Paula - Teacher #3885

Instruments:
- Piano
- Voice

Languages:
- English

Teaching Philosophy

I hold the position of Professor of Vocal Studies at Seneca College, where I achieved the distinction of designing the first Pop/R&B/Contemporary program for a Canadian university and college. I've developed a highly effective and distinctive vocal training program suitable for all ages and skill levels, yielding remarkable results within 4 to 6 weeks. My primary goal is to impart the essential foundations of singing, encompassing breath control, cord adduction, resonance, onset of tone, flexibility, pitch precision, posture, and stage presentation. I've formulated a methodology to eliminate vocal impediments, allowing your authentic voice and potency to shine through. This comprehensive curriculum is adaptable for individuals aged 8 and above, regardless of their vocal proficiency. The program can be applied to private sessions, educational institutions, artistic endeavors, and community outreach initiatives. I have a track record as a vocal coach on popular TV programs like "The Next Star" on YTV, with my techniques leading students to secure major label contracts and leading roles in Broadway and Mirvish productions, including "Frozen," "Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat," "Annie," and "Matilda," among others. With over two decades of experience, my students have achieved success in television, Broadway, and the music industry as recording artists.

At the core of my mission lies a resolute goal: to empower these budding artists to truly own their unique voices and to embrace their artistic expressions with unbridled confidence. I enjoy instilling my students the belief that their voices are instruments of empowerment, serving as beacons of authenticity and self-assuredness.

Musical Education

-Classical Voice Training by Master Vocal Instructor for 5 years by Brenda Berge formally a 20 year member of the New York Opera and in Phantom of the Opera
-University of Toronto- BA Degree (subjects Jazz, World Music, Theatre and Humanities general studies)
-Berklee College of Music- Specialist Certification of Vocal Styles (Pop, Rock, R&B)

Awards and Distinctions

April 2023 I earned recognition from the City of Toronto, being awarded a certificate of achievement by Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie. This honor celebrates my contributions to community events, exemplified by her involvement in the prestigious Long and McQuade National Singing Contest.

Special Skills and Training

My musical journey is deeply rooted in a rich family tradition. My mother and grandmother graced church stages with their voices, while my paternal grandfather, a Jazz composer, added to our heritage. On the maternal side, my Aunt Muriel Hinds, a world-renowned concert pianist from Barbados, illuminated my path. I embarked on an intensive five-year classical training program, handpicked to study under the esteemed Opera Master Vocal Instructor, Brenda Berge, who had a distinguished 20-year tenure with the prestigious New York Opera. During my formative years into my twenties, I served as a gospel singer, captivating audiences in grand venues for a remarkable 15 years. I performed as a soloist at renowned venues such as Roy Thomson Hall, Massey Hall, and the Sony Centre in Toronto, as well as on stages around the world, spanning the West Indies, Europe, and the United States. My signature lies in my beautiful and commanding voice, leading to memorable performances in the presence of music legends like Quincy Jones and Elton John. I've had the privilege of collaborating with Grammy award winners such as Jill Scott and Arrested Development, sharing the stage with Juno Award nominee Mark Masri, and receiving mentorship from the multi-Grammy and multi-Juno award-winning artist, Liberty Silver. I am also a Performance and Artist Development Coach: My pedagogical approach to performance transcends technique. I empower singers to communicate their essence through mind, body, and soul, instilling a consistent and impactful onstage presence. My students embrace the art of self-listening, embarking on a profound and enlightening journey.

Rates

30 Minutes: $39.00
45 Minutes: $49.00
60 Minutes: $59.00

There is a one-time registration fee of 25 $ charged with the first lessons. All Taxes are included in prices, if applicable

NOTE: Your Credit card will be charged ONLY when the first lesson is set up and confirmed with the teacher

Policies


1. Cancellation Policy

Lessons not cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours notice are billable to the client and payable to the teacher. This does not of course apply to travel fees unless the notice is effectively given at the door and the teacher has travelled to the location.

2. Cessation (quitting) Policy

A client must provide a 2 lesson notice period to stop lessons. So a weekly student needs to give 2 weeks of notice, a biweekly student works out to 3 weeks notice and a twice weekly student works out to a week of notice.

3. Illness Policy

Lessons cancelled due to illness or extraordinary circumstances with less than 24 hours notice remain billable to the client and payable to the teacher.

BAH teachers are encouraged to offer a make-up lesson at a future date in the interest of client relations and general goodwill. This only makes sense as teaching a student with the flu for example, will ruin the rest of your week's employment.

No more than 2 lessons may be made up due to illness within a 60 day period.

4. Rescheduling Policy

Any lesson can be cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours notice.

Summer Vacation and Extended Absence Policy

Clients may schedule longer absences for trips etc. 24 hours notice is required.

It is normal and typical for students and about 20% of our teachers to schedule a break in the summer. We do not enforce a notice period (see cessation of lessons) at the end of a long summer break.

5. Evaluation Period

There are no free trial lessons with Beethoven at Home but we do offer a 2 lesson evaluation period where it is easy to try out a teacher. There are no free lessons during the evaluation period and clients may choose to discontinue the lessons at any time by providing the required 24 hours notice. After the student's 3rd lesson the required 2 lesson notice period will apply (see cessation of lessons above).

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