Music Lessons Directory

Name: Dr. James Longmire
Email: jlongmire3@nc.rr.com
Website: http://www.raleighvoicelessons.com
Location: Raleigh, NC

Areas of Study Offered: Voice, singing lessons

Musical Education/Teaching Experience: Dr. James Longmire is a very accomplished vocal instructor. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in music education from St Augustine’s college at Raleigh, North Carolina in 1978. He completed his Master of Music in Vocal pedagogy at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro, NC in 1983. And in 1998 he received his Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of South Carolina.

Dr Longmire has taught many Master classes and workshops in Raleigh High Schools. Dr Longmire has taught at Southeast Raleigh HS, Leeville, Rocky Mount, Goldsboro and Enloe Magnet HS. Some of the courses he has taught are Voice, All levels, Music history, Vocal pedagogy, Ear training and music appreciation.

Dr. Longmire received the Extraordinary Achievement in the Arts award in 1990, YMCA Outstanding Achievement Award, Performing and visual Arts Award.

Areas of Specialty include Vocal training for both male and female singers, Lieder, arts songs, operatic arias, oratorios and spirituals in German, Italian, French and English.

Professional Memberships include the College Music Society, (NATS) National Association for Teachers of Singing and Music Educators of North Carolina

Dr. Longmire continues to perform recitals in the local area. He appeared as guest soloist in Handel’s Messiah, St. Martins-in-the-Fields, Vaughan William’s Five Musical songs, Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass and Bach’s Mass in B Minor.

Teaching Philosophy: Learning to sing is a joy and should be fun. I encourage my students to sing every week whether in a church, coral group or with friends. Take the time to warm up and treat your voice well. No screaming, smoking or belting.

Practicing to sing properly requires dedication to your craft. Practice makes perfect and perfect practice makes a better singer. Find an appropriate rehearsal space in which to practice.Make sure you have good lighting and a full-length mirror. Utilize a CD player, a properly maintained and in-tune keyboard or piano to aide in your singing time. Schedule time to sing just like you would in a sport. Eat right, get plenty of sleep, exercise and avoid alcohol. Ride a bike or run to build up your wind.

Singing in a performance will drain you of all your energy so you must prepare to go the distance. Train like you would as if you will perform the following week. Know your music, study and be ready to show the world your talent.