Herstory
DM began piano lessons at the tender age of 6. After just a few months of lessons, she learned that her teacher, Eileen Shaffer was holding a Spring Recital. Participation for DM was not mandatory, however, never one to be left out, DM insisted on being included in the program. Mrs. Schaffer cleverly put her in as the opener. After successfully playing her piece - consisting of three notes, all played with the right hand - DM happily accepted the audience's generous applause. She then experienced her first reality check as she heard what the older, more seasoned students played next... Luckily, DM has never been easily discouraged and continued her studies in piano privately for 7 more years.
DM continued to use her piano training as she transitioned into choral singing in middle and high school. Her theory and sight reading being particularly helpful as she participated in competitive Jazz singing before going off to college to study Musical Theater. After graduating and moving to NYC, DM found her beloved teacher Richard Armstrong and The Roy Hart Theatre method of voice.
Teaching
DM works privately with adults and children of all ages.
VoiceAfter studying multiple vocal disciplines for most of her life, DM focuses on the abstract approach of the Roy Hart Technique to explore one's voice as an instrument of true expression. Through physical and visual excercises, she won't tell you how to use your voice, she will help you find it and your confidence in using it. |
PianoAs a teacher, DM likes to instill a strong sense of technique that allows her students to then confidently express themselves. Building on the classic style she was taught, she emphasizes theory and musicianship skills to enable her students to communicate musically. |
What Students are Saying..
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DM is an encouraging, warm and transformative teacher. You don't need any musical skill to study voice with her. She works on getting you to open up, let yourself go and find your true voice. Plus it's super fun.
- Ally I began online voice lessons with DM at the beginning of Coronavirus lockdown in March 2020. From the very first lesson, I was able to start shedding some of my inhibitions about singing and focus on developing technique. DM is endlessly encouraging and has a knack for identifying what I most need to work on each week. It has been an unexpected delight to actually hear results after a relatively short time. I've been able to build my confidence and expand my musical toolkit. DM never fails to present lessons that are tailor-made for my needs. I imagine she'd be a great fit for people of all experience levels who wish to further develop their singing abilities. I highly recommend this educator!
- Jim |
As someone who started learning piano a little later in life, I've found DM's one-on-one classes to be really inspiring. You can do it! DM is a very encouraging and patient teacher but she will push you and call you out when she knows you're not putting in the practice time! Trust me, it's obvious. She breaks things down into bite size pieces that you can tackle in your time between lessons. You also learn to actually read music which is really cool. Plus, she's fun to be around.
-Christine |