Is the lesson over now?

I have a cute little piano student named Zerin.  He is bright and focused, but you can tell he'd rather be playing baseball.

During our lesson this week, we reviewed his first practice assignment.  When we were done, he said "Is the lesson over now?"  I told him it wasn't, we still had plenty to go over.  After he played his two assigned pieces, he asked again "Is the lesson over now?"  Sorry Zerin, not yet.  We went over the first new piece...  and he said "So..." I cut him off to tell him the lesson STILL was not over.  Finally, I got to tell him that after he played the last song through, the lesson would be done.  What a smile that broke out on his face.

It now makes sense why he thought his Grandma gave him a 5 hour piano lessons.

Free lessons

Thank you to my first two students who signed up today.  The first two lessons are free!

Classes & Fees - Basic Music Theory Tutoring

Basic Music Theory Tutoring

 

Schedule

As needed basis – hours negotiable

Rate

±  $30.00 per hour

What to expect

For students in an A.P music class or musicians auditioning for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, I can help you understand and practice theory.  I will have you hearing and recognizing intervals and chords, knowing Solfege, confidently sight-singing and more.

Classes & Fees - Beginning Piano Lessons

Beginning Piano Lessons

Lessons are held on a regular weekly schedule. Full tuition is due at the beginning of each month. A lesson can be rescheduled or refunded with a 24-hour notice, otherwise half of the lesson fee is charged against the monthly tuition. Exceptions are always made to accommodate for scheduled performances. Please check for class schedule, events and holidays that are regularly updated on the website. Monthly tuition statement and account balance will be emailed at the close of each month.

Schedule

Choose one weekly session

±  ½ hour Tuesday, 10am – 5pm, or

±  ½ hour Thursday, 9am – 5pm

note: make-up lessons may be arranged outside of normal schedule as needed.

Rate

±  $10.00 per lesson ($40 per month)

Prerequisites

±  Students 6 and up

What to expect

While taking lessons, you can expect to learn using a variety of piano repertoire and music theory.  You will be playing scales, simply classical and more while building your piano foundation skills.

Classes & Fees - Group Voice Lessons

Group Voice Lessons

Lessons are held on a regular weekly schedule. Full tuition is due at the beginning of each month. A lesson can be rescheduled or refunded with a 24-hour notice, otherwise half of the lesson fee is charged against the monthly tuition. Exceptions are always made to accommodate for scheduled performances. Please check for class schedule, events and holidays that are regularly updated on the website. Monthly tuition statement and account balance will be emailed at the close of each month.

Schedule

One weekly session – dependent on schedule coordination

±  45 minutes Tuesday, 10am – 5pm, or

±  45 minutes Thursday, 9am – 5pm

note: make-up lessons may be arranged outside of normal schedule as needed.

Rate

±  $8.75 per lesson ($35 per month)

Prerequisites

±  Engaged students 14 and up

What to expect

Group lessons will focus on the same aspects as private lessons: proper techniques using “vocalizes”, “art song” and other tools. The pattern of a successful artist includes personal practice and exploration. The student will leave each lesson with suggestions, direction, and “homework.”  The group will come together and support each other as each member performs and experiences the learning process.

Classes & Fees - Youth / Children's Choir

Youth / Children’s Choir

The choir will meet on a regular weekly schedule. Full tuition is due at the beginning of each month. Please check for class schedule, events and holidays that are regularly updated on the website. Monthly tuition statement and account balance will be emailed at the close of each month.

Schedule

±  Tuesdays, 9:00 – 9:50am

Rate

±  $30 per month

Prerequisites

±  Students age 8 - 18

Why should my child participate in the choir?

This is a wonderful opportunity for children who are not yet ready to embark with private voice lessons.  They have a chance to make music and excel.  It is critical to their later development as a performer to have a solid foundation and understanding o f music theory and reading music. This will also give them a chance to be part of a team and be successful within a group.

What to expect

Children in the Choir will work on the fundamentals of singing, including matching pitch, blending with others, producing a good vocal sound and proper diction.  They will also learn to read sheet music, sing in two and three part harmony and prepare to participate in public performances.

Classes & Fees - Private Voice Instruction

Private Voice Lessons

Private lessons are held on a regular weekly schedule. Full tuition is due at the beginning of each month. A lesson can be rescheduled or refunded with a 24-hour notice, otherwise half of the lesson fee is charged against the monthly tuition. Exceptions are always made to accommodate for scheduled performances. Please check for class schedule, events and holidays that are regularly updated on the website. Monthly tuition statement and account balance will be emailed at the close of each month.

Schedule

Choose one weekly session:

±  ½ hour Tuesday, 10am – 5pm, or

±  ½ hour Thursday, 9am – 5pm

note: make-up lessons may be arranged outside of normal schedule as needed.

Rate

±  $22.50 per lesson ($90 per month)

Prerequisites

±  Engaged students 14 and up

What to expect

I approach voice instruction with both a mechanical and imagery driven approach. We will focus heavily on proper techniques using “vocalizes”, “art song” and other tools. It is very important to me that the student has a positive experience in each lesson and that he or she can experience weekly success. The pattern of a successful artist includes personal practice and exploration. The student will leave each lesson with suggestions, direction, and “homework.”

Who can sing?

“The facts appear to be that all normal human beings possess an adequate vocal instrument only awaiting liberation and knowledge of how to use it for beauty of production.”  Van A. Christy 1967

So....  anyone can learn to sing!  Let's start down that road of liberation and knowledge!

I offer voice lessons for beginners, intermediate, and seasoned performers, including:

• Personal Voice Instruction
• Group Voice Coaching
• Childrens’ / Youth Choir Training
• Competition Preparation - groups & solo

In addition, I offer other services for those who don't want to sing, but still want to make music:

• Beginning Piano Instruction
• Music Theory Tutoring

Introduction

In general, I'm not a writer, I'm a musician.  This blog is meant to be informational and motivational for students, parents of students and potential students.

As an introduction of who I am:   

- I am Amy Barton Morris

- I have studied classical singing for over 20 years and have been singing since the age of 5.  I have a Bachelor of Arts degree with a focus in Vocal Performance & Pedagogy.  I have been teaching individuals and groups for over 15 years with proven success.

- 1997 Bachelor of Arts in Music, Brigham Young University

- Mormon Tabernacle Choir member 2002 – 2006

- Brigham Young University Concert Choir & Women’s Chorus

- Choral conducting classes from Dr. Mack Wilberg (conductor of Mormon Tabernacle Choir.)

- NATS 1^st place winner (1993)

- Conducted multiple choirs & small groups

My objectives for each student are:

• Building confident musicians
• Improving public performance
• Preparing for and participating in triannual recitals
• Uncovering and emphasizing individual talents
• Coaching & expanding technical skills
• Correct body positioning
• Breath control & support
• Vocal range extension
• Developing a personalized music foundation
• Cultivating music theory and sight reading skills
• Developing an appreciation for a variety of music styles

I look forward to having you join me in expanding our skills, making beautiful music and having fun!