Hello! I am Lauren Darrell and I created Selah Studio.
I starting teaching music as a passionate 15-year old, while preparing for my university music auditions. I took my job as teacher very seriously...I even designed a little studio contract and started writing my own method book! Teaching gave me an incredibly creative outlet and great satisfaction, but my focus was on performing, so I had to put my teaching on hold.
Fast forward several years later. I had graduated from James Madison University with a Piano Performance and Vocal Coaching degree and completed a year-long apprenticeship in Musical Direction and Conducting from the Pacific Conservatory of Performing Arts in Santa Maria, CA. I traveled across the country from theater to theater, directing music, conducting and performing as a pianist. I enjoyed teaching summer youth camps and coaching musical theater actors but I moved too frequently to keep long-term students.
Eventually, circumstances brought me to Richmond, Virginia, and here I've stayed! One of the first things I did after moving to the city (besides finding the best waffle shop) was open my dream studio, one that combines imaginative fun, healthy technique, fearless exploration and fresh teaching innovations.
I still love performing and I still love to travel. Only now I do it for pure pleasure! I am a member of the Richmond Music Teacher's Association, which opens up many performance and competitive opportunities for my students. I also enjoy playing for several of the local school choirs, especially the ones my students are in. I go to as many live music or theater events as I can and I'm trying to learn the Celtic lap harp!
Want to know more?
- Find out more about lessons here.
- Or you can check out my blog, where I post fun stuff my studio is doing.
- If you decide, "Yes! This is the perfect place for me!" then sign up here for a free consultation.