Alain Merville’s Post

Career update! I am very excited to announce that I am launching my own independent teaching studio for singing and beginner piano! 🎵 This year has certainly included some substantial pivots, and I’m particularly excited about how I’m reincorporating music into my professional journey. Eight years ago, after graduating from Juilliard, I walked away from music entirely, feeling burned out and, frankly, rather unworthy to perform or share my singing with others. I no longer enjoyed going to concerts, and even listening to music could be quite painful. I wasn’t sure if there was a place for music in my life anymore. With the help of a fantastic community, I’ve worked hard over the past year to repair my relationship with music, and am now pleased to share my 20+ years of vocal performance experience with others. I’ll be sharing more information on my offerings in the coming months, but during this transitionary period, I’ve created a FREE pilot program to get the ball rolling! In exchange for your feedback, you’ll get a free package of voice lessons with me. A few things to note about the free pilot (did I mention that it’s FREE?): - These will be virtual lessons— unless you’re based in LA, in which case we can meet in person. I’ll adjust for awkward time zones as needed! - I prefer to work with beginners, and ALL ages are welcome— anyone from 5-105 (no 106 year olds, please). - While I do have an opera background, we can work on any style of music you’d like! Pop, jazz, rock, you name it. Maybe not heavy metal…still trying to figure out the screaming technique for that one. Please send me a DM for more information, and of course, kindly spread the word to your family and friends 🙂! Let’s make some music!

STUDENT TESTIMONIAL: "Hey there, it's Eugenia Pleasure, representing the 757 area of Virginia. I've been on this incredible journey with Piano Lessons with Warren for about a year and a half now. My connection with Warren all started during the pandemic when I stumbled upon his YouTube videos. What immediately drew me in was how effortlessly he made playing chords by ear seem. He showcased various songs at different skill levels, and it got me thinking, "If it's that easy, why not give it a shot?" So, I went all-in, binge-watching his YouTube clips, thinking it would take me to the next level. However, I soon realized I needed more structured learning. That's when Warren had an amazing offer going – just a dollar for a week. I took him up on that, and from there, my musical journey with him has been nothing short of transformative. What sets Warren's teaching apart is that he caters to everyone, from absolute beginners who've never touched a piano to advanced players. The lesson that truly resonated with me was the 12-week progression lesson. It was a game-changer. I learned to play chords and scales in every key, change keys, and even modulate. It was like unlocking a new world of musical possibilities. So, if you're on the fence, I suggest giving Piano Lessons with Warren a try. It's been my path to musical growth, and I can't recommend it enough. You've got nothing to lose and a whole lot of musical magic to gain. Thanks, and good luck on your journey!" Start your transformation today with our FREE trial here: https://lnkd.in/dkE7vPma.

We had a fantastic couple of days at this year's Music and Drama Education Expo in London, with many amazing and inspiring conversations and generous people. During discussions with attendees, I was struck by two contrasting schools of thought: “I’m a music teacher. I don't teach film.” “Our music students do film composition for a project.” “We want our stage acting students to get more experience in front and behind a camera becuase it will help them to get a job.” One mindset sees subjects, such as Music or Drama, sitting within clear and separate camps. The other in which they co-exist. And it made me think about how the differing mindsets, which we as teachers have, translate to the experiences of students. Further, the impact this may have upon young people's perceptions of the world. As teachers, our role should be to illuimunate the connections between subjects and in so doing encourage collaboration and enhance skills such as problem solving. If labelling of a subject comes to define the subject, are not the opportunities to explore wider connections and applications lost? I would argue subject labels are helpful, but should not be used to define the boundaries of any subject. Does the curriculum encourage or discourage inter-curricular thinking?

STUDENT TESTIMONIAL: "Hey there, it's Eugenia Pleasure, representing the 757 area of Virginia. I've been on this incredible journey with Piano Lessons with Warren for about a year and a half now. My connection with Warren all started during the pandemic when I stumbled upon his YouTube videos. What immediately drew me in was how effortlessly he made playing chords by ear seem. He showcased various songs at different skill levels, and it got me thinking, "If it's that easy, why not give it a shot?" So, I went all-in, binge-watching his YouTube clips, thinking it would take me to the next level. However, I soon realized I needed more structured learning. That's when Warren had an amazing offer going – just a dollar for a week. I took him up on that, and from there, my musical journey with him has been nothing short of transformative. What sets Warren's teaching apart is that he caters to everyone, from absolute beginners who've never touched a piano to advanced players. The lesson that truly resonated with me was the 12-week progression lesson. It was a game-changer. I learned to play chords and scales in every key, change keys, and even modulate. It was like unlocking a new world of musical possibilities. So, if you're on the fence, I suggest giving Piano Lessons with Warren a try. It's been my path to musical growth, and I can't recommend it enough. You've got nothing to lose and a whole lot of musical magic to gain. Thanks, and good luck on your journey!" Start your transformation today with our FREE trial here: https://lnkd.in/dkE7vPma.

