Lessons with Chie
I teach at music stores and at my home studio, in the East and North Bay California.
I teach piano, voice, guitar, and ukulele.
I also do vocal coaching and audition accompaniment.
My qualifications:
Bachelor Of Arts with Jazz Voice Emphasis from Sonoma State University
College Level Piano Certificate from The Piano Teacher's Guild
10 years of working as a music director/rehearsal pianist for local theaters.
15 Years of successful teaching
Teaching Bio
I have studied classical piano from the age of 7. Later I graduated from Sonoma State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz voice. I also mastered classical singing technique by studying with a renowned Soprano, Svetlana Nikitenko, and had worked as a classical soloist throughout the Bay Area.
Currently, I perform with my band, TokiMono. I am the lead vocalist, keyboardist, and songwriter. We almost solely perform our own originals, including songs I write in Japanese. I vary my singing styles to suit the band's eclectic song lineup - Rock, R & B, Jazz, Avant-Garde, and even Okinawan folk music.
I teach all ages. Little kids are fun, and so are mature adults! I can change my approach and adapt to students' different learning styles. I try very hard not to have a kind of ego that forces people to mold into my way. I would like to project a relaxed, open atmosphere when I teach so that students can talk to me about any issues without fear of judgment. I am also very interested in helping people overcome stage fright. I feel that the issue is not addressed enough. I want my students to learn how to be present during performing and allow mistakes to happen as signs of growing. Sharing music is a deeply magnanimous act of love. I praise everyone who decided to benefit themselves and others through their courage!
My approach to singing is body-based. Rather than analyzing and trying to control through intellectual understanding only, I encourage people to be aware of internal physical sensations. I strongly believe that singing with proper body alignment and supportive muscles has a long-term benefit beyond the practice of singing. Try not to judge your voice before you learn the way to harmonize with your body. I can help you discover your own inner beauty.
In addition to English, I also speak fluent Japanese and am competent in singing multiple languages such as Italian, Latin, French, German, and Spanish. I have a trained ear to be able to sing many other languages. If you are interested in singing in your native language, I can help you!
Please contact me for current rates!
Payment methods: I accept Venmo, Zelle, cash, or checks.