Instructional Approach Overview
With a wealth of experience spanning the decades since 1976, Professor Christine Holvick offers a
clear and dynamic approach to music and diction instruction. Her students receive comprehensive and
well-rounded training equipping them for diverse pathways, whether pursuing professional careers or
enjoying music or speaking as a fulfilling hobby.
A Warm Welcome
Stepping into the studio, students will be greeted with warmth and enthusiasm by Professor Holvick.
Her infectious devotion to teaching quickly dispels any initial nervousness, creating a welcoming
environment where students feel encouraged and inspired. Professor Holvick's engaging instruction
style sets the stage for an exciting journey through realizing the students' dreams.
Rates and Location
Rates
$26-$60 per lesson, depending upon the length and eligible discounts.
Location
A roomy elegant Victorian-style music studio near Montecito in Santa Barbara, ten minutes from downtown.
Piano Lessons for All Ages and Levels
Ages and Levels
3 years old – 103 years old. (see Suzuki method below)
All Levels
Beginners to advanced.
Piano is the Foundation
Piano is the basis of all music which is why every music school in the country requires music students
to become competent on piano. Music is an important key to a grounded body, mind, and a balanced
life. All music is music therapy. In the education of every child, the study of music is as important as
"readin', writin', and 'rithmetic" and is critical to the development of every growing brain. From 3 years
old to 103 years old, piano is the gateway to all music and all musical instruments.
Piano is fun!
Professor Holvick makes the study of piano an alluring adventure into a fascinating world where other
teachers do not go. Students find themselves quickly playing music they would never imagine they
would be capable of playing. Whether reading from the page or improvising on a melody they
composed themselves, students are taught to let go of judgment and freely immerse themselves into
the tingling thrill of the musical ride.
Positive Practicing
Professor Holvick teaches her students how to practice in a positive way so the time at the piano is
anticipated because it is entertaining and gratifying. Many pupils record their lessons to facilitate their
practicing at home.
The Holvick Method of Piano
Professor Holvick took decades to develop a superior and unique method of teaching piano that is
effective in efficiently providing students a thorough musical education. With this direct and user-friendly approach, students can more quickly play the kind of music they like because they understand
music and are able to see how it is constructed.
Components of Study
Students study the elements of: strength building, relaxation techniques, note reading and writing,
improvisation, composition, arranging, chord chart playing, classical and jazz music theory, ear training,
dynamics and expression, sight reading skills, reading/writing/executing rhythm, repertoire building,
stage presence, costuming, stage makeup, overcoming stage fright, conducting, and accompanying
practices.
Self Accompaniment
Pupils who study both voice and piano (or voice and harp) with Professor Holvick learn the valuable
skill of accompanying themselves while singing.
Voice and Singing Lessons for All Ages and Levels
Singing as Visual Art
With a background in dance and extensive experience performing on national television in front of
audiences of thousands, Professor Christine Holvick understands the visual aspect of singing and the
concept of entertaining. Singing is not just about the voice; it's about facial expression and acting.
Successful singers are not always judged by the traditional standards of a "great" voice, but by their
ability to convey emotion and story through their entire body, even when accompanying themselves
with instruments like piano, guitar, or harp.
Bel Canto Technique
Professor Holvick brings out the pure true unencumbered voice within every student and then
empowers that voice. Although she emphasizes a foundational technique, sometimes students choose
to stylize the voice to fit a certain genre of music.
Range of Learning
6 years old to seniors.
All Levels
Professor Holvick firmly believes that anyone can learn to sing well. She takes particular delight in
helping students discover their hidden singing talents, even those who initially consider themselves
"non-singers."
Audition Preparation
Professor Holvick specializes in coaching students to win musical theater auditions and to prepare for
competitions such as American Idol. Acting is always incorporated into polishing the singing
performance whether for musical theater or traditional classical works.
User-Friendly Vocal Method
Tired of confusing and conflicting instructions from singing teachers? Professor Holvick has honed a
unique method of teaching singing that is simple and results in rapid improvement.
Components of Voice Study
Voice lessons cover a range of elements, including posture, vocal support, breathing techniques, tone
clarity, vocal range expansion, the blending of vocal ranges, volume control, pitch accuracy, diction
(including Queens English, Cockney, and Irish accents), facial expression, relaxation techniques,
microphone usage, gestures, dance elements, stage presence, costuming, stage makeup, and
overcoming stage fright.
Convenient Practice
Lessons are recorded for students to practice at home or sing along while driving. Students' songs are accompanied by live piano, harp, or professionally recorded CDs.
Vocal Repertoire
While classical repertoire is available, most students gravitate toward popular music or musical theater. Classical pieces are also used as "études" for vocal warm-ups. Students can choose songs in languages such as French, Spanish, Latin, and Italian to enhance their vocal repertoire.
Harp Lessons for All Ages and Levels
Approaching the Harp
Unique Comparison
Professor Holvick often likens studying piano to studying jazz dance, while studying the harp is more akin to studying ballet. Playing the harp, like ballet, requires precise posture and positioning of the arms, wrists, hands, and fingers to produce a rich tone without fatigue or strain.
Professional Instruction
As a seasoned virtuoso harpist, Professor Holvick guides her students to play even the simplest beginner pieces with a professional approach. She encourages them to envision a future filled with endless musical possibilities and provides instant gratification by helping them play well from their very first lesson.
Holvick Method for Harp Study
Professor Holvick's method for teaching harp is the result of decades of development, offering a superior, unique, and efficient approach to musical education. This method enables students to quickly play the music they love by helping them understand its construction and theory.
