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| Private Instruction and Workshops Everyone can learn, and everyone has their own unique formula for learning. Verlene can help you discover yours! Private vocal and instrumental instruction is offered in her San Jose studio. She also teaches music theory, songwriting and composing, sight-singing, harmony singing, music theory, and performance and has taught classes and workshops at conferences, camps, gatherings, and retreats. You can go to her workshops page to read descriptions of the workshops and classes she teaches. To ask about private lessons, or if you are interested in having Verlene give a workshop in your area, here's how to contact Verlene. Verlene also offers private lessons online using Zoom, FaceTime or Skype. So if you don't live in the San Jose area, you can still learn any of the instruments or topics listed below in the privacy of your own home! She is also offering workshops online, and you can check her calendar for times and topics. Or you can contact Verlene for more information on the online offerings. To learn more about each instrument and topic she teaches click on the links below, or scroll down the page. |
| Voice |
Harp |
Guitar |
Piano |
Violin |
| Other
stringed instruments |
Music Theory |
Songwriting
and Composing |
Sight Singing and Harmony Singing | Performance |
| Voice With formal voice training beginning in her teens, along with songs from classical repertoire, Verlene was encourged to sing what she really wanted to sing -- her own original songs, and songs by popular artists of the time. Because she was under the care of a voice instructor, she was able to apply good healthy singing techniques to all styles of singing. Verlene's vocal students choose the repertoire that they will actually sing, rather than music that doesn't inspire them. Her students learn the use of a microphone and record periodically during lessons to hear their progress and to learn more about how to improve their singing. Verlene's book "Vocal Mechanics -- a look under the hood" is used to help the student understand the physiology and physics in clear and simple language. The book also includes a warm-up CD. |
| Harp
. The harp in this picture is a Triplett Celtic model, with 34 strings (in a single row) and levers on each string. She also teaches cross strung chromatic harp. For more information on that visit this page about cross-strung harps. Her students bring a variety of harps ranging from small nylon harps with as few as 19 strings, and no levers, to larger harps like her Triplett, and from wire strung harps to cross strung harps. Each student's lessons are centered around what kind of harp the student has, what kind of music the student wants to play, and what kind of musical background the student has. As an active member of Harper's Hall & culinary society, Verlene encourages her students of all levels and styles of playing to participate in the groups casual, friendly gatherings. At these events, there can be as many as 30 harpers all "harping" together. This is an opportunity for new players to experience playing in ensemble, or at least along with other harpers. Verlene has published several books on harp from jazzy lever harp arrangements of traditional tunes to how to arrange for lever harp or how to play accompaniments. She also has books on cross-strung harp, and has published books by harpists Kim Robertson and Aryeh Frankfurter. Check out the books page for more info. |
| Guitar Fingerstyle and classical guitar are Verlene's primary focus in both her playing and her teaching. She plays and teaches both nylon string guitar and steel string guitar as well as the harp guitar. She has published a series of books called "The Therapeutic Guitarist" that covers topics that are important to understand when playing therapeutic music in a clinical setting. |
| Piano Verlene's piano students range from young children learning from some of the wonderful method books available, to teens and adults who are more interested in learning to play by ear and improvise. For the teens and adults teaches chord theory and provides exercises to build muscle memory -- both great building blocks for improvisation and playing by ear. |
| Violin Violin lessons range from learning Celtic and folk music "fiddle style" to developing the technique necessary for playing classical music to learning to improvise jazz and blues. She takes violin/fiddle students on an audition basis only. |
| Other Stringed
instruments The recent popularity of ukulele music and ukulele clubs have brought a number of students of ukulele to Verlene's studio. The ukulele is a simpler insturment to learn than the guitar, and is an especially good way for a child with small hands to be introduced to concepts they can later transfer to guitar. In addition, Verlene teaches Swedish nyckelharpa, mandolin, tenor banjo, and viola da gamba to any who would like to get a start on these instruments. |
| Music Theory Verlene presents music theory in a clear and comfortable style that helps even the most "theory challenged" grasp the concepts of melody, harmony, and rhythm. |
| Songwriting and
Composing Several of her students are studying both an instrument and voice with Verlene, and quite a few also receive input on their original songs and compositions during their lessons. She has also taught classes and workshops on both songwriting and composing. Her class and workshop materials are often used in private lessons for those interested in focusing on these topics. |
| Sight Singing and
Harmony Singing Both sight singing and harmony singing are taught privately for those who wish to develop those skills. Verlene has published a book on Harmony Singing. |
| Performance Many of Verlene's vocal students are active in performance either in stage productions or in concert settings. She works with them to develop confidence and help them prepare for auditions and performances by coaching not only the singing but also the visual aspects of performance. |