Voice Training

Lenora teaches voice lessons in Marin County, California to serious singers of all vocal categories. Several of her students have been recent winners in singing competitions held by the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing.

Lenora teaches step-by-step vocal development, explained clearly, inviting singers to develop at their own pace. She works on:

  • Singing in tune with beautiful tone quality
  • Breathing correctly
  • Extending range and power
  • Eliminating "breaking"
  • Correcting vocal discomfort
  • Singing safely without damaging the voice
  • Building a fun, supportive atmosphere.

The first lessons are an overview of vocal technique; then, she works on the songs chosen by the student and applies the technique to them.

Students are encouraged to tape record their lessons to help in remembering the instruction. All vocal exercises and songs are recorded so students can practice at home.

Students can take private lessons: group classes are also available.

  • Classes are limited to ten singers
  • Make-up classes are available for missed classes
  • Lenora offers student concert/workshops throughout the year, giving an opportunity to learn to perform in a supportive setting.
  • Classes include a segment of choral singing

Private lessons are one hour per week for the initial five meetings, and, if finances are an issue, the student may wish to attend 1/2 hr week or one hour every two weeks.

Lenora teaches the historical development of musical style, form and analysis, basic theory, piano, and beginning conducting.

In addition to careful technical instruction, there is an equal emphasis on becoming a good communicator in singing, being expressive, learning to "put a song over," and understanding one's vocal category.

Lenora is skilled in coaching singer's Italian, French, German, Spanish, Middle English and Latin, and singer's movement and acting. She also coaches musical interpretation.

Throughout her affiliation with the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), she offers students access to Bay Area recitals and competitions.

From her training as a Registered Nurse, Lenora always makes vocal health a priority. Her understanding of vocal anatomy and physiology provides a solid basis for her teaching. She is a voice builder.

Background

  • Thirty years of experience as a teacher of voice, privately and at elementary, high school and college levels.
  • Bachelor of Arts in Music, University of California, Berkeley
  • Associate of Science in Registered Nursing, College of Marin
  • Member, NATS, Women Musicians of San Francisco
  • Principal teachers: Donna Petersen, San Francisco Opera, Verna Osborne, San Francisco Opera, Jess Thomas, International Heldentenor, Mary Groom Jones, U.C. Berkeley.
  • Studied movement for singers with Teddy Lee at the Renaissance School of Dance; opera with Blanche Thebom at the S.F. State Opera Workshop
  • Studied Flamenco Dance with Cruz Luna
  • Prepared music for Purcell's Dido and Aeneas and the musical Annie Get Your Gun

Please see my biography for more background information.

If you are interested in more detailed information about times and fees, please e-mail Lenora and include your phone number, a good time to reach you, and an idea of your musical goals.

 

Listen to sample recordings featuring Georges Bizet, Johannes Brahms, Giuseppi Verdi, Richard Wagner, Richard Rogers and Peter Black.

Our Light is a Voice

sacred music for women’s voices and piano or organ.

The demand for choral music for female choirs keeps growing. We are therefore very pleased to publish this work by the American composer and conductor Peter Black. For more information, visit the INTRADA website.

Just Released!

As Watchmen for the Morning

This is a second volume of choral music by Peter Black published by Intrada.

Interested in live music at special events? Find out about Opera to Go.
Have you ever wanted to sing but thought you didn't have the talent? Why not take lessons and discover your potential?
Drawing from a rich history of learning and performing, Lenora Black provides her students with an expansive context for the appreciation of music.