McIntire Studios

Frequently Asked Questions

2. How old is too old to learn piano or voice?

4. Do you have special programs for gifted and talented children?

5. My student learns her songs within a day or two, and then I can't get her to practice them again until her lesson. When she gets there, she can't play them and doesn't pass, and the cycle begins again. What should I do?

6. Where are lessons located?

7. Will you teach in my home?

8. What happens in a voice lesson?

9. What happens at an audition?

10. Do you offer Kindermusik lessons?

11. Why do I have to audition?

12. How often are lessons, and how long are they?

13. How many lessons will I need?

14. What do I bring to my lesson?

15. What materials do I need to purchase?

16. How much will I need to practice?

17. What performance opportunities do you offer? Are recitals required?

1. What lessons do you offer?

McIntire Studios offers lessons in voice, piano, music theory, and composition. Voice, piano and music theory are available from Michelle McIntire. David McIntire teaches composition lessons. An audition/interview is required for all lessons.

2. How old is too old to learn piano or voice?

I've taught retirement-age beginning students for many years, and I've discovered that attitude is more important than age! For piano students, finger coordination comes more slowly than for a child (about what one would expect), but the theory side comes much faster. A trade-off, really. Vocal study at this level is geared to the choir member and occasional soloist, although of course I accept retired singers too. In your lessons we will work to increase vocal flexibility, improve breath support, create the stability of breath connection, and strive for freedom of tone. These goals are for every singer, really, but physical changes in the older singer - especially women - require special attention in these areas to avoid the dreaded 'wobble' in the higher range. As a native and long-time resident of the state of Florida, retirement capitol of the world, I've made something of a specialty of teaching older adults, and it is something I find especially rewarding.

3. How young is too young for piano or voice?

Music is inherent in us. Most of us begin to sing before we even begin to talk! It is central to our very being, and is essential to our development as people. That said: piano/vocal* study can begin at a fairly early age, as young as 4. However, parents are very actively involved in the learning process, and need to be aware of the time commitment they are taking on. Very young students, ages 4 - Kindergarten, require bi-weekly lessons of 30 minutes each, with the parent actively involved in the lessons. Children in grades 1 - 5 receive 45 minute lessons once a week*, with the parent present in the lesson and very active at home. Children in grades 6 - 8 receive a 30-minute lesson once per week. Parents are invited, but not required, to attend. Students in 9^th grade and higher receive 60-minute lessons once or twice a week.

*All students under the age of 13 receive a combination of piano & vocal training. Younger singers will learn the easiest way to read music while they are learning vocal technique, and young pianists will learn basic singing skills while working on the piano. Everybody sings, everybody plays. Will I accept a student for voice training only? No. But I will help a student learn to sing, work on audition songs, and allow them to sing in recital, while they are studying piano. I allow young students to switch to a voice 'major' when they are 13 years old and in the 7^th grade.

4. My child has been identified as Gifted and Talented at school. Do you have special programs that will meet the needs of my child?

Music is one of the very best ways to challenge your G&T student. Since we offer instruction tailored to the individual student, our programs are well suited to help your child realize his or her fullest potential.

Many G &T students become quickly bored with traditional music lessons (once per week for an hour) because they learn quickly and therefore hate unnecessary repetition. However, on a physical level (finger facility) repetition is as important as ever. Younger students, especially (Grades 1 - 3) lack the discipline to 'make' themselves continue to practice a song they've learned, even if they understand the need for it. Therefore, I've discovered that G&T children in this age range require shorter lessons that meet more frequently than once a week. This eliminates the endless repetition that these students do not tolerate well. Most G&T students come 3 times a week for thirty minutes. Once the student has developed the self-discipline to match their ability, lessons can meet further and further apart - usually after one or two years of study.

Your child may need to enter our G&T program, as outlined above. If you are interested in this service, speak with Michelle McIntire about enrolling your child in this program.

6. Where are lessons located?

Lessons are in the Waldo area of Kansas City, MO, in the 64131 ZIP code area. Contact us for directions when you set up your initial interview/audition.

7. Will you teach in my home?

We do not travel to teach lessons.

8. What happens in a voice lesson?

Lessons are very individualized. However, every lesson has the following elements: Warm up, exercise, ear-training/sight-singing, and (after the first month or so) song work.

9. What happens at an audition?

When you come for your audition/interview, be prepared to sing or play a song you enjoy or think you do well. Also be prepared to talk about your goals and dreams, and where you've been. If you've never sung or played before, don't sweat - I'll help you. Just be emotionally prepared to do what I ask of you. If you have a musical resume or a demo, bring it. If you've ever worked on classical repertoire, bring that even if you wish to concentrate in another area, because classical repertoire (songs) will more clearly show what your issues are. This isn't required if you've never worked on classical music - 'America' or a Top 40 song will do as well.

10. Do you offer Kindermusik lessons?

YES! Michelle is certified and licensed to offer Kindermusik classes to infants and toddlers up to 3 years of age. (If there is enough demand, I can add classes for kids up to age 7.) This is a wonderfully fun and rewarding class to teach! However, I require a minimum of 6 parents and infants to teach a class (classes cap at 12). If you are interested in lessons for you and your baby, contact us for more information. For more information about Kindermusic, visit www.Kindermusik.com.

11. Why do I have to audition?

An audition provides you with an opportunity to meet with your potential teacher before you begin lessons. This is important - you need to feel safe with your teacher. The audition provides the teacher with the opportunity to better evaluate your abilities and goals, and to assess your "attitude for success". I always give a very short mini-lesson to see how well the student responds to my direction, which in my book is more important that the basic instrument. In my studio, a beginner's attitude is much more important than ability in terms of passing the audition.

12. How often are lessons, and how long are they?

Lesson times vary. Typical lesson times and frequency are listed below.

13. How many lessons do I need?

Lessons are an on-going process, very similar to weight training. When you get into the kind of shape you want, lessons may become less frequent, but will never stop all together. As in weight training, once you're in shape, you have to work to stay there!

14. What do I bring to my lesson?

Books, notebook, materials, water bottle (singers), 120 minute blank tape, pencil.

15. What materials do I need to purchase?

You will be responsible for your own music, blank tapes, notebooks, etc. All students need a 3 subject spiral note book and a metronome. Piano students need a full keyboard or a piano. Voice students need to own a small music dictionary and have access to a tape recorder or CD player.

16. How much will I have to practice?

This varies depending on the student. In general, you should practice every day for as long as your lesson is. This may be broken up into much shorter segments - someone who needs 45 minutes of practice per day may play for 5 minutes before school, 20 minutes when they get home, 5 minutes before dinner, 10 minutes when the commercials are on, and 5 minutes just before bedtime. It adds up very quickly! There is no need to 'chain' your self to the piano.

17. What performance opportunities do you offer? Are recitals required?

We offer monthly studio classes for voice students, occasional piano studio classes, and two full recitals per year. Studio Class meets once a month. During this class, singers sing for each other, get to know one another, and learn how to critique and be critiqued. This is an unparalleled opportunity for vocal and musical growth, one usually available only to voice majors. It also provides you with another venue for honest feedback about your voice. Try to attend as many Studio Classes as possible. Please make it your goal to come to all of them. Singers are to perform at a minimum of 3 Studio Classes per semester. Selections will be either memorized 'complete' or designated 'work in progress'. Accompaniment will be provided. Coffee will be available. Snacks will be rotated among the singers.