
Lesson Details
Singing
- Levels Taught:
- Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Dena teaches

About
- Teaches students:
- Ages 6+ and special needs
- Teaching since:
- April 2009
Dena is a professional vocalist, teacher and music therapist. With more than 30 years experience as a singer in a variety of styles including jazz, opera, musical theatre and classic rock, Dena brings a wealth of performance experience to her teaching. Her more than 20 years as a music therapist brings a flexible, patient, joyful style to her teaching; helping students express themselves through their music and leaving them looking forward to what comes next. Dena has worked with students of all ages and levels of training; she has also developed teaching techniques that have proven effective for students with a variety of disabilities such as Asperger's Syndrome, Down Syndrome and speech delay. Dena will shortly be releasing her first CD of children's songs; energetic and fun original songs that teach and entertain.
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Music, State University of New York at Potsdam
Master of Music Therapy, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
Training
Dena began playing piano at the age of four, she participated regularly in piano guild competitions and performances. She began voice lessons at the age of 13, she has traveled with performance choirs to Germany, Austria and Poland. She was a regular participant in All State Choirs and was chosen to perform for the American Choral Director's Association Choir while in college.
As a performer, Dena has appeared professionally with the Opera Theatre of Rochester and the Gilbert and Sullivan Players. She has performed at jazz clubs and as the lead singer of the classic rock band "No Mules," a popular local group featured at numerous fundraisers, First Night festivals and civic club events. She has played roles in numerous local theatre productions such as "Sweeney Todd," "Kiss Me Kate," "Company," and "Cinderella." She looks forward to opening up performance possibilities to her students and building their skills for a lifetime of musical memories.
As a teacher, Dena has taught for over 25 years; her students have included local DJ's, college students, 'Tweens,' young and 'not so young' adults as well as children and adults with learning differences.
*** Lesson Details ***
Dena approaches lessons with a sense of humor and fun; her ability to be flexible allows her to shape the curriculum according to the student. She uses several of the well respected piano curricula (Bastien, Alfred, etc.), tailoring lessons to students specific skills and challenges. Students should expect to play their instrument from the first lesson, building their reading skills, eye hand coordination, playing or singing skills and understanding of music theory gradually and confidently.
Subjects:
Piano- Lessons tailored to individual students, can include music reading, skill building and improvisation. Lessons are drawn from a variety of teaching sources including standard piano method books, music of interest to individual students and adapted music (e.g. simplified).
Voice- Lessons are tailored to individual students, can include introductory vocal technic, coaching for experienced students, vocal improvisation and singing for stage. Music is drawn from teacher recommendations and student preference.
Studio:
Suburban Philadelphia (Northeast, Montgomery and Bucks County)
*** Studio Equipment ***
Keyboard with weighted keys
*** Specialties ***
Musical theatre, Adaptive music lessons (for learning differences).
Experience
Licensed Lead Clinician
Aug 2014 - PresentProvide traditional therapy for children and teens on the autism spectrum and adults and children with a variety of mental health issues in an outpatient clinic as well as music therapy for adults with a dual diagnosis of intellectual disability and mental health issues in a residential setting.
+ Read MoreBehavioral Health Supervisor/Music Therapist
Sep 1993 - Jul 2014Provided music therapy services to adults and children with a variety of disabilities, conducted assessment for incoming clients, supervised behavioral health program.
Music therapist/Music teacher
Sep 2008 - Jun 2010Provided music therapy and music lessons for children and adults.
Music Therapist
Sep 1998 - May 2010Delivery of music therapy treatment to adults and children with intellectual, physical, and developmental disabilities.
Education
Master of Music Therapy
Sep 1986 - May 1993Bachelor of Music
Sep 1982 - May 1985Languages
English
Certifications
Licensed Professional Counselor
Feb 2003State licensure to practice as a professional counselor
Music Therapist-Board Certified
Oct 1996Awarded on successful completion of national exam
Awards
Certificate of Merit in Music Therapy Research
May 1993Affiliations
Certification Board for Music Therapists
Jan 1996The mission of the Certification Board for Music Therapists is to ensure a standard of excellence in the development, implementation, and promotion of an accredited certification program for safe and competent music therapy practice
Photos & Videos
19 Reviews
Write a ReviewDena was beyond fantastic! She listened to the needs that I had. Dena provided knowledgeable, professional, expert advice that I was able to employ immediately. It was money well spent and can't wait for my next session. If you are looking for voice lessons, she will help you on your path to improvement.
+ Read MoreBecause of a throat and larynx condition, I sought help with my voice. Dena was very thorough in explaining the vocal cords and breathing. This was my first experience with a professional voice instructor and I was very pleased with her input. I received instructions on techniques in breathing which I hope will help my voice. I am looking forward to my next lesson. Thank you.
+ Read MoreDena is very good with my son. She uses different methods to make the learning simple and easy for him. Nice person to interact with as well!
Dena was great! My daughter is pretty bashful but she warmed up quickly and can't wait for her second piano lesson.
Dena was very kind, patient, professional and knowledgable. We look forward to more lessons with her.
I am glad that we found Dena as my daughter's voice teacher. I like the way that she teaches. The detail techniques she taught are very help my daughter.
Dena is a wonderful teacher. My daughter who is now eight has been taking piano lessons for over a year. In that time my daughter can not only read and play, but now has a real appreciation for instrumental music. Dena is a very patient and thorough in communicating both theory and technic to children.
It is not difficult to see that her education and professional experience enable her to effectively teach music to young minds. She is an exceptional teacher!!
Dena is an excellent piano teacher, very patient & flexible. My daughter has improved a lot since we started taking lessons from her.
So happy we found Dena!
My 9 yr old daughter loves her singing lessons with Dena! She loves to sing so much, I thought it would be a good idea to have her get lessons. She was nervous at first, but she really enjoys the lessons, and she's definitely improved under Dena's direction. Dena is warm and friendly, and yet professional at the same time. We're very pleased, and I would recommend her to anyone!
Has tons of patience
Dena has lots of patience and has helped my son overcome a lot of obstacles. She is very good with children of younger ages and understands age related challenges.
Teacher Appreciation Day
Zoey loves taking voice lessons with Miss Dena. She looks forward to her classes with excitement. Zoey is learning the importance of the mechanics of singing and how practicing helps her grow as a singer. Miss Dena's teaching technique is always positive. As her mother, I am truly pleased with our choice of Miss Dena as her voice teacher!
Great Lessons
Great teacher. Tailors lessons well. Lots of patience. Prompt feedbacks and works very well with kids.
I have watched my daughter make huge strides with Dena. My daughter loves working with her. She is a tremendous vocal instructor.
Rachel is enjoying her weekly lessons. She looks forward to leesons with Dena.Thank You.
wonderful!
I can't say enough good things about Dena! My daughter Lily has learned so much from her! She is very intelligent soft spoken and sweet. I also like the fact she is always a professional! I would truly recommend her to anyone!
Very Helpful
Dena always has a tip or a suggestion to help improve my practice techniques and get past the hurdles faced when learning new material.
Dena is a great teacher, she helped me break bad singing habits I had been doing for years and never knew it. She used some of my favorite songs for practice tools and examples to keep the lessons fun.
Mr.
Dena is a very good and talented instructor. I have learned a great deal from her.
I did not know what to expect.Dena is very nice and has been helpful.I am learning proper breathing tecniques.I am learning many things which have helped me.I would recommend her to anyone.