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Drs. Mark and Molly Johnson are dynamic, committed performers who are also passionate about the study and teaching of voice and performance and who love to work with and inspire others to perform. They have taught voice at the college and university level for many years and are long-time members in good standing of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (www.nats.org). When appropriate and studio enrollment demands, the Studio may also employ
Associate Instructors who have the highest standards in
training and experience. Students of Mark and Molly Johnson have appeared on Broadway (Tarzan, Big River) and in national musical theater tours (Little House), regional music theater (Irving Lyric, The Guthrie, Asheville Regional, Lyric Theater of Oklahoma) and performed roles with various other opera, community and civic theater companies. They have won vocal competitions at all levels (NATS;TAPPS;UIL), completed masters and doctoral degrees, become music entrepreneurs and work successfully as singer/songwriters with major national awards (Dove; Grammy). Others direct and produce community theater, work nationally and internationally as educators, church music directors, choral and symphonic conductors and have been active in the recording and television industry in Nashville and Los Angeles (Glee).
Since 2009, 17 graduating high school seniors have been awarded $1,965,000 in performance-based, academic and summer program scholarships. The following are represented: Oklahoma City University (3), New York University (2), American Academy of Dramatic Arts, London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts, University of Oklahoma (2), San Jacinto College, Texas A&M Commerce, University of Texas at Arlington, NewLife School of Christian Worship, Georgetown University (Texas), Texas Tech University, John Brown University, University of Texas at Tyler (3), University of Texas at San Antonio, Southern Methodist University. Congratulations Seniors!
Summer 2011
For the summer of 2011, several high school and middle-school students were selected by audition to attend the Summer Musical Theater Program at Oklahoma City University. Others will appear with Opera in the Ozarks and the Summer Opera Festival at Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina. Students have previously performed with summer programs at New York University and in professional Regional Theater productions with the Irving Lyric Theater and Lyric Theater of Oklahoma. One student interned with the New York Film
Institute and adult community students remained active in Community Theater productions and sing with community chorales and barbership quartets. All selections, casting and internships are won through competitive audition or application.
Studio Purpose
To identify potentially outstanding singers and to nurture and promote the highest level of solo vocal performance in the East Texas Region. To provide pre-professional instruction of classical vocal technique and artistry in a friendly, encouraging, and challenging environment.
Teaching Philosophy
We believe that singing is a whole body, whole person event far more than just beautiful tone. We believe that what the student learns in private voice and public performance can positively influence all areas of ones life, self confidence, increased independent work habits and more. Therefore, we believe a voice teacher should:
1. Teach healthy singing always work towards a beautiful, freely produced tone;
2. Teach smart singing know your music, know your translations, know your instrument, know your character;
3. Expect artistic growth concurrent with technical development;
4. Model what we teach by performing well;
5. Encourage a desire for lifelong learning;
6. Introduce new literature and new styles that compliment the skills and strengths of the student;
7. Expect excellence present your personal best;
8. Have patience and a sense of humor; discern when to encourage and when to prod;
9. Care about both the instrument and the person; and
10. Inspire a love of and appreciation for classical vocal music and its performance.
Introductory Lesson
Potential students may call or e-mail to set up a 30-minute introductory lesson. The singer needs to prepare and present one (beginners) or two (more advanced) selections from classical, Broadway, or sacred classical repertoire. Please bring sheet music or an accompaniment track. The student will sing and informally interview with the teacher. Parents are welcome to be part of the initial session. If accepted into the studio, a regular lesson time and start date will be set. There is a charge of $35.00 for the introductory lesson.
Expectations and Repertoire
Singers who are accepted into the studio should be:
1. interested in a pre-professional level of vocal performance. That is, s/he should intend to pursue either voice performance or vocal music education as a collegiate major;
2. focused, disciplined and prepared to work hard to ensure that music and other assignments are fully prepared for each lesson;
3. able to read music easily at sight OR have had a minimum of one (1) year private piano study.
If piano skills are weak, students will be placed on the waiting list, and encouraged to seek piano lessons and/or music theory lessons. They may re-audition after one year.
Voice teaching time is spent on technique, artistry and diction (including help with foreign language texts); rote teaching of songs is not part of the lesson. Students are expected to learn basic pitches and rhythms away from the studio. Many collections come with CDs containing accompaniments, recitations of foreign texts, and/or demonstrations of the entire song. These are excellent tools, but are no substitute for individual musicianship skills.
