Voice Instruction
Typically voice lessons are scheduled for one hour, once a week. During a vocal lesson, students of all ages focus on building a healthy vocal technique through various exercises, then apply this to music. Many students are coached in preparation for auditions and performances in all genres of music.
In April, one of my students sang a lead role in "Mary Poppins" in Marin County. Last Spring one of my students performed the lead in "Oliver!" with Stapleton School of the Performing Arts in San Anselmo, Ca. In previous years a number of my other students performed leading roles in various musicals in Marin County, including "Annie". A number of my other students perform in various bands in the Bay Area.
Students are encouraged to begin studying piano simultaneously with voice. Many students split an hour lesson between piano and voice.
• Member of National Association of Teachers of Singing
Piano Lessons
Piano lessons ranging from 30-45 minutes are offered in my San Rafael home. Students will learn theory, how to read music, technique, ear training, sight reading and improvisation.
I teach a Performance Class once a month as part of the piano curriculum. Not only is this class a great incentive for practicing, but by performing for their peers on a regular basis, students can rid themselves of a great deal of stage fright. Performing in front of a group that becomes a group of friends is a challenge, but a friendly challenge.
I love to teach and I am good at it. I also love working with kids. I have three of my own, the youngest is now 16 years.
Testimonials
“Julia has been teaching piano to our eleven-year-old daughter for more than two years now.
She is a great piano teacher who has really brought out some good playing and practice habits in
our daughter. Her house is located in the Santa Venitia area. The grand piano is in a very nice
spot with nice light and a garden view out to her back yard. Our girl loves playing there!”
-Stephen W.
“Two of my kids (currently 12 and 13) have been taking lessons with Julia for seven years now.
They love piano! They always look forward to their lessons with her. Julia takes teaching very
seriously. She stresses music theory and learning to read music, which are invaluable foundational
skills. She treats my kids with great respect and is very patient with them. She always approaches
each lessons enthusiastically and inspires my kids to continue their piano studies. We highly
recommend Julia!”
-Chloe C.
“Julia is an exceptional teacher and gifted in her ability to explain the execution of what you are
trying to achieve, whether that is in correct breathing, hitting notes on a scale, or bringing a
song to life. She is a delight and I will miss my lessons with her after I move from the Bay Area.
I feel confident though that I can take with me a solid foundation as I go forward with my singing.”
-Rita W.
“We would like to recommend our daughter's piano teacher, Julia Padilla, to others looking for lessons this summer. Our daughter likes how she teaches. Julia is very experienced in teaching piano and voice. She has a lovely way of teaching children the technique and artistry of playing piano.”
-Molly Bass
“Julia has been giving lessons to my two boys ages 9 and 11 for about five years. She is located in Santa Venetia. They have greatly expanded their musical abilities and are now reading music and learning much more complicated pieces. If you are looking for a great piano teacher with tons of experience, Julia would be a great fit.”
-Mark C. from Montecito
“Julia has taught both voice and piano to my son with fantastic results! She is teaches with kindness and really has them enjoying the musical process. Julia herself is extremely talented and her superior knowledge and friendly demeanor make her an excellent choice for a teacher for all ages!”
-Katharine E.
“Our daughter has been taking piano with Julia for the past two years and has definitely excelled. Julia helps keep up her confidence, but also pushes her to do her best. It's been a great combination. Another wonderful aspect to her approach is that she includes lessons on music theory. We definitely recommend her!”
-Steven K.
“As a retired adult, I thought I would try something new and take voice lessons. I was referred to Julia Padilla who is both a piano and voice instructor. Julia is a talented instructor with many years of experience teaching both kids and adults. She works with both novices and advanced students. If you are looking for something new and challenging for yourself or your child, give Julia a call!!!”
-SB