The lines between teaching and being an artist are happily blurred for me. I lead workshops that help teachers create original musical theater and opera with their students. I have taught workshops using the Music! Words! Opera! curriculum at opera companies throughout the country Opera Theater of St. Louis, Atlanta Opera Company, Fargo-Moorhead Opera, and The Boston Lyric Opera. Additionally, I have taught teacher workshops and led professional development courses for the New York City Department of Education, St. Louis School District, the International Schools Theater Association, Long Island University, and Central Connecticut State University's Summer Music Institute. I led workshops in musical adaptation for International Schools Theater Association's IB theater program. Creating original musicals and operas provides opportunity for cross curricular work among teachers, demonstrates the relationship between music and other disciplines, encourages collaboration among professionals and students, and can create new entry points for learning about theater and music.
I have taught in many places and spaces and believe that all children have the potential to be creative and musical. My classrooms provide a safe and supportive atmosphere where they can explore and develop their musicianship.
Currently, I am teaching music at Kent Place School. Before that, I created music programs at at Avenues: The World School in New York, Essex Street Academy High School and at the Harlem Day Charter School. For 8 years, I taught music and drama at Brooklyn Friends School where I was co-chair of the Performing Arts department.
While on the staff of the Encore Summer Theater Program in France, I collaborated with other teaching artists to create a curriculum where high school students created original musical theater materials alongside professionals. Additional teaching experiences include vocal coaching at the Hotchkiss Summer Vocal Institute, serving as an artist-in-residence at the Berkshire Ensemble for Theater Arts and Duke University and directing the youth music program at the First Unitarian Church of Brooklyn. In 1994, I helped create the Urban Youth Theater at the Henry Street Settlement where I received a Meet the Composer grant to compose and music direct Billy the Kid.
