theory classes are. Students need a comprehensive background in music theory in order to pass college level music theory courses. Be prepared so that your time and money are not wasted later, at the college level, struggling and miserable in college level theory classes. Your lessons with me will ensure that you are properly prepared to excel in college-level music theory study, and we make it fun! I also work with you to train your musical ear, empowering you to be a good musician. Because music is all about hearing, developing good aural skills is a crucial aspect of being able to interact with other musicians and your key to experiencing greater connection to music. Additionally, I offer instruction in sight-singing music, for any singers who wish to learn and to practice singing music at first sight.
Everyone wants to become proficient in the language of music!
Singing Lessons
Regardless of your individual level of vocal development, if you have the desire to learn to sing your very best, singing lessons via webcam can be a highly productive and successful method of teaching you how to practice intelligently, in order to realize the full potential of your singing talent. Learning the classical style of singing technique will allow you to sing literally any style of music with the greatest accomplishment and reward. I have more than 10 years' experience teaching private voice lessons and am pleased to now offer this exciting opportunity for singing lessons live over the Internet, via webcam!
Vocal Health Consultations
As a professional singer, the vocal health of singers has become of major special interest to me. For any singers who request it, I offer assessments of your vocal health. Are you experiencing vocal fatigue? Do you suffer from chronically congested nose, ears, and/or throat, due to allergies or sinus conditions? Are other health issues frustrating your singing? Get the relief and the expert advice you deserve, from a critically acclaimed singer with a prodigious knowledge of vocal health and the personal understanding to relate to your concerns.
Lesson Fees
All lessons are 30-35 minutes in length and charged at a fee of $30.00 per lesson, payable one month in advance. The sum of $120.00 is due by the time of your first lesson and can be paid securely by using PayPal. Its fast and easy to obtain a verified PayPal account, making your monthly payments for lessons hassle-free.
Contact me today by email for a free consultation!
Gretchen Greenfield, Instructor
MusicLiteracyOnline.com
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