Dennis W
Instruments: Voice
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Musical Theater, Opera, Showtunes, Spirituals, Swing
Dennis W
Instruments: Voice
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Musical Theater, Opera, Showtunes, Spirituals, Swing
Where I Teach:
In Your Home
Ages Taught: 10-80
ABOUT
Degrees / Training / Special Info:
BM, Southern Methodist University, Vocal Performance Minors in Musical Theater and Songwriting Magna Cum Laude
Awards:
2016 - International Lotte Lenya Competition (Kurt Weill Foundation) 2nd Prize Winner 2016 - Ben K. Howard Award for Excellence in Opera (SMU) 2017 - Carnegie Hall premier of new work by Julian Garguilo (Getting to Carnegie) 2015-present - Professional musical theater performer in regional and traveling theater. 2015 - Appears as Doc on the the full cast recording of The Golden Apple published by PS Classics.
Overview:
I am a versatile singer and instructor who loves working with students of all ages. I have a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from Southern Methodist University in Dallas with minors in Musical Theater and Songwriting. While in Dallas, I performed with various professional Equity musical theater companies including Casa Manana, Lyric Stage and Theater Three. I am also able to perform in the classical realm, as a soloist in performances of Faure's Requiem, Saint-Seans' Christmas Oratorio and as Papageno in Mozart's Die Zauberflote. I was the second prize winner in the 2016 International Lotte Lenya Competition when I was 21, one of the youngest winners in the competitions history. In January of 2017 I will be making my Carnegie Hall debut performing two songs from a new song cycle by pianist and composer Julian Garguilo.
EXPERIENCE
I began teaching in college to various students looking to get into the musical theater scene, and I have been teaching students in musical theater and classical voice for the past 3 years. My students have gone on to book roles in professional companies and excel both onstage and off. I always encourage my student to audition and perform whenever possible, because the best way to learn how to perform is to perform! I have a large background knowledge of musical theater, and I have taught collegiate lessons in repertoire for auditions and performances. I am always able to pinpoint a students perfect song to reflect their vocal style and personality most effectively. I am trained in vocal pedagogy, French, German, Italian and English diction and various acting methods (Miesner, Action verbs, etc).
METHODS USED
I focus on confidence and realism in my teaching. I believe in finding a students "true voice" rather than having them imitate what they hear on recordings. Every student is unique, and every student has a magnificent voice waiting to be unleashed! For beginning voice students I focus on pitch sense, breathing, support and ear training to make sure we have a solid foundation to expand into more advanced techniques. As we progress through lessons I will begin to introduce methods for resonance, articulation, freedom of sound and interpretation. I encourage my students to sing pieces they enjoy and want to sing, but also believe in teaching a wide range of styles, from classical to pop, in order to unlock the full potential of their voice.
LESSON STYLE
I want my students to feel comfortable and confident when they perform. Music should be fun! I believe in positive reenforcement and finding a pace that is comfortable for the student. I listen to what the student is hoping to accomplish in his or her lessons and find the best, healthiest and most enjoyable route to that achievement. Whether you want to sing for your cat or at Carnegie Hall, I can help you feel confident and comfortable doing it. Nothing makes me happier than to see a student shine when they perform!
PHOTOS & VIDEOS
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