What parents should know about music education? Children are often sent to lessons to learn how to play a musical instrument even if they have never 'heard' music before, no one in the family is interested in music or they “don’t know” any songs. Parents usually like the idea to see their child play an instrument and they think it’s enough to book lessons to learn how to play. Well… not really. Let’s think about: It would be like learning a foreign language that we never heard before, or that no one speaks. What’s the point? Learning for its own sake is what will easily lead children to stop the classes.   The first authentic teaching of music occurs in a family environment, from the earliest days of life. The idea of music is not innate, so it must be introduced somehow.   How does the idea of music fit into the infant? The best method is to expose the child to music and, even more importantly, to show that music is not just like any other sound but communicates something. In other words, establishing a connection between the sound heard and an emotional reaction, so as to insert the musical seed in the infant, which it will then be up to the Teacher to educate. It is necessary for music to be present in the child's world; it must not be regarded as something marginal - it is not enough to turn on the radio in the background, there must be an openness to music on an emotional level. Children must 'hear' the effect of what is at first only a new sound to them (different from the sound of their parent's voices) but which they will discover to be so important to the people they love (their own parents); in this way, children will not only hear music but begin to listen to it, know it, and recognise it. Children will develop an interest in learning to play (and in learning in general) because they want to be recognised and appreciated by the people they love and esteem. Generally, the desire to be appreciated by parents or those closest to someone's heart arises naturally; the teacher must know how to arouse it day after day.. #rethinkmusiceducation

Studies confirm that music has profound effects on the human body and brain. It simultaneously activates both the left and right brain, enhancing learning and memory. Teaching music offers a flexible career path, allowing for personalized scheduling and work hours. It can serve as a stable career choice or a stepping stone to other professional opportunities. Moreover, teaching music provides a unique opportunity to pursue additional career goals while making a positive impact through music education. #MusicEducation #CareerOpportunity #LearningBenefits

STUDENT TESTIMONIAL: "Hey there, it's Eugenia Pleasure, representing the 757 area of Virginia. I've been on this incredible journey with Piano Lessons with Warren for about a year and a half now. My connection with Warren all started during the pandemic when I stumbled upon his YouTube videos. What immediately drew me in was how effortlessly he made playing chords by ear seem. He showcased various songs at different skill levels, and it got me thinking, "If it's that easy, why not give it a shot?" So, I went all-in, binge-watching his YouTube clips, thinking it would take me to the next level. However, I soon realized I needed more structured learning. That's when Warren had an amazing offer going – just a dollar for a week. I took him up on that, and from there, my musical journey with him has been nothing short of transformative. What sets Warren's teaching apart is that he caters to everyone, from absolute beginners who've never touched a piano to advanced players. The lesson that truly resonated with me was the 12-week progression lesson. It was a game-changer. I learned to play chords and scales in every key, change keys, and even modulate. It was like unlocking a new world of musical possibilities. So, if you're on the fence, I suggest giving Piano Lessons with Warren a try. It's been my path to musical growth, and I can't recommend it enough. You've got nothing to lose and a whole lot of musical magic to gain. Thanks, and good luck on your journey!" Start your transformation today with our FREE trial here: https://lnkd.in/dkE7vPma.

"We also note that the parents who are most likely to encourage their children to study music are themselves lifelong learners." This jumped out at me when I read this article. As an educator I am acutely aware that there are, in my opinion, three elements that contribute to successful learning. Teacher; Student; Parent Ultimately, all three have to manage and balance the learning in the best interests of the student. This article goes a long way to exploring the role that each element plays in the joyful conundrum that is teaching. https://lnkd.in/eD2uydfW #musiceducation #teachers #lifelonglearning

✏️My first journal article!!✏️ I began my career as a public school music #educator. I continuously search for ways to keep #musiceducation close to the work that I do. Well, I’m exited to introduce #skillsfirst work to the field of music education.😀 As a student and as an educator, there was a #practice in the field that I perceived to drive an inequitable experience for students. I never really had the language to articulate what I was feeling. Well, I’ve found the language and published an article in the American Choral Directors Association’s Choral Journal. * * * * In sum, to qualify for the All-State Choir, students are required to demonstrate a skill that… ✅ Every student has not had the #opportunity to develop ✅ The state institutions can not (yet) ensure #equalaccess to opportunity ✅ Is not required to be successful “on-the-job” I think this practice should be eliminated.🙅🏾♂️ I hope this, at least, drives dialogue! :) #dei #diversityequityinclusion #skillsfirst #musiclover #music #hrconsulting #humanresources #learninganddevelopment #hiring

🎵 When is the right time to start music lessons for your child? 🎵 Starting early can help boost brainpower and academic success, but how early is too early? Learn what the research says about when and how to begin your child's musical journey to set them up for success. #KidsHealth #ChildDevelopment #MusicEducation #EarlyLearning #ParentingTips #KidsActivities