Personal Statement/Bio:

Melvin Shoemaker Jr. grew up in rural Central Pennsylvania and discovered a love for music at an early age, singing as much as possible and often playing melodies on the piano by ear. He first sang in a choir at the age of five and continued to do so throughout his entire elementary, middle, and high school careers. When he was in 4th grade he was in a musical for the first time at the elementary school he attended and quickly fell in love with theatre. When he was in sixth grade during the last theatrical production of his elementary career, he was asked to fill in for a major role at the last minute (literally the morning of the performance) and his director boldly announced to the entire cast "Melvin not only knows his part, he also knows everyone else's part!" These signs in his earlier years made it clear to himself and those around him that music and theatre were without a doubt his greatest passions.
At the age of 15 Melvin began his classical vocal training, studying with baritone Dan Marasco. During his sophomore year of high school Melvin took his first step in what would lead to a highly successful high school music career, in being selected as a member of both the PMEA District IV Chorus and the PMEA Region III Chorus. The following year he was once again selected as a member of both of these ensembles, in addition to being selected as a member of and attaining a first chair seating in the Pennsylvania All-State Chorus among many of the finest Tenors in the state. This remarkable achievement secured his position in the 2009 MENC All-Eastern Chorus, which he was a member of in the spring of 2009. He continued his success as a member of PMEA's top honor choirs his senior year, in addition to maintaining a very active schedule as a soloist and being accepted to one of the countries finest conservatory voice programs.
Currently Melvin is a student at the Shenandoah Conservatory in Winchester, VA where he is furthering his training in music, theatre, and dance and studies voice with nationally renowned tenor, Michael Forest. Melvin continues to maintain a very active schedule as a performer, performing in theatres and as a soloist throughout the four-state region (Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania). He also maintains an active schedule as a teacher and vocal coach, maintaining a private studio of serious, talented students of all ages.

Education/Training:

-Bachelor of Music Education Degree-Shenandoah Conservatory (In progress)
-Voice: Michael Forest, Daniel Marasco

Teaching Philosophy:

I teach on the idea that learning should be practical and fun for everyone involved! I strive to teach as clearly as possible with the goal of inspiring students to work as hard as possible. I focus on each student's specific goals, and work on what they find fun along with some "mandatory fun" to develop the necessary fundamentals for singing.

Music Programs:

Performer at numerous professional theatres
Member Shenandoah Conservatory Chorus
Past Member of MENC All-Eastern Chorus
Past Member of Pennsylvania All-State Chorus

Cancellation Policy:

24 hour notification of a cancellation is required or a student will owe for the lesson.

Promotions:

Students who pay on a monthly basis receive a FREE lesson when there is a fifth week in the month! I also offer a referral special for current students who refer new students. Additionally, a discount is offered for multiple family members taking lessons.