23B Atherton Ct, Also serving Bergen County in-home lessons, Wayne NJ, 07470
Instruments:Conducting, Ear Training, Flute, Music Therapy, Other, Piano, Piccolo, Theory, Voice
Styles:Classical, Kids, Other
Levels:Beginner, Intermediate
Experience:10+ years
Rate:$0 / hr
Personal Statement
Welcome to BB Studio!
Hello, my name is Brenda, and it is nice to meet you!
BB Studio offers voice, flute, piano, music theory, and music history lessons. Although I work with students of all ages, I specialize in working with younger children and retired adults.
I have over 10 years of experience teaching in both individual and group settings. I also work on audition and performance preparation, speech/accent work, and more. Whether you want to play flute, piano, sing, or act, I am here to help you become the best performer you can be. While I am classically trained, I also work with the styles of musical theatre, pop, rock, and jazz. I can teach you the proper techniques, posture, and breathing necessary to perform to the best of your ability and teach you how to utilize your full body to extend phrasing length, dynamic abilities, and vocal range. If you are not already familiar, I can also help you learn to read and write music. Together, we will keep a log to track your progress lesson to lesson. This will also help you keep a record of the steps you are taking to obtain and achieve your goals and dreams.
Specialties:
Young and beginner students
Senior & retired students
Students with special needs
Performance techniques and Audition preparation
Speech techniques (public speaking/voice-over, etc.)
Bel Canto technique
Performance anxiety
Life coaching
Services offered:
Voice lessons – ages 7+
Piano lessons – ages 5+
Flute lessons – ages 8+
Music Theory lessons – ages 13+
Music History lessons – ages 13+
Audition preparation – ages 8+
Performance techniques – ages12+
Life Coaching – ages 13+
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
I believe music is a necessity in every person’s life and education, as it moves people in ways which words alone cannot. It is a language unto itself, universal in every way. Music provides another outlet for feelings and emotions; it is inspiring, as well as good for promoting creativity and expression. Music is made up of numerous components, all of which can be applied to everyday life.
Music education is important for both musical and non-musical reasons. While it is mostly seen as a form of entertainment, music is so much more than that! Music assists in the acquisition of many life skills including team work, cooperation, focus, organization, responsibility, creativity, and expression. In private lessons, students are able to receive an individualized lesson plan and curriculum tailored to their personal needs and goals while still promoting musical growth. With every successful musical experience, self-confidence builds, encouraging students to continue their musical journey and to explore different paths in order to reach their full potential. As they become more experienced, they learn the written language of music, the relations within musical pieces and historical context for a thorough understanding of the music’s intentions. With this knowledge, the artist’s means of expression become more complex, stimulating the senses of both performer and audience.
Playing a musical instrument requires a great deal of concentration and stamina. Over time, musicians develop the muscle coordination and development to play their instruments for longer durations. I incorporate breathing techniques and light physical stretches to aid in this muscular development and stamina for a solid technical foundation for all instruments. Students have an active role in voicing their goals for lessons and choosing their repertoire, though some assigned work is required for technical and artistic development.
BB Studio takes a holistic approach to private lessons. The lesson space is a safety zone for all students and remains a positive environment. Mistakes and musical ‘risks’ are encouraged, as they are the best way to learn. Students are frequently praised for their accomplishments and are also corrected in a positive way as necessary, building confidence and resilience. Like learning any new skill, learning an instrument takes time, study, practice, and patience. Students and parents of students are encouraged to remember that while hard work and dedication is required to achieve their goals and be successful, it is meant to be a fun experience and should remain as such.
It is the goal of BB Studio to inspire each and every student that joins the studio family. Through development of technique, historical significance, and versatile repertoire, students are introduced and encouraged to explore various genres and styles of music. Students learn to create their own practice schedule which builds responsibility, time management, and other important extra musical life skills. The only limits in life are the ones they set for themselves, particularly in music. Step outside of your box, and unleash your true potential.
Education / Training
I hold a Master of Music degree in performance from the Opera Institute at Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, and a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from William Paterson University, where I was a voice major and flute/piano double minor. I continue to study different teaching methods, as I believe it is a teacher’s job to have as many resources as possible to draw from in order to develop a custom program that best fits a student’s learning styles and any previous experience, in addition to what you will need to learn in order to achieve your goals.