• Musical Alphabet on the Staff
  
• Learning the notes on the piano or         a stringed instrument.
  
• Learning Rhythmic and Melodic Patterns (equate to words in spoken lang)
• Aural Skills - Ear Training exercises to understand pitch and how to break down phrases (Comprehension in spoken Lang)
• Imaginary Adventures (Age Approp)
• Learning through Storytelling and       Song
• Intervals
• Building Scales
• Transcribing (Composing melodies and writing them onto music/staff paper)
• and much more...

This section is for ages 2 and up, depending upon maturity and readiness. Younger students usually start out on piano or ukulele and move to stringed instruments when their hands and skills have developed.  

Students can learn any or all styles;  Classical, folk, pop, blues, etc. 

Focus can be performance based or for aesthetic value.  

A balance of 'reading notation' and 'learning by ear' is important for every player.  This balance is determined by the individual's goals as well as their strengths and weaknesses. 

Opportunities to perform in performance classes and concerts with accompaniment and to play with full professional bands!

Vocal lessons are reserved for students who are serious about their studies and have a strong desire to strengthen their voices.  Many voice students are working in preparation for theater or commercial auditions, school or job interviews, speeches, classroom speaking, or simply to build strength and confidence for younger voices.  Voice lessons can also be for fun, but must be goal oriented and purpose-driven.  

Shelly Wade's MAV Technique (Memory Awareness of the Voice) is based upon the teachings of several vocal and mind-body methods, including the Bel Canto Technique, Feldenkrais Body Awareness, Alexander Technique, Yoga, Speech Level Singing, Vipassana Meditation, and more.  It was also built upon her work with some of the most renowned vocal teachers in the country, including Clarity James, Arthur Levy, William Riley, Lisa Popeil, and Cynthia Hoffman.

Ages 2-12 - Children

Ages 13 and up - All levels

All genres including Pop, Folk, Classical, Musical Theater.

Concepts include building range, articulation, breath support, posture, stage presence and performance experience, body awareness, body mapping and understanding parts of the vocal instrument, and much more.

*Here is a detailed concept and skill list, based on these four 'tions'.  

4 'TIONS'

1. RESPIRATION:  
   

• Monitoring a natural breath and gaining awareness. (Swimmers beware)
• Learn about the breath mechanism and body (Lungs, Diaphragm, etc)
• Allowing the correct amount of air to come in naturally, as a vacuum.

• Balancing a healthy amount of air vs tone.  (50/50)
• Accessing the high register (head voice) and building range.
• Pitch agility and control
• Dynamic flexibility and control
• Volume Threshold (esp for younger kids, who tend to belt and sing too loud with over pronounced chest resonation).

• Vowel Consistency 
• Selecting ideal keys for songs
• Glides and other exercises to increase volume without excess air or pushing.
• Stylistic choices that affect resonance, such as singing legato vs speech-like styles of singing. 

• Adding and manipulating consonants to boost volume and strength.
• Using the articulators (Lips/Tongue/Teeth)
• Understand Fricative/Plosive/Nasal Consonants
• Exercises to both strengthen and loosen the tongue.

This is a purpose-driven and project-based approach to expressing and mastering the language of music. The practice of creativity transfers to every aspect of life and reinforces skills necessary for any career! All songs will be co-written with Shelly for in-need children who may be hospitalized, in foster care, bully-victims, and more.  Songs can also be written for groups or charities in order to raise money.  All songs will be published, released, and used for a great cause.  

*This section includes opportunities for Recording and Performance and must be paired with Vocal and/or Instrumental lessons.  The Music Language section is a prerequisite and is required for new students.  Old students will also benefit greatly from continuing their studies with theory and ear training.  

• Using rhythmic and melodic patterns to create unique songs.
  
• Listening to songs of all genres and learning to how to borrow and reinvent ideas.
• Making decisions and following through with new ideas.
• Using chord shapes to create emotions.
• Matching scale degrees (melodies) with chords to create harmony and voice leading.
• Writing lyrics and poetry.
• Using rhyme scheme with melodic phrases.
• Incorporating instruments to orchestrate your piece.
• Learning to play your song on an instrument.
• Vocal coaching for recording process and/or performance.
• Transposition
• Transcribing your music onto music/staff paper
• and much more...