Lisha Walston Asheville, NC,
Instruments:Composition, Conducting, Ear Training, Guitar, Other, Piano, Theory, Voice
Styles:Classical, Jazz, Folk – Country – Bluegrass, Rock – Alternative, Blues, Kids, Other
Levels:Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Experience:22 years
Rate:$40 / hr
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Personal Statement
In addition to using my own knowledge and experience in the studio to teach, I use an array of piano method books and materials which I select based on the needs of each student as an individual.
I also offer a chord approach for students ages 10 and up (including all ages of adults) who prefer to learn on a quicker track. This method integrates chords and harmonic structure from early in the lessons and will prepare the student to play easily and quickly by reading chord charts or lead sheets, which can be of great use to current and aspiring songwriters, session players, studio musicians and those who wish to learn improvisation. (This is a great approach for those who wish to learn pop, rock, country, jazz, gospel, contemporary Christian and praise/worship styles on piano without learning all the details of theory and technique.)
I use a wide array of materials for vocal instruction, however, I teach to the student, not to the method. What I mean by that is that every student learns differently, so I customize ALL lessons to help each student to find the best and most appropriate path of musical learning possible for their individual learning style, as well as their musical tastes and preferences.
I also offer vocal coaching sessions to individuals and bands who need help on specific songs as well as with harmony, breathing, phrasing and blending with other singers.
I offer guitar lessons for new beginners only.
I offer music theory lessons as well for those who would like to learn how to read music or improve their reading skills to enhance their own singing, song-writing or instrument-playing.
Genres: Blues, Broadway, Children, Choral, Christian, Classical, Country, Folk, Gospel, Jazz, Opera, Pop, Soul, R&B, Rock-N-Roll, Americana, Singer/Songwriter
Education / Training
I have a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Appalachian State University. I learned how to read music as a child through Orff technique, and I studied piano for seven years until my sophomore year of college when I switched to voice. My musical training in college included (but not limited to)the following: Four years of music theory, harmony and ear-training, four years of private voice lessons which included weekly performances in studio and master classes and one year of Alexander Technique. I also served as an accompanist for other music majors and held positions of church music director and pianist during my years at ASU.
I studied Music Therapy for one semester at East Carolina University. This included a practicum of leading music sessions in the rehab wing of the spinal-cord and head-injury unit of Pitt Memorial Hospital in Greenville, NC.
It was my honor and privilege to study with:
Dr. Julia Pedigo: Classical Voice, Vocal Pedagogy
Dr. Rodney Reynerson: Classical Piano
Jane Comfort Brown: Alexander Technique
Dr. Joseph Amaya: Opera Workshop
Dr. Stephen M. Hopkins: Choral Conducting,
University Singers
Dr. Brian Bailey: Organ, Sacred Music
Dr. Scott Meister: Steely Pan Steel Drum Band
Mr. Todd Wright: Jazz Vocal Ensemble
Dr. Barbara Memory, Music Therapy