Double Bass Lessons
With Ken Miller, Classical Bassist, and Jazz Musician. B.M. SFCM
I have extensive orchestral playing experience, having worked with the SF Symphony, SF Opera, Philharmonia Baroque Orchestras, and The Skywalker Symphony Orchestra. In addition I am active on the Jazz scene in SF, having performed with many top level players including Branford Marsalis, Bruce Forman, Mark Levine, and Mimi Fox.
I am committed to helping singers build healthy vocal skills through a wide variety of exercises and repertoire. Goals for my singers include helping them explore their complete vocal range and color; hone musicianship skills; make connections between the voice and their entire being; and become confident performers.
I have 18 years of experience teaching children and adults in jazz, rock and pop music. I am supportive and patient, helping students to find their own voice and teaching them how to master their instrument with passion. I have written,recorded, arranged and produced my own songs and just finished my third CD " For The Time Being". I teach from my studio in Berkeley which is equipped with proper amplification, up to date recording technology and computer programs. I emphasize the joy of singing and support my students in their choice of music.
Freelance Musician and Professional Private Teacher who worked with several Parks and Recreation Dept. in the Peninsula teaching. Also performed with the Peninsula Symphony, Burlingame Chamber Orchestra, San Francisco Concerto Orchestra and Berkeley Symphony. Currently plays with the Millennium Chamber Orchestra in San Carlos.
In addition to my private studio, I presently teach at Bronstein Music in South San Francisco.
Margaret Secour is a classically trained opera singer. She studied in the Opera Program at California State University, Long Beach. As a singer, she has performed with San Francisco Opera Chorus, San Francisco Symphony Chorus, San Francisco Lyric Opera, Lamplighters, and Oakland Civic Theatre; toured nationally with Pasadena-based Opera a la Carte, a Gilbert and Sullivan company; and appeared internationally with Master Chorale of Orange County. Ms.
I'm a composer primarily working in acoustic chamber music as well as a classical saxophonist.
As a saxophonist, I seek to represent the saxophone as the incredibly expressive and versatile instrument that it is. In my choices in repertoire, I prefer to lean toward 20th and 21st century music, but I am familiar with the standard repertoire for the saxophone and I spent several years playing jazz in combos and big bands.
In my teaching, I first always focus on fundamentals and continually return to those even when working on more advanced musical topics.
I have been teaching beginning and intermediate level students, children and adults, for 35+ years. I incorporate theory and ear-training, and ensemble work in the lessons. Students are encouraged to share their accomplishments through workshops and performances. Playing music as a soloist and as a chamber musician has greatly enriched my life, and I try to give these opportunities to each student.
Ms. Howitt seeks to provide the highest quality vocal training possible to her students. Using appropriate materials and adjusting her teaching style accordingly, Ms. Howitt works with students of diverse ages and backgrounds to find greater vocal freedom and technique. Ms. Howitt strives to create an atmosphere in which students feel safe to explore their creativity and express themselves fully.
Got diva?
Highlights from my broad range of appearances in opera, recital and concert include most of Mozart’s heroines, Handel's evil sorceresses, and Verdi's Lady Macbeth with Donald Pippin's Pocket Opera; Four Last Songs of Strauss with LiederAlive; and Britten’s War Requiem in San Francisco’s Davies Hall.
I have the great pleasure of teaching a wide variety of students including active professionals, local singing teachers, young artists auditioning for major music schools, training programs and festivals, beginners and dedicated amateurs. My students have achieved the highest honors of the performing arts, are performing with major opera companies, Broadway Theaters and National Tours and include Tony Award Winners, Major Motion Picture Stars, International Pop Artists and Cabaret Singers. I teach in a large, fully equipped studio centrally located in San Francisco.