FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the benefits of taking voice lessons?
Studying voice has many benefits. First and foremost, learning to sing builds confidence. I find it so exciting to watch students come out of their shells and learn to express themselves artistically as their musicality and communication skills improve. Lessons give students an opportunity to strengthen their focus and concentration, and at-home practice sessions encourage good time management and work habits. Most importantly, studying voice gives students a greater appreciation for music and develops a skill they will have for the rest of their lives.
Where do you teach?
I teach out of my home in Town & Country, near the intersection of Clayton Road and Ballas Road.
What styles of music do you teach?
Currently, I am only accepting students who are interested in working on musical theater material in lessons. I will occasionally coach classical and pop/country selections for my students who wish to perform in vocal competitions and talent shows, but my primary focus is to prepare my students for musical theater auditions and performances.
How many students are in each lesson?
Just one! I teach private lessons.
Do you teach children?
Yes. My current students range in age from 10 to 18 years old. I will accept younger children, provided they have good attention spans and can stay focused for an entire 30-minute lesson. I also need my youngest students to be able to read. In the elementary years we work to improve breathing, pitch, projection and basic musicianship. I also introduce the art of storytelling through song. These are valuable tools for students who go on to study more advanced techniques.
Are parents allowed to watch lessons?
In most cases, no. I prefer my students to be dropped off and picked up from their lessons. The majority of students I teach become inhibited when a parent is present and less is accomplished in the lesson. Because I record each lesson for the student to take home, all parents can be involved in monitoring their child’s progress.
How long is each lesson?
Most lessons are 30 minutes in length.
Can I try one lesson before I commit to more?
Yes. I schedule a trial lesson with each prospective student to see if he or she is a good fit for my studio. (Standard rates apply for this assessment.) We talk about what he or she is looking for in a voice teacher and determine if it coincides with what I have to offer. I also take the student through some vocal exercises and listen to a prepared musical theatre piece. I do not expect prospective students to be a finished product; I am interested in working with young people who show potential, who demonstrate a strong work ethic, and who are receptive to criticism. If I feel we work well together, we’ll talk about how to proceed with scheduling. If not, I will recommend other local teachers who might be a better match for the student.
How much do lessons cost?
Please contact me for current rates.
How can I pay for lessons?
I accept cash and personal checks. Tuition is charged per semester, but can be paid in monthly installments.
Are you accepting new students?
My schedule is currently full, but I will accept new students by referral or audition.
Do you have a waiting list?
I maintain a drop-in list. Students on this list can sign up for lessons when my weekly students are absent. The best way for a new student to secure a school year time slot, though, is to participate in my summer session. I create the school year schedule at the beginning of August.
How often should I take lessons?
I prefer to have my students study with me on a weekly basis year-round. School year lessons begin in mid-August and end in mid-May, and I teach a summer session in June and July.
How much am I expected to practice?
I require at least 90 minutes of practicing between lessons, but I encourage my students to go above and beyond the minimum. The more time a student spends on material outside of lessons, the faster he or she will improve.
Will I have opportunities to perform my lesson material?
Yes! I host two recitals each school year and I send out audition notices and alert my students to performance opportunities in the St. Louis area.
What days and times are you available to teach?
I teach after school hours on Mondays through Fridays. The studio is closed on Saturdays and Sundays. My teaching days and hours change during the summer session when students are out of school.
Can you play piano accompaniment?
No. I am proficient at playing warm-ups and melody lines on the piano, but I use recorded accompaniment for all repertoire work. This enables me to devote more attention to my student’s breathing, posture, jaw or tongue tension and other mechanics and technique. Accompaniment tracks are also useful for practicing and for performance opportunities, like school talent shows.
Where do your students perform in St. Louis?
My students perform locally with The Muny, STAGES St. Louis, The REP, Variety Children’s Theatre, Opera Theatre of St. Louis, Shooting Star Productions, Gateway Center for Performing Arts, and Spotlight Productions. I also teach students who are members of the Muny Kids Touring Troupe, the Muny Teens Touring Troupe, and Triple Threats Teens at STAGES.
LESSON HOURS 2024-2025
MON - 3:30-7:30
TUES - 4:30-7:45
WED - 3:30-7:45
THURS - SUN - CLOSED
Office Hours - TUES 3:30-4:30
EMAIL
lisachristinestudios@me.com
FACEBOOK
fb.com/lisachristinestudios
INSTAGRAM
@lisachristinestudios