I am dedicated to helping students of all ages discover the joys of music-making. I have maintained a private voice and piano studio for eight years, and have held positions as Adjunct Professor of Voice, church music director and conductor, and literature and drama classroom teacher. Professionally, I have appeared in various opera, concert, and choral settings throughout the U.S., and I hold a Master of Music degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In addition to my private studio, I currently teach voice lessons at Highbridge Voices in the Bronx, NY.
My teaching approach is simple yet engaging, tailored to each student's age, goals, and experience. During voice lessons, I focus on breathing, support, vowels, and releasing unnecessary tension, and often include sight-reading, basic ear training, and acting/presentation. Piano lessons provide a traditional style of learning, with technique and note reading at the forefront, as well as short tasks relating to music theory and improvisation. In addition to focusing on foundational techniques, it is vitally important to me that my students feel comfortable asking questions and learning to make their own artistic decisions.
Levels and Ages:
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Beginning and Intermediate Piano (ages 5+)
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Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Voice (ages 10+)
NOTE: Younger piano/vocal students will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Vocal Genres:
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Classical
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Musical Theatre (Legit)
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Pop
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Jazz
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Folk/Celtic
Piano Genres:
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Classical
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Popular (all genres)
NOTE: I am always open to repertoire suggestions, and love involving my students in the process of choosing music.
Favorite Piano Resources:
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Faber's My First Piano Adventure (Pre-Reading)
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Bastien's Piano Basics Series (Young Beginner)
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Alfred's Basic Piano Course for the Later Beginner (Older Beginner)
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McArthur's I Used to Play Piano (Adult Beginner/Intermediate)
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Classics to Moderns Series (All Levels)
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Burnam's A Dozen a Day Series (All Levels)
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Hanon exercises (All Levels)
Favorite Vocal Resources:
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Boytim's five solfeggio sheets (All Levels)
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Vaccai (Intermediate/Advanced)
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Marchesi (Intermediate/Advanced)
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Boytim's Easy Songs Series (Beginners)
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Boytim's My First Book of Solos Series (Intermediate/Advanced)
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Walters' The Singer's Musical Theatre Anthology Series (Int./Adv.)
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Hal Leonard's Kid's Broadway Songbook (Younger Beginner)
"Christina is an extremely-talented and effective vocal instructor. In the 3 short months I've worked with her, I've grown tremendously as a vocalist with her help. She is utmost professional and highly responsive. Her teaching style emphasizes a caring and practical approach to music, catered to the individual needs of her student. I highly recommend Christina to anyone who is looking for professional support."
- Sophia L. in September 2017
"My daughter, Katherine, studied with Ms. Kay from 2015-16. Christina struck just the right balance in working with my daughter, offering a great balance of theory and classical instruction, while keeping things relevant and fun! We miss her since she's moved to NYC!"
- Laura O. in January 2017
"Wonderful teacher for my daughter for over a year. Very kind, organized, and teaches a lot!"
- Krista D. in December 2016
"My daughter only studied with Christina for a number of months before Christina relocated to New York. During that short time, however, she learned a great deal. Importantly, Christina built my daughter's self confidence as a singer. Also, she affirmed in her a love of music. Christina was, in short, an ideal teacher. Highly recommended!"
- Daniel Y. in December 2016
"My 8-year old daughter has been taking piano lessons with Christina for the past 2 years. Not only is Christina incredibly refined in her piano knowledge and technique; she has a sweet, positive and encouraging approach with my daughter. I believe my daughter has found a life long passion for piano with Christina's teaching style. Christina is always on time and communicates professionally. We are very grateful to have found her!"
- Michelle S. in October 2014
"Christina teaches piano to both of my boys (ages 10 and 7), and we have found her to be not only extremely knowledgeable, but also a great communicator and teacher. She is good humored and very patient, and we can recommend her without reservation."
- Maureen H. in October 2014
"Christina is very good with young children!...Kids like to go off on tangents and goof around (a little). Maybe get lost in the pictures of the piano books...however Christina has great patience for teaching and has a great balance of 'letting the kids be kids' and teaching and helping them become great. She has a great ability to keep it fun for them...which is key for any musicians success...especially little musicians. :) My daughter always looks forward to her lessons with Christina! I really appreciate all Christina has done and continues to do."
- Warner R. in October 2014