Repertoire will be selected on an individual basis and drawn primarily from art song (this is what one finds on the UIL/TAPPS lists), Broadway, opera, and sacred songs that call for classical vocal technique. Students are expected to purchase original copies of their assigned music. Extreme belting, pop, rock, and country-western techniques will not be part of the lessons.
Lesson Attendance, Holiday and Cancellation Policies
Students take one lesson per week for either forty-five minutes or one-hour, depending upon teacher recommendation and student schedule. Regular lesson times that fall on a holiday will be rescheduled if needed to meet the fifteen lessons for the term; otherwise, that week will simply be skipped.
If
the teacher must cancel a lesson for travel, conferences or
performances, it will be rescheduled, although not always within the
same week.
Cancellations should be made by contacting Mr. or Mrs. Dr. Johnson by cell phone, or by email to info@dacapostudios.com.
Due to limited time slots available for make-up lessons, no more than two (2) student cancellations will be rescheduled during the course of the term unless extenuating circumstances merit (personal or family emergency). Lessons canceled with less than 24 hours notice may result in loss of the lesson. Scheduling conflicts with rehearsals, family trips, doctor appointments, lack of transportation, etc, are not considered emergencies.
2011/2012 Studio Schedule
Fall 2011 Term: Monday, August 22rd - Friday, December 9th. (15 lessons)
No lessons week of November 21-25, 2010 (Thanksgiving Break)
Spring 2012 Term: Monday, January 9th - Friday, April 27th (15 lessons)
No lessons week of March 12-16, 2011 (Spring Break)
2011 Studio Recital Date:
Rehearsal Date: Saturday, May 5th, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Recital Date: Sunday, May 6th, 2011 at 3:00 p.m.
Location: Braithwaite Recital Hall (in the Cowan Center on the UT Tyler Campus)
Summer 2012
May-mester Term begins Monday, May 14th and closes Friday, June 15th, 2012.
5 weekly one-hour lessons: $300
Studio Rates and Payment Schedule
$600.00 for fall or spring term for 15 45-minute lessons ($40.00 per lesson)
$825.00 for fall or spring term for 15 one-hour lessons ($55.00 per lesson)
Payment Schedule:
Four equal payments of $150 (45-minute)/ $200 (one hour) due no later than:
Fall
Payment #1: Week of August 29th
Payment #2: Week of October 3rd
Payment #3: Week of October 31st
Payment #4: Week of November 28th
Spring
Payment #1: Week of January 9th
Payment #2 : Week of January 30th
Payment #3: Week of February 27th
Payment #4: Week of April 2nd
Fees will be prorated for students who begin after the start of the term. Payments may be made by cash or check (payable to Da Capo Studios or the instructor). Returned checks will require a $35. fee, payable before any further lessons will be scheduled. Payments made after the 10th will require an additional $35. late fee. If payment is not received by the 10th no additional lessons will be scheduled until the account is paid. Payment may be sent with the student or mailed.
Extra Lessons
If desired, an additional lesson or lessons may be scheduled pending availability. Rates are $40. per 45-minute and $55. for one hour, payable by the lesson or by lump sum.
Competitions, Special Classes, Recitals
Each teacher has a limited number of students s/he may enter in Texoma Region and DFW Chapter NATS student auditions. Categories range from High School through Adult. Students who invited to participate are responsible for all expenses associated with the competition.
From time to time, special master classes may be offered. Students may participate in these for a modest additional fee. An accompanist will be present at the class.
The teachers encourage participation in any studio recitals that may be scheduled. Full details will be provided with ample time for planning.
AUDITIONS: We encourage students to audition for all appropriate contests, productions and solo performances. However, we want to know you are auditioning, and assist you in preparing your audition materials.
Audition DVDs
Upon request, The Studio makes available time and equipment to produce audition DVDs in-house. A flat fee of $150 includes filming, post-production editing and two (2) copies of the DVD in Windows Media Video, Standard Definition (HD available upon request). Additional copies (HD/SD) are available upon request at $5.00 each copy.
Music Vendors
We encourage students to purchase their music, supplies and instruments locally and are pleased to recommend the following:
Mundt Music of Longview Tyler Tyler Piano and Organ
Laura Mundt Bill Jeffreys
Sheet Music Department 6718 S. Broadway
903-561-8828 903-581-8144
www.mundtmusic.com
We also support local community arts organizations. Please visit the following:
Tyler Civic Theatre
www.tylercivictheatre.com
Lindale Community Theatre
www.lindalecommunitytheater.org
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