Lisa Cheney Voice Studio

Music Education first and foremost!

2011-11-01T14:07:00.001-07:00

Happy that one of my late elementary school students is learning to observe accents!

Sad that a middle school student quit because she thought voice lessons would be more like American Idol.

I believe that it is my role to give students a solid foundation as part of a musical education. It may be fun for kids to sing to a favorite recording artist, and focus on trying to sound like a particular artist, but that is not music education. And, it is not developmentally appropriate practice.

Music education first and foremost!

Wicked Good Singing in Salem, Massachusetts!

2011-10-31T14:17:00.000-07:00

This singer gets extra points for making it to Salem for a voice lesson just before the roads closed! Happy Halloween!

2011-05-16T11:23:00.000-07:00

Here is a copy of my latest ad that is running in local theater programs.

Learning to sight read!

2011-03-29T17:12:00.000-07:00

The composer and her first piece! So proud of my young student who is learning to sight read music. She took the initiative to write a poem and set it to music with her newly found knowledge of solfege and meter. She surprised me, and my heart swelled with joy to witness her pride and sense of empowerment with her music. What a great day.

Accepting new students.

2011-02-02T14:40:00.000-08:00

I am accepting new students for late winter and spring.

Voice lessons are in Salem, MA but I have students who live in the following North Shore communities: Marblehead, Swampscott, Lynn, Peabody, Saugus, Danvers, Beverly, Prides Crossing, Reading, North Reading, Waltham, and Rockport.

I teach students of all ages. I have students who are in elementary school and some who are retired. Singing is for everybody!

No voice lessons tonight, 2/2.

2011-02-02T14:32:00.000-08:00

All students are rescheduled for later this week. Peabody schools are already cancelled for tomorrow, 2/3. It's an ice rink out there. Be safe.

Lessons cancelled tonight.

2011-02-01T13:24:00.000-08:00

All voice lessons scheduled for Tuesday, 2/1, are cancelled due to the weekly blizzard. Stay safe, warm, and dry.

Snow

2010-12-28T13:41:00.000-08:00

Blizzard '10?
Snowmaggedon?
Snowpocalypse?

Whatever you call it...we got snow. Despite the snow, one student made it to lessons yesterday. 10-year-old S. and her mom trekked through the snow and we sang for 30 minutes.

Boston Singers' Resource

2010-12-14T13:19:00.000-08:00

This is a great resource that all singers in the Boston area should check out.
Boston Singers' Resource.

Northeastern Junior District Chorus Audition and Prep Information.

2010-12-14T11:08:00.000-08:00

Dear Students,
I posted the link to the Eastern MA district audition page in error. I am so sorry for the confusion. I corrected the link to the MMEA Northeastern District page. Students prepping for Northeastern Junior District Chorus DO NOT have to sight read at the audition.

However, we will still continue to practice sight reading. Good musicianship makes for stronger, more confident, and competent singing!

See you at the piano!
Lisa

MMEA Northeastern District Chorus Auditions

2010-12-10T05:10:00.001-08:00

It's time to start preparing for Junior District auditions. Auditions are scheduled for Saturday. Jan 22, 2011.

Here is a link to the Northeastern District page. Click on Junior Festival for information.

N.O.B.A.C. - North of Boston Arts Center

2010-12-09T19:35:00.000-08:00

Tonight I went to Pingree School to see the N.O.B.A.C. production of The Tale of the Oysta: A Seafaring Whoops! One of my voice students played a lead role and I am really proud of the work he did for this show.

For more info visit the N.O.B.A.C site. It runs through the weekend.

Massachusetts Northeastern District Chorus.

2010-11-23T13:26:00.000-08:00

Just a shout out to all of my students who auditioned for Senior District over the weekend. You all worked hard, learned your music well, and I am especially so pleased that so many of you made such dramatic strides in your understanding and expression of musical dynamics. Whether you make district this year or not, you are a better musician today because of the experience of preparing your piece.

Salem voice students are ready for holiday music.

2010-11-05T11:03:00.001-07:00

I spent a good portion of the day sorting holiday music books. It's that time of year when the kids ask about holiday music and I will be ready! Thanksgiving is just three weeks away and as soon as Santa arrives in town we will begin.

Are your pipes ready for caroling?

Shop at Ted Cole's Music Shop in Salem, MA

2010-09-03T09:59:00.001-07:00

It's back-to-school and I am sorting through music, writing lesson plans for returning students, and thinking about what new music I wish to add to my collection this season. When I am ready to make my music purchase I will go to Ted Cole's in Salem.

