1^st lesson free

Cathy

5 (11 reviews)

Rate ₱3,137
Response 1h
Students
Number of students Cathy has taught since their arrival at Superprof
50+
Number of students Cathy has taught since their arrival at Superprof

5 (11 reviews)

₱3,137/h

1^st lesson free

Piano

Experienced tutor in Piano in Santa Clarita, Cathy offers private lessons tailored to your needs.

Piano

Lesson location

- online

About Cathy

My motto is "Professional, Practical, and Personal". I teach students of all ages, interests, sexes, and abilities; I also have a Masters Degree in Special Education, so I love to work with Special Needs students, as well. No two lessons are alike in content but EVERY lesson is customized to the specific needs of the individual student or students. I have Professional-level students, students who are just beginning to learn to sing or play, and many in between. I teach every aspect of singing, music theory, and beginning to intermediate piano playing. Because each individual is different and has distinct needs and desires, we will work together to create a plan start you down the best possible road to success. There are foundational principles for singing and playing that EVERYONE should know, but we may approach those techniques from several different perspectives to maximize results. I teach FOR my students; I never expect MY needs or goals to supercede theirs, though I will steadfastly work to provide students with the healthiest and strongest possible and positive techniques, habits, activities, and a measurable result. Please check out my website at (concealed information) and my Blog Postings at (concealed information)

Music truly is a UNIVERSAL "Language"; it speaks to EVERYONE! I LOVE helping students discover their gifts, their passions, and their dreams. I thrive on building my students up so they can then mentor others after them. There is no greater joy for me than watching a student who came in shy and withdrawn, grow before my eyes and ears into a confident performer, able, not only, to sing and/or play well, but also equipped well to communicate and succeed in their future endeavors. I LOVE what I do but more than that, I LOVE SHARING with others what I do!

I started teaching "coaching" fellow performers, especially those who primarily danced but needed to sing in certain songs or productions numbers. Many thought they COULDN'T sing at all before they began studying but were soon surprised to hear that with a small time investment and a little, consistent practice, they had a new, powerful tool for their resume.

For DETAILED Education background, Training, and my Experience singing and playing piano, please check out my Resume on my Website at (concealed information)

Generally speaking, I have a Minor in Music from Georgia State University, and a Masters in Special Education with emphasis on Early Childhood Education, as well. My experience, however, is quite broad and lengthy. I appeared on Broadway in the Musical "Annie" as Grace Farrell; toured the world with Julio Iglesias, Placido Domingo, and Charles Aznavour. I've recorded MANY different album projects, sung on films such as "Mulan" and "Jungle to Jungle", and I've taught Piano and Singing for many, many years as well.

About the lesson

Each student is different, so I use the first lesson to gather as much information about the student, musically, and goal-wise as possible. For Voice Students, I provide readable resources on Breathing Techniques for Intermediate or Advanced students, and for Beginning Students, I teach the student 1 - 3 NEW Breathing Exercises to do for "Homework" between lessons. These are described and enumerated on a "Notes and Homework" form I provide. I also take an "Initial" Vocal Range, note weaknesses and strengths, as well as goals from and for the student. As we talk and sing, I ask questions to "Tweak" my information, and to determine better the best sstrategy to pursue for future lessons. Throughout the time, students and/or parents are encouraged to ask questions or text, email, or call me later with questions. Students who ask questions will tend to advance more quickly, and NO question or comment is considered "dumb".

For Piano Students, PRIOR to the first lesson, I will attempt to ascertain through communications the BEST Piano Book for the student or parents to purchase. I also recommend Music Flash Cards, and depending upon the student's level of previous knowledge, I may also suggest "Keyboard Note Stickers" to make learning the note names easier. At the first lesson, we talk about and practice Hand Strengthening Exercises and Playing Poster; we talk about the Layout of a Piano Keyboard and the Musical Alphabet; and we discuss how and when to practice to maximize learning potential. I give each student a folder to hold Theory Worsheets, Music Games, Sheet Music not contained with their Piano Book; and any other resources I think will be helpful. Students will also choose a "Popular" song they like and want to learn, such as a Disney song, a song by a pop star they enjoy, or a simpler Classical song. I find that a student tends to practice more if they are working on a song they really want to play.

The youngest students I've ever taught were 3 and 4. These were Piano students but often, I would incorporate songs they could also sing into their curriculum, as this gave the more incentive to listen and practice.

Interview SEVERAL teachers, if at all possible. Try to find a person with, not only, great qualifications, but whose personality messes well with yours. I think I am a pretty likeable person but not everybody agrees. Personality is not AS important for a Piano teacher, I don't think but, at least, be certain that the teacher's Methodology is what you are most comfortable with. I am an encourager; I always LOOK FOR qualities to support and applaud. Some people may not WANT a teach like this because they may feel they need someone who is more of a disciplinarian. For teaching Voice, I feel singing is such a personal skill, tied very specifically to the student's emotions and self-image, it is PENULTILATE to find a teacher you can TRUST. You need to be comfortable making mistakes in front of your teacher, as you LEARN from your mistakes; you need to trust the teacher's TECHNIQUE and KNOWLEDGE; and you need to be able to BE HONEST, LAUGH, and maybe even CRY with your teacher. Therefore, I really recommend interviewing several until you find one that "Fits" your needs, your personality, and your goals.

