Voice, Guitar, and general music lessons

What is your sound? What is your tone?

When you were born you sang it in your first breath on your own.
This is your unique song.

This is the sound you must remember.

I teach out of my home in South Minneapolis. Rates are $25 for a half hour lesson. Introductory 60 min. lesson for $25. I teach all ages and abilities, group rates are available.

My teaching philosophy is an adapted version of the Suzuki or zen method. Suzuki violin was the first insrument (besides my voice) I studied formally begining in the first grade. I do not necessarily include parents unless they want to be included in the process, leaving the choice up to them and their children.

Every human sings at birth. It is this tone, unique to each individual that we carry to our death. It is our right as humans to make music with our bodies, to create.

Making music is our birthright. As humans it is an expression of concious creation. It connects us to the divine. In quantum physics we learn that sound/tone is one of the few things in our reality that penetrates interdimentionally!

Get the ego out of the way and all the negative messages we have been told. Free up the body and soul to be it's own unique instrument. Finding and nurturing your original voice is my passion!

For more information: kari@karitauring.com or call 612-729-4019 USA

The first lesson run's 60 minutes for the $25 introduction price and includes these things for voice (guitar is similar):

Assessment of the student's goals and needs. Some people want to get in shape for joining a choir again. Some have never sung and it's all for the joy of it. Some are looking to their voice as a tool for spiritual work. Some want to play and sing together in bars or cafes!

Assessment of the student physically. The voice is an instrument like any other. The quality of the sound has to do with the way it was made (physically) and the way it has been cared for. The instrument doesn't play well after years of neglect. Since a musicians body is their first instrument, the body must be in good shape in order to elicit a good sound. Level of committment to musicianship will determine what changes need to occur to care for the instrument but I have noticed, that as soon as someone starts using their body as an instrument, habits which are damaging seem to just fall away.

Body as Instrument - We begin a discussion with drawings and practice of how the voice works. It is important to understand the mechanics, the parts of the body that work at creating sound, and how to use these different muscles and organs in creating sound without effort. (for guitar we review body mechanics for sitting and standing while playing etc.)

Practice - we apply what we learned with the creation of sounds and choose a song to work on. I use a keyboard, mirror, and some light streaching exercises to tease out the authentic sound of each person I work with. Sometimes the sound that comes out is not the one we imagine we have (or the one we dream of having).

At the end of this session there is usually a sense of whether I am going to be a good fit as a teacher or not. The student will decide whether we proceed or whether to look elsewhere for instruction. If we proceede together we will begin a notebook of exercizes, chord charts, and pick a song or two to work on for the next few lessons. If not, I can refer the student to several other teachers in the Minneapolis/St.Paul area who might better serve them.

Guitar students must have their own instruments. Special emphasis on the care of the instrument will be given.

For more information: kari@karitauring.com or call 612-729-4019 USA

FAQ's

Q. How long should I study with you?

A. I reccomend one lesson a week for two months to start. It's hard to see the difference in fewer than 8 weeks. I have had students for up to 2 years.

Q. My son is 9, is that too young to start?

A. In traditional voice training - yes. But my methods are not based on the formal classical training I studied along with Suzuki methods. I believe it is never too early to learn how to use your body correctly, to breathe fully, and to find the joy of song from deep within!

Q. What if I have to miss a lesson?

A. I need 24 hours notice or you must still pay the fee. I teach out of my home and need to be ready for you whether you come or not. I live a process oriented life so if your life flow is unpredictable, you may pay for a full month in advance and schedule as you go.

Q. Can you come to my home and teach me?

A. Usually not. I don't drive much. If it is necessary, we may make arrangements for this at an additional charge.

To hear me sing and play, check the calender of events on
my home page!