Whether you are a seasoned professional or taking lessons for the first time, I can be a great teacher for you.
Is your interest Pop? Classical? Musical theatre? Jazz? Rock? R&B?
Want to be on The Voice?
Sing at Lincoln Center or on Broadway?
Nail that next audition?
or just have fun?
Past and present students have done all of the above!
Need a new teacher, coach or accompanist?
Finding the right teacher is not an easy task, especially in a major metropolitan area with so many teachers trying to attract your attention, and most promising immediate results that will likely be short-term improvement. If you read this entire posting or visit my website you will hopefully see that I have the skills, experience and personality you are seeking to help you reach both your short and long-term goals. I'm happy to answer any questions regarding lessons you might have before you sign on.
You can schedule an introductory lesson to see if we are a good fit before signing on for regular work. Please note however, that I do charge for all lesson time, including the introductory lesson.
PLEASE read through this posting before contacting me. There is a lot of information here and it should answer your questions about cost, scheduling and expectations.
In the short term though, here are some reasons I'd be a great teacher for you
Nearly 30 years working with all ages and levels
A history of helping students land national and regional performance roles and recording contracts as well as GRAMMY nominations
A great educational background with bachelors and masters degrees in music education
Excellent skills teaching music in all vocal styles: classical, musical theatre, jazz, pop, folk, rock, etc.
National performance experience in many genres to highlight my own skills as a singer
The ability to help you feel at ease in your lessons and enjoy what you are doing
An understanding that everyone comes to voice lessons for different reasons and with different goals
The desire to work with you toward your goals and interests and not require you to work toward my goals.
Equipment to record your lessons for future reference, study and referral
The ability, as a pianist, to provide accompaniment for all of your songs, unlike most voice teachers.
If you'd like additional information to help you decide, please read on.
ABOUT THE TEACHER:
I hold a masters degree in music from the University of Hawaii and a bachelor of music degree from the State University of New York at Potsdam. The teachers I have studied with include Patricia Misslin who was opera superstar Renee Fleming's most influential teacher and Lisa Popeil who is a internationally recognized vocal educator in all styles . As a teacher I have over 20 years experience working with students on all levels and all ages. I have taught privately, in public and private schools and for Kapiolani Community College, Honolulu Community College, South Puget Sound Community College, American Musical Theatre of San Jose, Oakland School for the Arts and the Community Music Center of San Francisco. As a performer I have sung opera, jazz, musical theatre, pop, folk and more with the Honolulu Symphony, Hawaii Opera Theatre, San Francisco City Summer Opera, Opera Piccola, Alameda Civic Light Opera, University of Hawaii, City College of San Francisco, Solano Symphony and many others. Additionally I have worked with singers from regional theatres, opera companies and schools as well as with many singers who have their own rock/pop/heavy metal bands. My teaching experience has been with students as young as 5 to well over 80 and with singers who are interested in nearly every type of music. Some have pursued professional careers, most sing simply for fun and others fall somewhere in between. Past and present students have been American Idol contenders, performers in opera, graduate school candidates, and have performed nationally in Las Vegas (Phantom of the Opera), Broadway National Tour (Bombay Dreams, Grease, Les Miserables) and have been signed with major recording labels and GRAMMY nominated. YOUR PRIVACY WILL ALWAYS BE RESPECTED AS MY STUDENT -- and I will never use your name to publicize my teaching without your permission. I am a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing -- www.nats.org
WHAT TO EXPECT IN LESSONS:
Every student is different and every lesson is different. If you come with an immediate need, such as an audition, upcoming studio time, vocal health issue or something else, we will tackle that right away. Otherwise I usually start at the beginning and go from there.
While I do think that developing good technique is extremely important and generally spend the first few lessons focusing on it, don't worry -- we'll still have fun and we won't wait too long to start singing songs.
As a teacher I will work with you on the foundations of singing from breathing to good tone production, diction, style and more. Your range will increase and your voice will grow. The first lesson with each student is used to learn what you are seeking to do (be an opera singer or rock star, increase your range, learn new repertoire or just find your voice so you aren't embarrassed to sing Happy Birthday in a crowd!). I then diagnose where your technique is at the present time and determine where we need to go from there. If you are a beginner, we generally start with the foundations of singing -- breath and posture. You will learn several ways to increase your lung capacity and use your air more efficiently. From there we progress to tone production and healthy singing, and work toward building an enjoyable repertoire as well as good technique. In selecting songs that are appropriate for your vocal development I place great emphasis on the need for them to be interesting and enjoyable for you as well. There are too many songs available to spend time singing music you are not interested in, unless you have a very specific goal that will require you to learn that music. As you become more proficient we also work on stage presence, song interpretation, music reading skills, audition techniques, or whatever areas interest you. Students who have had previous study will have the above reinforced as well as learn additional technique and enhance the skills you have already developed.
If you are just seeking a coach I will work with you on song selection, diction, style and interpretation as well as audition preparation. As a pianist I am also capable of helping you learn your music to the actual accompaniment.
Please note: singing, like playing any instrument, takes work and dedication. Do not expect to become an amazing singer over night and beware any teacher who promises this to you. However, if you work and follow the directions I give you, you will become a very proficient singer and who knows, maybe a star.
My own vocal training comes primarily from a classical foundation but I have also had considerable training in popular styles Because I realize everyone has different interests I will work with you in whatever genre you like: classical, Broadway, jazz, pop, rock, folk, etc. If you are not interested in opera I will not ask you to sing like an opera singer. You will sing music you enjoy and in a style and technique appropriate for that. Repertoire is always selected based on the student's interest, abilities and goals. As a performer I have sung in many genres from pop to opera, musical theatre to jazz. I understand the difference in singing techniques for different styles and will help you work toward YOUR goals. Lessons are always enjoyable and productive!
Monthly performance classes are also offered to students as an opportunity to perform for and receive feedback from other pupils.
WHAT RESULTS TO EXPECT:
Much of what will come from your study of singing depends on you. If you practice regularly and follow the guidance I give you, you will become a much better singer. This is not an overnight process and you should beware anyone who promises you that it is. Like any other discipline, learning to sing well is work and to really succeed you will need to practice between lessons. With regular practice and attendance at lessons you should expect the following: wider range, bigger sound, better pitch, improved tone, more overall control, increased versatility, repertoire appropriate to your voice and interest as well as knowledge on how to keep your voice healthy. Anyone can be a better singer; it just takes guidance and practice. If you have never studied before, expect the sound of your singing voice to change. Part of learning to sing is learning to use your voice in ways you probably haven't before. Be prepared for your vocal quality to possibly change from vocal instruction. Above all, remember that becoming a better singer takes time and practice.
LESSON SCHEDULING:
Currently I am accepting new students ages 12 and higher.
Lessons are taught Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.
All lessons are taught on a weekly basis and contracted a month at a time. While I do charge for the first lesson, I don't expect students to pay on a monthly basis until they decide I am the right teacher for them. The first lesson or two may be paid on an individual basis.
Students receive lessons in a private studio space at Capitol Music Center located on NE 50th St in the U District. Parking is free. Lessons in your home are not possible at this time.
FEES:
My teaching rate is $60 per hour.
Lessons are available in 30, 45 or 60 minute sessions.
Payment is due at the beginning of the month for the entire month.
Please note that I am not looking to trade services in exchange for lessons and that my rates are non-negotiable.
For more information please visit my website at www.johnlehrack.com To schedule a lesson, please contact me via the email link at the top of this posting or by phone at Email generally receives a faster response.
When emailing, please let me know preferred days and times for lessons and the length of lesson (30, 45 or 60 minutes).
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