What We Offer
Lessons: Voice, Piano, Composition.
SOTW Gallery™ (Coming Soon)
Commissioned works.
Customer Reviews
“Having lessons with Wally Taylor was great. He is a phenomenal teacher both musically and vocally. He helped me become better as a pianist (and singer). I’ve had quite a few music teachers and Wally is by far the best I’ve had. Would highly recommend him as a music teacher from kids just starting out to the higher advanced musicians.”
– Stephen J
“Taking lessons with Wally Taylor helped me gain confidence in my voice and in my self. I couldn’t even sing “Happy Birthday,” in front of someone, and now I’m auditioning for local musicals and shows. I completely and totally recommend him as a vocal teacher.”
– Brittany W
“After I decided that I wanted to continue my musical education beyond what my current teacher could provide, I found Wally. I quickly discovered that his style of teaching would suit me perfectly.
Throughout an extended period of time studying with Wally, I learned many valuable lessons. Although I had some bad habits in my performance, Wally was able to approach and fix these issues in a non-abrasive way, and always made sure that the lessons were based off of what I wanted to accomplish, rather than telling me what we’d be doing today.
Wally was able to vastly improve my practice and performance habits in both piano and voice, and always made sure to make critiques in a gentle manner.
I wish I had found him sooner, as there were countless improvements in my musical journey under his guidance.”
-Andrew W
“Working with Wally on my voice changed my life. Not only was he good at pinpointing where I was missing a note and what was causing it, he cares about you as a person. Yes, I’m a better singer and more confident now after having worked with Wally—I’m also a better husband and father. Wally is a true music professional.”
-Jordan T
About the Studio
Sounds Off the Wall Studios™ began in 2003 in Gilbert AZ.
I’m Wally Taylor, the owner/proprietor. I’ve been teaching in various roles for over 40 years and I’m not cranky.
Background:
Teacher – high school vocal and instrumental music and musical theater.
Graduate assistant/graduate associate at Arizona State University, teaching theory, sight-singing, ear training and analysis
Music director – public school and community musical theater
Coach/accompanist for two start-up opera companies.
Education:
Bachelor of Music in Secondary Education (Brigham Young University, 1981)
Master of Music in Theory/Composition (Arizona State University, 1989)
Studies:
Piano with James Ruccolo, Margaret Van Orman, Marlene Bachelder.
Voice with Ray Arbizu, Marcus Arbizu.
Composition with David Sargent, Chinary Ung, Randall Shinn.
I love 6 adult children and 10 grandchildren. Along with musical activities, I also like to play in the dirt (gardening), read, and research my family history.
Voice Lessons
You’ll learn…
Enjoy singing more than you already do
Explore Styles: classical, folk, musical theater, pop, and more
Increase your confidence, power of expression, and connect with your audience
Technique: breath management, increase your range, pitch and rhythmic accuracy and tone quality
Improve your ability to sight read
Piano Lessons
What you’ll learn…
Enjoy playing more than you already do
Explore styles: classical, folk, pop, and more
Increase your confidence, power of expression, and connection with your audience
Improve technique.
Improve your ability to sightread
Studio Policies
Rates:
$50 per 55 minute lesson
$40 per 40 minute lesson
Tuition for the month is due on the week of the 15th.
Attendance
- Regular weekly attendance is important to build and keep momentum in your musical progress.
- The time scheduled for your lesson is reserved for your benefit. If you cannot attend, I will use that time to prepare materials for your use.
- Missed lessons are not refundable. Of course, I do not charge for lessons missed due to circumstances on my end.
- Starting and ending times are also observed. With a late arrival the lesson will still end at the scheduled time, unless prior arrangements have been made.
Lesson Recordings
- With your permission, I normally record your lessons and make the recordings available for review. This is valuable for reinforcing the learning from the lesson.
- Recordings are uploaded to a password protected area assigned to you on my studio web site. I make no promises about the quality of the recordings, nor the duration of their availability. I also respect copyright, so some music may not be recorded.