This summer, one of my students made it all the way to the FINALS on "The Voice Teens" in The Philippines. He was very nervous and intimidated to begin with, so that his voice shook, and he would "crack" on top notes. However, with practice and some concentrated work on building and establishing his Self Confidence, he became VERY successful. I was a VERY proud teacher!

A few things worth thinking about before reaching out
They should consider HOW SERIOUS they are about wanting to learn. Are they WILLING to PRACTICE CONSISTENTLY? What are their "Personal" Music GOALS? How comfortable are they TALKING WITH ANOTHER PERSON ABOUT WHAT THEY WANT, WHAT THEY DREAM OF? Are there PRIORITIES each student should be aware of when learning their particular lesson subject? For example, if a student is a Cheer Leader, I feel it is almost like shooting yourself in the foot to want to be a singer, too. Unless you can learn to ALWAYS "Scream" CORRECTLY, you will do damage to your Vocal Mechanism when you scream, making it impossible to learn to sing CORRECTLY. It would also be important for you to ask a prospective teacher about THEIR priorities regarding the subject. What do THEY feel are the most important things to DO in order to sing or play well, AND what do they feel should be AVOIDED in order to sing or play well. As far as I'm concerned, NO question or comment is STUPID! EVERY TIME YOU ASK A QUESTION, YOU LEARN SOMETHING, SO ASK AS MANY AS YOU CAN THINK OF!!!!

Review

All of our reviews are collected by us and are 100% reliable. They correspond to a real experience lived by students with Cathy.

5 (11 reviews)

C

Christian
- 5
Perfect! Wonderful instructor. Helped me be more confident and better at singing. Highly recommend !
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Christian

Perfect! Wonderful instructor. Helped me be more confident and better at singing. Highly recommend !
J

Josh reynoso
- 5
Perfect! Cathy has been amazing to work with! She is very flexible with scheduling, and she has supported me so much in my singing career. I have made so much improvement since we started working together. She has helped me increase my range, work on my mix, and gave me great insight on how the voice works. Thank you so much Cathy :)
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Josh reynoso

Perfect! Cathy has been amazing to work with! She is very flexible with scheduling, and she has supported me so much in my singing career. I have made so much improvement since we started working together. She has helped me increase my range, work on my mix, and gave me great insight on how the voice works. Thank you so much Cathy :)
H

Hannah de
- 5
Perfect! Cathy has been a game changer for me and my vocal skill! I went into our lessons just looking for a way to do something for myself and I have gained far more support, knowledge and skill than I could have anticipated. Cathy is not only a great teacher, she has become one of my fiercest cheerleaders.
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Hannah de

Perfect! Cathy has been a game changer for me and my vocal skill! I went into our lessons just looking for a way to do something for myself and I have gained far more support, knowledge and skill than I could have anticipated. Cathy is not only a great teacher, she has become one of my fiercest cheerleaders.
H

Hubbell
- 5
Perfect! she knows my needs and works with me very well
See the response from Cathy Read more Read more

H

Hubbell

Perfect! she knows my needs and works with me very well

Cathy's response
I wish EVERY student were like David; he actually PRACTICES EVERYTHING I GIVE HIM BETWEEN EVERY LESSON! He's such a pleasure to work with!
- Cathy's response :
  I wish EVERY student were like David; he actually PRACTICES EVERYTHING I GIVE HIM BETWEEN EVERY LESSON! He's such a pleasure to work with!
S

Steve
- 5
Perfect! Cathy is a pleasure to work with. I came to Cathy with no singing experience. She always takes the time to answer my questions and to develop a lesson plan specific to my needs. During my time with her she has helped me to expand my vocal range and boost my confidence to perform in public. She even provided me with some CDs with vocal exercises and warmups. I’d definitely recommend Cathy!
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S

Steve

Perfect! Cathy is a pleasure to work with. I came to Cathy with no singing experience. She always takes the time to answer my questions and to develop a lesson plan specific to my needs. During my time with her she has helped me to expand my vocal range and boost my confidence to perform in public. She even provided me with some CDs with vocal exercises and warmups. I’d definitely recommend Cathy!
R

Ronson
- 5
Perfect! Cathy Riso is first of an incredible person and pleasant to learn from. She has the experience to pin point personal characteristics of your voice and is able hone in on what adjustments need to be made for any level of singer.

Ronson Webster
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R

Ronson

Perfect! Cathy Riso is first of an incredible person and pleasant to learn from. She has the experience to pin point personal characteristics of your voice and is able hone in on what adjustments need to be made for any level of singer.

