Christina Carranza Voice & Piano Studio 

My first formal musical experience began when I was a freshman in high school. I was placed into the soprano section of the Concert Choir, and after about five minutes of singing scales, my peers and I were given a piece of music to sing. I remember thinking to myself, “what is this? I don’t even know which line of music to look at”. Needless to say, my first year in choir involved learning everything by rote. To my surprise, this is how everyone in the choir learned their music. Unfortunately, we were not taught how to read music, in fact, the director’s theory was, “when the notes go up, you go up, and when they go down, you go down”. 

It was not until the following year, when I began taking private voice lessons, that I learned the proper vocal technique, artistry, musicality and personal development. These are the same attributes that I want to instill to my students! My responsibility as a music teacher is to help a student progress/grow in all of these aspects and to engage the whole person/student – voice, mind, body, feeling, learning style, music history, goals, age, musical styles, and intellect, etc.

Students all have different reasons for singing and/or playing piano: some to have careers as performers or teachers, some just for fun, or some to learn self-confidence. Whatever the reason, I facilitate and aid the student in that process.

In order to become a good musician, one must first learn the foundations and technical development. Each lesson is built upon the previous one in order to ensure continuity and success in learning. I will suggest ways to practice and incorporate technical skills into music, performance, and life. I often remind students that we have to crawl before we walk, and walk before we can run. Learning an instrument (the voice is also considered an instrument) is a life-long process, one that is most enjoyable and successful when practiced one step at a time with devotion and patience.

The relationship between teacher and student is a partnership where the student is given personal space and the opportunity to develop trust and confidence. I esteem to be positive, kind, honest, nurturing and supportive. And it is my hope that each student and I will be partners on a journey that lasts a lifetime. To be part of that journey is a teacher’s greatest accomplishment!