Lessons and Classes

Voice Training with Emily Byrne

The Prizery welcomes its newest teacher Emily Byrne to its arts faculty. Emily is an "impressive vocalist" with a diverse range of performance credits. Recently, Ms. Byrne has been seen as Teresa in La Sonnambula with Delaware Valley Opera Company (PA), and as The Mother in Long Leaf Opera's production of "Amahl and the Night Visitors" (NC) where she was hailed as "...the show's unifying force in the vocal department." She has also performed leading roles with the College Light Opera Company (MA) in The Pirates of Penzance,The Mikado, My Fair Lady, Annie Get Your Gun and A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Forum.

In addition to her performance credits, Ms. Byrne is an active private voice teacher comfortable instructing students of all backgrounds and abilities in a variety of musical genres. She is passionate about helping students find their own unique voice through a personalized understanding of vocal technique. Her students have won talent contests and have received principle roles in musical theater both at the high school and professional levels. Ms. Byrne is especially interested in expanding her students' love and understanding of music beyond their private music lessons to the wide world of musical possibilities beyond.

Emily's teaching schedule at The Prizery is Wednesday afternoons and evenings throughout the year. Fees range from $30 - $50 depending on length of the lesson. Please contact Emily at emilykathleenbyrne@gmail.com for further questions about classes and schedules.

Banjo, fiddle and guitar lessons with Mark Weems

Mark Weems returns to The Prizery as a teacher of traditional music instruments. Mark and his wife Julee have performed at The Prizery many times and have been featured guests on North Carolina Public Radio's Back Porch Music and Fiona Ritchies' The Thistle & Shamrock. Mark and Julee also perform around the country with Little Windows, a mix of Appalachian and Irish music, and traditionally-based originals, with a special focus placed on unaccompanied ballads. They also explore the spiritual nature of song and harmonic sound. Julee will be teaching banjo, fiddle and guitar to students of all ages. Mark will be teaching banjo, fiddle, ukulele, dulcimer and guitar. Mark's lessons are conducted on Mondays during the afternoon and evening.  Contact Mark at markweems@frontier.com.

Violin Lessons with Casey Mink

Casey Mink is the new violin teacher at The Prizery. Suzuki Violin Lessons are available at the Prizery and are provided through the Virginia Tech Fine Arts Initiative. Beginners start with 30 minute private lessons. The 17 week fall semester starts in early September. All ages and levels of ability accepted and rental violins are available through the program. Lessons are held during the afternoon and evening on Tuesday throughout the year. Please contact Casey Mink: caseyjamesmink@gmail.com