Ted Cole's is locally owned, the owners know the inventory, they carry music of all genres, and they have been in the community a long time. I believe in supporting brick and mortar music shops. Sure, you can get just about any piece of music online, but this shop will special order any piece or book. My experience is that it takes several days to receive music ordered online, but just two days through Ted Cole's. Plus, you get to browse actual music. What a source of inspiration!

They don't have a website. They are at 30 Church Street, Salem, MA and the phone number is 978-745-4415.

Maybe you will see me there. I will be browsing the bins. And, I send all of my voice students there to get their books.

See you at the music store!

Voice Lessons in Salem, MA

2010-08-16T21:54:00.000-07:00

I am accepting new students for Fall, 2010 and the new academic year. Please call or email me anytime to set up an appointment. Call me at 978-741-7683 and email me at elisacheney@comcast.net.

I teach voice lessons in the afternoons, early evenings, and some weekends. I have students from Marblehead, Swampscott, Salem, Lynn, Peabody, Danvers, Lynnfield, Georgetown, Gloucester, Walthan, Reading, Beverly, and throughout the North Shore.

Hope to see you at a lesson soon!

Lisa Cheney
978-741-7683

Quote about music that I love

2010-01-02T19:07:00.000-08:00

(When asked about his Theory of Relativity.) "It occurred to me by intuition, and music was the driving force behind that intuition. My discovery was the result of musical perception." - physicist Albert Einstein

My hope in the studio is that students gain a deep understanding of the power of music. Not just the ability to produce a great tone or how to perform a song for a school or community production. Those elements are indeed important. But, I also want for students to feel the subtleties of music that stir the soul. I want for students to hear the music, feel the music, and be moved by music.

April Is In My Mistress' Face - Thomas Morley

2009-10-27T14:55:00.000-07:00

Several of my students are working on this piece for Northeast District Chorus auditions coming up in a few weeks.

Lisa Cheney, M.Ed
Voice Lesson in Salem, MA - Singing lessons for all ages.
978-741-7683

Modern Major General

2009-10-27T14:43:00.000-07:00

I am posting this video for one of my 7th grade voice students who is learning the Modern Major General Song from the Pirates of Penzance. I was in this musical at Danvers High School many years ago! So much fun.

Enjoy!

Lisa Cheney, M.Ed
Voice Lessons in Salem, MA - Singing lessons for all ages.
978-741-7683

Now Accepting New Students For Voice Lessons In Salem, MA

2009-09-27T07:02:00.000-07:00

Singing Lessons! Salem, MA!

I am accepting new voice students at my private studio in Salem, Massachusetts for this school year. I take students from late elementary through retired senior citizens. Call 978-741-7683 or email me at elisacheney@comcast.net

My students are talking about preparation for MMEA Northeastern District Chorus auditions. According to the website the sound files are now online! This year the audition piece is Morley's April Is In My Mistress Face. Auditions are November 21, 2009 at Salem High School in Salem, MA

Tips!

2009-09-27T06:52:00.000-07:00

Stand up straight!

1. Set your feet about shoulder width apart and rest on the balls of your feet.
2. Knees unlocked.
3. Hips straight (be aware of "sitting in your hip" off center).
4. Spine straigt and aligned.
5. Should back, slightly down, and release any tension.
6. Look straight on with your chin parallel to the floor. Notice if you raise your chin to the ceiling or tuck it into your chest. Try setting your pointer finger just under your chin and your thumb against your chest, to form an L shape, as a guide to a parralel chin.

Try it in front of a mirror.

This Applies To Singing, Too!

2009-03-12T17:47:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you have to play a long time to be able to play like yourself.

- Miles Davis

So true! Practice your vocalises, learn good technique, and let your style come though on its own. Don't try to sound like someone else and don't try to skip fundamental skills. Allow the process.

The Tuscany Project

2009-03-01T13:12:00.000-08:00

This email was forwarded to me by someone in the studo who participated in The Tuscany Project a few years ago. She said it was amazing. See the letter below.

Dear Friends,

I am sending you information about a voice project that I atttend and highly recommend.

The Tuscany Project is an extraordinary workshop that focuses on each person's growing edge in the areas of vocal exploration, song interpretation and performance, performance presence, movement, and individual and group singing.

For detailed information see: www.TuscanyProject.com

The program is held at a beautiful 12th century restored villa in the lush countryside of the Italian region of Umbria.

Enrollment is international. Adult singers of all levels are welcome, from professional to beginner. The only prerequisites are a passion for singing, a sense of discovery, an openness to working, and the courage to take risks.
I encourage you to experience the joy and passion of singing in Italy!

For more information about tuition and enrollment contact:
Gail Zarren
gail@tuscanyproject.com

tel: +1 (781) 599-4718
www.tuscanyproject.com

The Paul Madore Chorale will begin rehearsals for The Armed Man by Karl Jenkins on Monday, March 2

2009-02-25T12:18:00.000-08:00

It is a stunning piece and they are seeking more singers, especially male voices. The performance is May 30th, at Salem High School.

