Today we’d like to introduce you to Ajda Snyder.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Ajda. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have been active in the Boston area music scene (and with some national touring experience as well) since I moved from Houston to attend Berklee College of Music in 1996. At some point after having proven myself as a strong vocalist, original songwriter, band leader, and overall musician, my peers began suggesting I teach and share my gifts. In 2009, I was taking keyboard lessons in the studio where I teach, and I asked if I could use the space in the evenings to teach voice lessons. They said yes, and I began.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It’s been a fairly smooth road, I’d say. I spent some time in the beginning creating my own unique curriculum, which combines formal, basic fundamentals of singing and making music with my own hard-earned real-world experience. As I continue growing as a singer, songwriter, and musician, in addition to my pursuit of professional development in the area of singing via conferences, webinars, workshops, I increase my base of knowledge and experience. The biggest challenges for me are which aspect of making music on which to focus, since there is always so much more to learn, as well as adapting to each student, whose needs can be so very different. But I love a challenge as it helps me grow, so I embrace these things.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Modern Voice Lessons with Ajda story. Tell us more about the business.
I am an independent voice teacher who specializes in teaching contemporary styles such as rock/pop/jazz/blues/country/r&b, etc. I teach ages 7 and up, but especially enjoy working with adults. I have a solid formal education in music with a degree from Berklee College of Music as well as a “Distinguished Voice Professional” certificate from the New York Singing Teachers Association, which I earned after they awarded me a scholarship. What sets me apart is my real-world experience. I am not just an academic. I have put myself out there as a singer, songwriter, performer, and recording artist, and continue to do so. So I can relate to my students’ aspirations and struggles. I also continue to pursue professional development on a regular basis, in order to provide my students with fresh techniques and new methods. I am known for being a highly knowledgeable teacher who is nurturing, but not coddling. A naturally positive person, I encourage my students, but am also honest with them. And as someone who works with the general public, I am able to relate to many different kinds of people to create an experience that is informative, fun, and creatively satisfying. I am proud of my curriculum and ability to adapt it to fit the needs of the student. I incorporate individualized handouts in addition to live demonstration and verbal instruction to help my students grow holistically as effective communicators.
What were you like growing up?
As a child, I was curious. I still ask a lot of questions, as it helps me learn. I was very into reading books, and would do summer reading challenges at the local library. I went through phases of being outgoing, so much so as to have teachers tell me to stop talking, to being a bit more subdued. As a youth, I was more into intellectual pursuits than running around outside being sporty, though there was some of that with local neighbor kids growing up in Houston. I loved going to the beach in the summers. I started doing music in the 4th grade when I portrayed Judy Garland singing to Clark Gable in a school show. Then in 6th grade, I started playing flute and my formal music education began.
Pricing:
- Lessons are $60 per each one hour of lesson time
Contact Info:
- Address: 162 Boylston St Boston, MA 02116
- Website: https://ajdatheturkishqueen.com/voice-lessons
- Phone: 6173207263
- Email: ajda@ajdatheturkishqueen.com
Image Credit:
Daykamp Creative, Steve Wollkind, Giuliana Funkhouser, Al Conant, Karen Zanes, Helen Flannery
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