Singing is one of the most complex human activities, requiring physical control, mental focus, and artistic inspiration. To teach singing, one must have a thorough understanding, based on experience, and an ample supply of empathy.
Good voice technique forms the foundation; even the most naturally talented singers need to have a basic understanding of how the voice works. Two teachers have highly influenced my vocal technique: David Blair McClosky and Virginia Zeani. The methods of these two teachers give me the tools to work with voice students at all levels of development, from the beginner to the finished and polished singer.
Like F.M. Alexander, McClosky was motivated by a personal crisis and was interested in understanding the underlying causes of vocal problems and how the body should function optimally. McClosky eschewed all imagery and founded an approach based on physiology, using physical exercises to release tensions in the face and throat and appoggio breathing. He found that the techniques he developed helped every voice (even if uninjured) to function more efficiently and easily. Through his clear explanation of phonation (the production of sound), I was able to practice more effectively and solve my own problems in the practice room.
Ms. Zeani has an unfailing ear and a wonderful sensibility to sound, tone, and phrasing. She is a proponent of the Italian school and teaches a chiaroscuro (bright-dark) sound. I am grateful to her for adding the finish and polish to my own sound; I use many of her cues in my own teaching.
As to repertoire, I am comfortable teaching all the classical repertoire, including opera, oratorio, and art-song, and most of the Broadway repertoire. As to foreign languages, I am fluent in German and competent in French, Italian, Latin, and Spanish.
Bonnie’s high school students have been accepted as music majors at:
Boston Conservatory
Boston University
Catholic University
The Hartt School
Manhattan School of Music
Mannes School of Music
University of Michigan
Westminster Choir College
Bonnie’s college level students have gone on to graduate programs in voice at:
Arizona State University
Binghamton University
Hartt School (University of Hartford)
Indiana University
Manhattan School of Music
New England Conservatory
Southern Methodist University
University of Illinois
Bonnie’s students have performed with:
AIMS in Graz
Arizona Opera
Atlanta Opera Chorus
Atlanta Symphony Chorus
Boston Lyric Opera
Brevard Music Center
Capitol City Opera
Indianapolis Opera
IAPI in Germany
Opera Carolina
Opera Illinois
Opera Theater of St. Louis
Providence Singers
San Diego Opera
Tri-Cities Opera
Univ. of Miami-Salzburg