If you are interested in singing with the Paul Madore Chorale call Paul at 978-745-4729 or email at paulmadore@comcast.net

Benjamin Zander: Classical Music With Shining Eyes

2009-02-21T11:43:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite Ted Talks. Benjamin Zander has two infectious passions: classical music, and helping us all realize our untapped love for it -- and by extension, our untapped love for all new possibilities. I have watched this video many, many times. Very inspirational.

Denyse Graves Sings Elmo A Lullaby

2009-02-21T11:40:00.000-08:00

Denyce Graves sings Elmo to sleep with a melody from Bizet's Carmen, along with an operatic zoo. Another fun Sesame Street clip found on youtube. This is fun. Okay, enough Sesame Street for today.

Everybody's Song - Let's Get Everybody Singing in Salem, MA

2009-02-21T11:34:00.000-08:00

Diana Krall Sings Everybody's Song on Sesame Street With The Muppet Friends!

Lisa Cheney Voice Studio: Voice Lessons in Salem, MA and serving the North Shore.

2009-02-21T10:51:00.000-08:00

Lisa Cheney Voice Studio offers voice lessons for all ages and all levels.

(Picture: Lisa Cheney sailing in San Diego Harbor)

Singing nourishes your spirit. Everyone can sing. Learn the basics of good posture, breathing, and tone. Gain confidence and learn performance skills in a process based environment.

If you sing or want to sing in a choir, community theatre, school, church, karaoke, a band, singing lessons are for you.

Call Lisa today at 978-741-7683 or email at elisacheney@comcast.net to set up an appointment.

GENERAL INFORMATION
What To Expect
Every singer is unique and begins voice lessons with varying degrees of experience. Each singer progresses at their own rate. Some students may notice swift progress, while others will take many months of careful study before much progress is evident.

Practice
Exercise and and vocalises which are the building blocks of the voice and developing good technique. This technique is gradually transferred to songs. Some students prefer to practice in privacy while others will be comfortable practicing for family and friends. Several short periods of practice are recommended rather than one long session.

Benefits of Voice Study
Not all students who take voice lessons will develop into fine solo singers. However, many of them will find that as a result of this training they will be able to exhibit much more musical confidence. many current and former students have found this this background has made them influential members in youth choirs, church choirs, community choirs, college vocal groups, and school or community theatre. in all cases, students gain a much deeper appreciation for all types of vocal music and music in general. They also have developed amuch better speaking presence and self-confidence in front of large audiences.

Payment and Make up Policy statement

Standard lessons meet for 1 hour and are $50. Half hour lessons are available for beginning students under the age of 16. Payment for the month is due at the first lesson of each month and you will be invoiced the last week of each month. Weekly payments plans negotiable but all payment and make-up policies are still in effect. Two missed lessons may be made up within in the school year. Other missed lessons will not be made up. Please call 24 hours before a missed lesson to be eligible to schedule a make-up. Lessons cancelled by the instructor will be made-up or if school is cancelled for snow emergency. During the summer months of July and August lessons are paid weekly.

What You Will Find On This Blog.

2009-02-21T10:44:00.001-08:00

- Announcements of Local Performances by Choirs and Schools
- Student Profiles
- Educational Links
- Fun Videos of Vocal Performances of All Genres
- Audition Postings

If you have any of the above that you would like to see listed here send me an email at elisacheney@comcast.net

Lisa Cheney, M.Ed - Voice Lessons in Salem, MA

2009-02-21T07:59:00.001-08:00

EDUCATION
-M.Ed., Endicott College, Creative Arts & Learning
-B.A., University of Massachusetts, Boston, Music - Voice summa cum laude
-B.A. University of Massachusetts, Amherst, English
-McClosky Institute of Voice, Summer Session

PRIVATE VOICE LESSONS
-Mary Saunders
-Marilyn Bulli
-Todd Gordon
-Barbara Evans
-Rafael Ramirez

Lisa Cheney has performed extensively throughout New England and the Greater Boston area in Musical Theatre, Dinner Theatre, Cabaret, and as a Soloist. She is the owner/director of Kindermusik With Friends, Lisa Cheney Voice Studio, and the director of the Children's Choir at St. John's Episcopal Church in Beverly Farms, under music director Dr. Ronald Arnatt.

Professional Affiliations:

Lisa is a present or past member of the following organizations:
NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing)
MTNA (Music Teachers National Association)
MMTA (Massachusetts Music Teachers Association)
NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children)
PKE (Partnership of Kindermusik Educators)
KEA (Kindermusik Educators Association)
Golden Key Society