Components of Harp Study
Professor Holvick's method incorporates various elements of music and harp study, including posture, tuning, string replacement, technical skills, note reading, improvisation, composing, arranging, chord chart playing, music theory, rhythm, glissando, arpeggio techniques, dynamics, expression, speed sight-reading, repertoire building, conducting, orchestral practices, amplification, stage presence, costuming, makeup, and overcoming stage fright.
Who are Eligible
3 years old - 103 years old
Similar to piano lessons, harp lessons are open to students of all ages, with the Suzuki Method being a gentle introduction for young children.
Available Rentals
For students without access to a harp, several harps are available for rent.
Encouraging Practice
Professor Holvick coaches her students on positive practicing techniques to make their practice sessions enjoyable and rewarding. Many students find it helpful to record their lessons for convenient home practice.
Diverse Music Selection
Students are encouraged to compose their own music, and piano sheet music is interchangeable with harp music. Professor Holvick's extensive library includes traditional harp music from the Medieval Period to contemporary pieces. Celtic music is particularly popular among harp students, and Professor Holvick's expertise in jazz allows students to explore this genre as well. Students interested in voice and harp accompaniment also benefit from her guidance.
Hand Position Technique
Professor Holvick teaches a modified Salzedo Technique to students without a specific hand position technique. For those already using French, German, or other techniques, she corrects their alignment while considering their existing techniques and the natural shape of their hands, drawing from her training in both French and Salzedo Techniques.
Diction for Speaking
Specializing in diction and enunciation instruction, Professor Holvick trains actors, speakers, and media announcers to improve their resonance, clarity, and projection greatly. The outcome is a rich and velvety, natural-sounding speech that is easily understood.
All Ages, All Levels Welcome
Whether you're a beginner just starting out or an experienced speaker looking to refine your skills, our program is designed to accommodate and support students of all ages and proficiency levels. Everyone can achieve clear, confident, and effective speech with the right guidance and practice.
Comprehensive Study Material
Our curriculum covers a wide range of elements essential for effective speaking. This includes posture alignment, the anatomical support structures of the vocal instrument, and spacious breathing techniques. You will learn to produce a clear, unimpeded tone and control your vocal range. Dynamic phrasing and broadened volume will be emphasized to ensure your speech is audience-grateful and immaculate in diction. You will also explore various accents such as Queen's English, Cockney, and Irish.
Achieving Professional Stage Presence
Additionally, facial expressions, microphone techniques, and room acoustic assessments are integral parts of the training. You will gain proficiency in using props, podium practices, and making effective arm and hand gestures. Stage presence is developed through costuming, stage makeup, and techniques for mastering stage fright.
Practicing Diction
Lessons are recorded for your convenience, allowing you to practice at home or while driving. Tailored exercises and recitations of phrases, words, and sentences are designed to meet your specific needs and goals, ensuring noticeable improvement in your speech.
Suzuki Method
Origin and Purpose
The Suzuki Method, developed in Japan, aims to teach music to children between 2 and 5 years old, leveraging their brain's language acquisition capabilities. Children start lessons as soon as they can balance and embrace a small harp or articulate their fingers on a keyboard, typically around the age of three or four. In this method, the child and parent attend lessons together and both are actively involved in daily practice.
Learning by Ear
Young children learn to play piano or harp by ear, using touch, sight, singing, and hearing, rather than reading notes on a page. This approach mirrors how children learn to speak long before they learn to read.
Professor Holvick's Approach
Professor Holvick's expanded Suzuki Method builds upon the traditional Japanese method she was trained in. One key difference is that she encourages children to choose their favorite songs to learn, rather than limiting them to the standard Suzuki repertoire. Additionally, she incorporates improvisation and composition into her method, skills that are highly valued in American jazz-influenced culture. This approach allows children to develop their creativity and musical expression from a young age.
Encouraging Creativity
Professor Holvick believes that, just as young children draw their own pictures, they should also be encouraged to create their own music. By nurturing their creativity early on, children are less likely to be afraid to play a note of music unless it's written down for them. Professor Holvick's own children were raised with the Holvick/Suzuki Method from ages 2 or 3, and both have grown to be professional musicians.
Parental Reading
Parental Involvement
Professor Holvick's approach to the Suzuki Method emphasizes active parental involvement. Developed in Japan, the method targets children aged 2 to 5, capitalizing on their brain's language acquisition capabilities. Lessons begin once children, usually around three or four years old, can handle instruments. Both child and parent participate in lessons and daily practice sessions.
Sensory-Based Musical Learning
Young learners develop their musical skills by ear, employing touch, sight, singing, and hearing rather than reading music. This mirrors how children learn spoken language before written language.
The Expanded Suzuki Method
Professor Holvick's expanded Suzuki Method builds upon the traditional Japanese method by allowing children to choose their favorite songs to learn rather than limiting them to a standard repertoire. She also incorporates improvisation and composition, skills highly valued in American culture, into her method.
Developing Confidence
Professor Holvick's expanded Suzuki Method encourages children to choose their favorite songs for learning, fostering a sense of ownership and confidence in their musical abilities. This approach, coupled with early exposure to music, has a lasting impact on a child's musical development.
Impact of Early Education
Professor Holvick's own children were raised using the Holvick/Suzuki Method from ages 2 or 3 and have both become professional musicians. This early exposure to music and encouragement of creativity has had a lasting impact on their musical development.
Recommended Reading
For those interested in further exploring music education and performance, Professor Holvick recommends the following books: