Vocal Techniques & Methods
Marian Bodnar has trained extensively in many styles and can draw on these to help her students reach their full vocal potential in the style and direction of their choosing. Specializing in opera/classical and in musical theatre, she also works with rock, pop and jazz singers.
- Bel Canto classical techniques
- Contemporary methods developed by Seth Riggs, Lisa Popeil, Jo Estill
- Opera coaching studied with Ann Baltz, Brent McMunn, Michael Carson
- Musical theatre audition/performance: David Craig, Karen Morrow, John Hall
Coaching and Classes
- Character interpretation, stage presence, body movement and mental imagery.
- Acting the song
- Audition techniques
- Articulation and diction for speaking and for singing
- Conquering fear and nerves
Private Lessons
Develop power, range and ease in your voice with solid, progressive technique.
In order to develop the voice and the techniques associated with successful usage, regular weekly lessons are encouraged. Students embark on structured, step by step methods to build, control and develp their instruments and performing abilities. Lessons are private and may be booked for 30 minute, 45 minute or one hour sessions.
Monthly reduced rates are available to college students and to those who have studied for a minimum of three months on a regular basis.
Vocal Studio Policy
Goals
My studio goal is to provide an atmosphere for
musical as well as emotional and intellectual stimulation and growth. To reach this goal I will teach basic skills
of singing and musicianship. My personal goal is to motivate, educate and
encourage my students to reach their individual potential.
Tuition
Tuition
is set at fair compensation for the benefits offered to each student.
This includes the teacher’s total involvement
as a music educator as well as time spent in lessons. Outside the
studio involvement includes: going to music store and selecting books
for
students, recitals, continuing
education, journals, workshops, seminars and membership in professional
organizations.
Tuition
is due at the last lesson of the month.
It is considered late after the 5 of the month. There will be 12 equal payments over a
12-month period. This takes into account
holidays,vacation (2 weeks studio, 2 weeks client)
and some sick days.
Single
lesson payments are as follows and are due at time of service:
$45 for
one 30 minute lesson
$65 for
one 45 minute lessons
$85 for one 60 minute lesson
The
studio has established a monthly fee of:
$172 per
month for one 30 minute lesson
$248 per
month for one 45 minute lesson
$323 per month for one 60 minute lesson
Accepted
forms of payment are cash or check.
There will be a $25 fee for returned checks. A late fee of $15 will be added to payments
received after the 5 of the month.
Materials
All
materials (books, music, staff paper) will be paid for by the student as an additional
charge to the regular monthly fee. A
refundable fee of $25 will be charged for all borrowed materials.
Practice
Daily
practice is vital to a successful singing experience. 30 minutes a day, 5 times per week, is
suggested for beginners. As the
student’s repertoire becomes more difficult, longer sessions will be needed.
Scheduling and Missed Lessons
The
lesson time is precious and is scheduled at the mutual agreement of teacher and
client, subject to the availability of open lesson times. Enrolling for lessons is a purchase of
teacher and studio time, prepared in advance to be free from interruptions and
distractions. Since the time passes
whether a student uses it or not, a lesson missed is time lost.
Make-up lessons will be given at no additional
charge, provided that 24 hours advance notice is given that a lesson will be
missed. If less notice than 24 hours
notice is given, provision of a makeup lesson will only be done at the
discretion of the teacher and only with an acceptable excuse from the client
(e.g. medical emergency or illness). All make-ups are to be completed by the
end of the semester in which the missed lessons occurred; i.e. there is no
continuing obligation on the part of the teacher. Make-up lessons will be given
only at times and dates within the teacher's normal teaching schedule or can be
arranged at any mutually agreeable time. The lesson is considered to have been
given if the student misses the scheduled make-up lesson for any reason.
Make-up lessons are limited to two in any given semester; they may not be
"carried over" from one semester to another.
Personal
and family emergencies, illness, local and national emergencies, extraordinary
acts of nature, and other immediately related unforeseen and unpredictable
events are the exceptions.
Student’s Responsibilites
- Practice
5-6 days a week.
- It is the student's responsibility to come prepared
for each lesson (sheet music,recorder or tape, notebook, pencil, water bottle,
etc).
- I ask that students wait
until a minute or two before their appointment time to ring the bell. This avoids disturbing another student’s
lesson. However, please do ring(rather
than just waiting).
- Give
as much notice as possible if a lesson must be missed.
Termination
30 days
notice is required if a student plans to stop taking lessons. Students that withdraw and then wish to
return will be put on a studio waiting list.
Holidays
The
studio will not be open on the following days:
New
Year’s Day Labor Day Good
Friday and Easter Thanksgiving
weekend
Memorial
Day 2
weeks during summer
4th
of July 2
weeks at Christmas
msbodnar@sbcglobal.net
(714) 879-2125
