Regina Walter Cartwright 

As a private voice and piano teacher, I customize lessons to each student's needs and goals. I aim to be professionally honest about their skills, encourage them to be their best, and teach them everything they need to know based on their age and skill level. I also strive to instill a love for music and foster life skills that extend beyond the music studio.

Piano lessons... In order to begin piano lessons a student should be able to read and write, pay attention to details, and focus their minds for at least 30 minutes. The youngest that is recommended by many teachers is 2nd graders but I have successfully taught students as young as 4 years old.

Voice lessons... In order to begin voice lessons a student should be able to read and write, pay attention to details, and focus their minds for at least 30 minutes. Many voice teachers prefer that the student have gone through puberty because the voice undergoes changes during that time no matter whether male or female. Students can be taught, however, if they are younger so long as they are able to do the things listed above.

For both voice and piano lessons 30 minute lessons are sufficient for most beginning students. Once the student becomes more experienced, a longer lesson will be necessary to delve into more advanced techniques, and prepare for auditions, a lesson of 45 or 60 minutes is recommended.

Yes.

Piano students... If the student has never had piano lessons before I will pick up piano method books prior to the first lesson. If the student has had lessons before, I will work with their existing book before switching to a different series. At the first lesson we will discuss any other necessary materials. I will purchase the appropriate music collections for the the student and will pass the cost along to you.

Voice students... At the first lesson we will discuss repertoire. I will then purchase appropriate music collections for the students and will pass the cost along to you. I try to purchase books that have multiple songs in them that can be used for some months (sometimes years) and that come with either an accompaniment CD or online access to accompaniment tracks to assist productive practice during the week.

For piano students, you'll need a piano or an electronic/digital 88-key keyboard (preferably with weighted or touch-sensitive keys) and a distraction-free room. A pedal isn't necessary until you reach level 2. If you don't have a keyboard or piano, I can recommend what kind to buy and where to get it. For voice students, if you don't have a piano or keyboard at home, I'll bring one with me but will need a table near a power outlet to place it on.

Yes, parents or visitors can observe lessons if the student is comfortable. However, some students may not respond as openly with observers present. I'm happy to provide progress reports to parents anytime.

Students who practice regularly are much more successful than those who do not. Most beginning students should practice at least 15-20 minutes 3-4 days a week. As they become more advanced, practice time should increase to 30 minutes or more 4 or more days per week dependent upon the difficulty level of the music.

All students can perform in two recitals each year: one at Christmas and one at the end of the school year. Middle and high school voice students are encouraged to participate in the UIL Solo Contest and audition for All-Region and All-State Choir. Some students may also be invited to national or local competitions and community outreach performances organized by local non-profits.

Piano lessons... Each lesson begins with a review of the previous week's assignments. Corrections will be made to each piece, as necessary. The student will be coached on how to practice those corrections and we will try it several times before moving to the next piece. I frequently ask students for their feedback on their performances. I want them to be aware of what they hear. I also give feedback as to what has to occur technically and physically for them to attain the desired results so that playing is as easy as possible. I make an effort to include as much music theory as I can into each lesson. I want to make sure the student understands all of the symbols and notation in each piece that they play. At the end of each lesson I will review those items that the student needs to focus on during practice time prior to the next lesson. Students typically work on 3-4 songs per week. After each song is perfected a new song is introduced.

Voice lessons... Each lesson begins with several warm-up exercises to get the vocal folds ready for what is to come. Some of these warm-up activities are chosen to help work on specific vocal challenges. The student will then sing the assigned repertoire, which has been chosen to help the student master specific technical difficulties. I'm a firm believer in choosing songs that help singers work through and improve specific aspects of their technique. I frequently ask students for their feedback on their performances. I want them to be aware of the sensations they feel and what they hear. I also give feedback about what has to occur technically and physically for them to attain the deisred sound. It is important for students to know what to do, how to do it, what it feels like, and what it sounds like. At the end of each lesson I will review those items that the student needs to focus on during their practice time prior to the next lesson. Students typically work of 3-4 songs at a time and I can usually accomodate requests to learn a specific song at any time. After a song is perfected it is replaced with a new song.

Yes! The ability to read music and to be familiar with other aspects of music notation is very important. Singers who know how to play the piano tend to be more musically independent and learn more quickly than those who don't.