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Active - Public

Piano

The voice can be fickle, mysterious, and deeply frustrating. I know this because I struggled to connect to my own voice for a long time.  

However, with the right direction and commitment, our voices can be fulfilling, powerful, and free.  When I feel connected to my voice, I feel exhilarated. 

On paper, my journey as an opera and musical theatre performer seems typical, but my experience has been far from simple.  After beginning studies at the University of Virginia, I quickly realized that my natural abilities would only take me so far.  My desire to fully develop my skills would lead me down a curvy road of training and discovery.  Looking back, I wouldn't have it any other way.

I've travelled far and wide to train and perform - from NYC to Chicago and France to Italy - and now understand that no single source has all the answers.  I've synthesized information from countless mentors to form my own concept of singing, and I believe that each individual must do the same for themself.

My mission is to provide the information, context, and tools necessary for you to freely and authentically use your voice to its fullest potential.  The tools may clear, but the application is deeply complex.

Working alone can only take you so far.

That's where I step in: 

I will provide you the important information to make technique accessible.  
I will guide you through exercises that develop skills and leave space for discovery.
I will support you through every success and every stumble. 
I will inspire you to keep working towards achieving your fullest potential.

The process is demanding but exhilarating.  It is both humbling and empowering.  

If you feel ready to take the next steps in unlocking your voice, please send me a message, and we can work towards creating a custom plan that's right for you.

Are you interested in learning the piano but don't know where to start?  Do you enjoy piano but struggle to read sheet music?  Take the next step in your musical journey by learning how to read notes confidently and easily.  Together, we will learn the basics of reading pitches and rhythmic values, which we will then apply to musical examples.  Don't delay your dreams any longer - join this class for a fun and engaging start to your musical endeavors.

Read Music Confidently for Beginning Pianists

Opera Voice

Musical Theater

Broadway Singing

Singing

Classical Voice

Vocal Training

Beginner

Founded in 1944, National Association of Teachers of Singing, Inc. (NATS) is the largest professional association of teachers of singing in the world with more than 7,000 members worldwide.

First Place, Classical

Highest Distinction

National Semifinalist

First Place, Musical Theatre

Directed several mainstage musicals, including Junie B. Jones and Pirates Past Noon.

Directed the All Stars youth choir (ages 8-12) and the Starshine Singers youth choir (ages 5-7), ranging from 3-12 students per choir.  

Music directed Annie, approximately 40 actors, and Captain Louie, approximately 12 actors.

Music directed several camps, including “Broadway at the Paramount” and “Gleeked Out”

Director & Music Director

Private voice instructor at the Center for Vocal Study in Charlottesville Virginia.  I worked with students from 10-80 years old in diverse musical genres.  I also led monthly group workshops on different vocal and interpretive themes.

Voice Instructor

Six week residency with Teatro Nuovo, a summer opera festival focusing on Bel Canto repertoire.

Apprentice Artist

Private voice and piano instructor at premier boutique music studio in the Washington, D.C. area.  In addition to my roster of excellent private students, I designed and led multi-day workshops on topics including The Singer's Body, The Singer's Breath, musical theatre production, and A Capella performance and practice.

Voice and Piano Instructor

Trained and performed throughout the Berkshires in the bel canto opera tradition, including works by Bellini, Donizetti, Verdi, and Rossini.

Featured Artist

Headliner, soloist, and creator of sold-out solo performances in Creative Cauldron's 2020 Summer Concert Series, 2020 Holiday Cabaret, and 2021 Summer Concert Series.

Solo Artist

Performed the central role of Melchior in Amahl and the Night Visitors with Shakespeare Opera Theatre in the Washington, D.C. region.

Principal Artist

Created and taught curriculums for six weekly early childhood music classes as part of the Washington Conservatory of Music's Tapestry program (in partnership with the Montgomery Housing Project).  Classes began in person and moved online due to COVID-19.

Early Childhood Music Instructor

French

Spanish

English

Italian

German

I studied piano for years throughout my childhood and college years and am so eager to share my knowledge of the instrument.  It is one of the most versatile and valuable musical skills that can applied to many situations.  Please let me know if you have any questions about studying piano!

Wesley is an excellent instructor.  He is patient, guiding and very supportive.  He is fantastic about giving praise and building confidence and provides very helpful feedback when needed.  I feel I am advancing more quickly that I thought I would which I credit to Wesley, his instruction and the encouragement he consistently provides.  You will not find a better piano teacher!

I found him knowledgable, patient, and very understanding

Awesome. Fresh, young, knowledgeableand good at teaching...very impressive.

Wesley was wonderful!  My daughter wanted singing lessons to gain confidence to audition for her school musical.  Wesley taught her so much in just one lesson and she is looking forward to more lessons.

Wesley is enthusiastic and encouraging at every step, and teaches technical skills in a gentle way that my seven year old son really enjoys.

Wesley is enthusiastic, patient, and teaches correct technical skills in an approachable and easy to execute way.

I started taking voice lessons with Wesley to help me with my college auditions, and I couldn't be happier! He really knows what he is talking about! I have become way more confident in my singing, and I am no longer nervous for my auditions next year! Thanks!

My 12 year old son has been taking voice lessons from Wesley for 3 years now, and I have to say that his voice has grown tremendously! From what I have observed, Wesley focuses on age-appropriate technique, and knows what repertoire to assign that is fun, yet challenging. I would recommend him to any potential voice student!

Wesley is a kind and patient teacher!  When I started, I was new to singing, and Wesley has opened up my voice so much.

Read Music Confidently for Beginning Pianists - Piano Class

About Wesley D.

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