Susan is a Boston-based soprano and educator who strives to empower others through her diverse range of singing and teaching. She studied Vocal Performance at Ithaca College and completed her Master’s of Music in Voice Performance at the Longy School of Music of Bard College. As a teacher, Susan is passionate about combining science and somatic learning to create a safe, supportive, challenging, and kindly critical environment for singers to experiment with their voices and uncover unknown potential. She is passionate about helping students reframe self-judgmental thoughts into positive, constructive patterns that facilitate lifelong learning. Susan has been with the MCA community since 2016.
What is your earliest memory of the arts?
My earliest memories of the arts come from visiting my grandmother. As a child, I was always drawn to her piano, whether on any weekly visit to see her or at her Christmas Eve parties. At these parties, relatives gathered in the living room and sang carols while my mom or aunt played the piano, and I sat with them on the piano bench. On other visits, I can remember opening a fairytale songbook and pretending to play the tunes, even though I was very young and could neither read music nor play the piano!
Do you have a favorite memory or story about MCA?
I love watching my students perform on stage in the WCT musicals because it offers me such a different perspective. I get so excited when I see them on stage, performing from the heart! I often review music with them during voice lessons or hear stories about the rehearsal process, so I feel incredibly invested in their journey by the time opening night comes around.
How have you stayed connected to the arts this past year?
All my teaching has transitioned online, so I’m very grateful to still have some connection with my students. I’ve also been able to offer some online workshops to various arts groups. In addition to teaching, I’ve been playing my piano regularly and was making lots of crafts over the holiday season!
For performing artists: Do you have a favorite musical or play?
It’s too hard to pick only one! Les Misérables holds a special place in my heart, and I think that The Scarlet Pimpernel is underrated and hilarious. I’d also never tire of seeing Billy Elliot, Thoroughly Modern Millie, South Pacific, and She Loves Me. And of course Hamilton and Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 are brilliant!
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