Piano with Dana B.

Dana is originally from Buffalo, New York. She graduated from The Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam with a B.M. and M.M. in Vocal Music Education. During her undergraduate years, Dana, spent her summers at The Eastman School of Music, Rochester, New York, studying Opera. Dana has performed in vocal master classes under the coaching of Oren Brown from The Julliard School and Broadway artist Stephanie Blythe. Dana has also performed at the Opening Ceremony of the Goodwill Games in Lake Placid with Bruce Hornsby and Edwin McCain. Recent performances include singing with the Arizona State University Choral Union in Phoenix Symphony Hall and as a guest performer in a 1980s show on Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas. Dana started her teaching career in upstate New York, directing the Senior High School Band at St. Regis Falls Central School. While teaching in upstate New York, Dana was an active member of MENC, FCMEA, and NYSSMA. Dana has held several leadership positions while teaching in New York, including General Chairperson of All-County Music Festivals, Concert Band Chairperson for Area-All State Music Festivals and served on the Diversity Committee with NYSSMA. Dana prepared 20 to 30 students each year to compete in NYSSMA Solo Music Festivals at the county and state level. Dana also taught private voice lessons and prepared students for University auditions. Highlights with TakeLessons include coaching a contestant in the Miss America Pageant in singing and preparing children in the greater Phoenix area for local musical theater shows. Dana's most recent teaching experience is directing public school choirs and instructing general music classes in the city of Phoenix. *** Lesson Details *** As a teacher and student, I believe it is important to be focused, motivated, disciplined, patient and to have fun! I encourage students to set goals and practice to reach those goals. Practice is essential to success at any level, whether beginner, intermediate or advanced performer. For the lesson curriculum: For Beginners, we will use a lesson book and technique with the goal of having the student learn how to read basic rhythms, melodies, and to begin to understand the fundamentals of music theory within 3 to 6 months. For intermediate and advanced level students, we will use a lesson book, technique book, solo book and duet/small ensemble book depending on student goals and interests. Curriculum for students working toward specific performances or auditions will be adjusted accordingly. *** Studio Equipment *** Individual practice rooms with upright or baby grand pianos; all instruments available (mouth-piece instruments - students need their own, cannot use the instructor) *** Travel Equipment *** I will provide my own instrument. I expect the student to provide their instrument and lesson materials. *** Specialties *** voice (opera or popular), piano, bass guitar, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, drums