Ronson Webster
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Recommendations

Recommendations come from relatives, friends and acquaintances of the teacher

Cristin

My daughter has been a vocal student of Cathy's for three years, and in that time, her singing and performing techniques have improved dramatically. Cathy truly works one-on-one with each student and tailors every lesson to their needs at that time. Whether we are prepping for an audition, working on show material, or just singing for fun, my daughter gets valuable advice and attention at each visit. We are so pleased with her progress, but more importantly, we always feel that she is in good hands with Cathy, who truly loves, supports and encourages each and every one of her students.
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Cristin
My daughter has been a vocal student of Cathy's for three years, and in that time, her singing and performing techniques have improved dramatically. Cathy truly works one-on-one with each student and tailors every lesson to their needs at that time. Whether we are prepping for an audition, working on show material, or just singing for fun, my daughter gets valuable advice and attention at each visit. We are so pleased with her progress, but more importantly, we always feel that she is in good hands with Cathy, who truly loves, supports and encourages each and every one of her students.
Lucy

I am a 26 year-old female with very little experience with performing. I go to Cathy for voice lessons--and have for about a year now--and I referred a friend of mine to her for introductory piano lessons a while back as well, and we both adore her!
She carefully analyzes the basic abilities you have as a performer over the first few weeks you work with her, and then makes customized vocal exercise CDs for you to work with. She pinpoints your weaknesses and works tirelessly to transform them into strengths, while further perfecting your natural strengths. Over the year I've been going to her approximately once a week, she's managed to extend my range from just over one octave to just over two octaves.
I honestly cannot sing her praises enough, and I am extremely quick to recommend her to anyone who might even think they're interested!!!
Cathy is THE BEST!!!
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L
Lucy
I am a 26 year-old female with very little experience with performing. I go to Cathy for voice lessons--and have for about a year now--and I referred a friend of mine to her for introductory piano lessons a while back as well, and we both adore her!
She carefully analyzes the basic abilities you have as a performer over the first few weeks you work with her, and then makes customized vocal exercise CDs for you to work with. She pinpoints your weaknesses and works tirelessly to transform them into strengths, while further perfecting your natural strengths. Over the year I've been going to her approximately once a week, she's managed to extend my range from just over one octave to just over two octaves.
I honestly cannot sing her praises enough, and I am extremely quick to recommend her to anyone who might even think they're interested!!!
Cathy is THE BEST!!!
Linda

Cathy was highly instrumental in preparing me vocally for my new CD. She helped me get back my three octave range and work through the difficult musical segments so vocally I would shine. I most assuredly recommend this lady!
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Linda
Cathy was highly instrumental in preparing me vocally for my new CD. She helped me get back my three octave range and work through the difficult musical segments so vocally I would shine. I most assuredly recommend this lady!
Tina

Cathy is such a wonderful, caring, piano and voice teacher. She will adapt her style of teaching to her students so they thrive in their abilities. Aside from the music theory, and learning the practicality of playing the piano or singing she also helps to teach how a positive attitude gets you further in whatever you strive for in life. My child has blossomed with her as a mentor.
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T
Tina
Cathy is such a wonderful, caring, piano and voice teacher. She will adapt her style of teaching to her students so they thrive in their abilities. Aside from the music theory, and learning the practicality of playing the piano or singing she also helps to teach how a positive attitude gets you further in whatever you strive for in life. My child has blossomed with her as a mentor.
Carolyn

Cathy Riso is a professional, caring, and very talented individual. In the several years my son took voice lessons with her, he learned so much. I highly recommend Cathy!
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C
Carolyn
Cathy Riso is a professional, caring, and very talented individual. In the several years my son took voice lessons with her, he learned so much. I highly recommend Cathy!
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Rates

Rate

₱3,137

Pack rates

5h: ₱15
10h: ₱30

free lessons

This first lesson offered with Cathy will allow you to get to know each other and clearly specify your needs for your next lessons.

online

₱3,137/h

Details

I DO have standard pricing BUT I have so many different types of lessons, it's really impossible to say that a lesson is --- this much money. For detailed pricing and lesson length and type, please send me your email address, and I will gladly send you my New Student Email, which includes pretty much every question you might have about HOW I teach, WHAT I teach, HOW LONG, HOW OFTEN, and WHAT EACH LESSON COSTS. My email address is (concealed information)

Experienced tutor in Piano in Santa Clarita, Cathy offers private lessons tailored to your needs.

Lesson location

Recommended

About Cathy

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free lessons

online

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Experienced tutor in Piano in Santa Clarita, Cathy offers private lessons tailored to your needs.

Lesson location

Recommended

About Cathy

About the lesson

Review

Recommendations

Rates

Rate

Pack rates

free lessons

online

Details

Other tutors in Piano

Norman Vincent

Naomi

Eira May

Jay Ar

Marcia

Giselle

Joshua Martin

Fr

Angelie

Josephine

Jobelle Catherine

Precious Mae

Prince

Raxwenn

Bahan

DIOSDADO

Shaina

Micah Marie A

Dennis

James

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